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Fire Extinguisher Placement Guide

BY BRIAN O'CONNOR

In the hands of trained personnel, portable fire extinguishers are the first line
of defense against incipient fires, but in order to be useful they need to be
accessible. This blog tackles the topic of portable fire extinguisher
placement, both how portable fire extinguishers should be distributed and
exactly where they are allowed to be placed.

The first step is to choose the correct extinguisher based on the fire risk.
Extinguishers are broken down into the following ratings:

Class A: Ordinary Combustibles

Class B: Flammable Liquids
Class C: Energized Electrical Equipment
Class D: Combustible Metals
Class K: Cooking Media

The distribution of portable fire extinguishers is a balance between having an

extinguisher nearby when you need it but not being overly burdened by the
cost and maintenance of having excessive extinguishers. Let us start off with
what NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers requires.

When NFPA 10 addresses extinguisher placement it uses the term

“maximum travel distance to extinguisher”. This means that at any point
inside the building you should never have to travel more than the maximum
distance to reach an extinguisher. It is important to ensure the distance being
measured is the actual distance a person would need to walk to get the
extinguisher (as shown in Figure 1) and that occupants are not expected to
walk through walls.
The maximum travel distance is often the limiting factor but for certain Class
A extinguishers there is an additional floor area limitation. This maximum
floor area that a single extinguisher can cover is directly related to the
numerical A rating and level of hazard occupancy but reaches a maximum of
11,250 ft2. It is important to know both the maximum travel distance and
floor area per extinguisher since you need to follow the most restrictive of the
two. The following table, along with Table 6.2.1.1 and 6.3.1.1 of NFPA 10, will
help you determine the required travel distance and maximum floor area.
Let’s look at a specific example of a 6-A rated fire extinguisher in an ordinary
hazard occupancy. The maximum floor area is calculated by multiplying the
maximum floor area per unit of A by the numerical A rating, which gives us
the following:

This means that although the maximum travel distance is permitted to be up

to 75ft, if you were in a wide open area such as a large warehouse you
wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the entire 75ft travel distance because
of the limitations that the 9,000ft2 maximum floor area would present. Check
out the table below for a maximum floor area reference guide for Class A
extinguishers.
Let’s look at another example of an extinguisher with enough of an A-rating to
have a 11,250 ft2 maximum floor area, one might think you could space the
extinguishers every 150 ft since you would be 75ft from either extinguisher if
you were in the middle, but because most rooms are rectangular this creates
gaps where you would be further than 75 ft from an extinguishers (see sad
faces in the figure below).

Instead, portable fire extinguishers should be placed every 106 ft. to take
advantage of the coverage area per extinguisher and conforming to the
shape of most rooms (see Figure 4 below). This of course assumes that
there are no dividing walls that would impede the path to an extinguisher.
If Class A extinguishers are placed at the limit of their maximum travel
distance then people might have to travel the entire 75 ft to get the
extinguisher and then back another 75 ft to return to the fire in order to
extinguish it. Let’s say the average person travels 3.5 mph, this means it
would take them 30 seconds to travel the 150 ft it could take to grab the
extinguisher and get back to the fire. A lot can happen in 30 seconds.

When distributing portable fire extinguishers an additional level of complexity

is added when walls, obstructions and other structural features that limit
movement are taken into consideration.

Placement

Extinguishers need to be located along normal paths of travel. This is

because extinguishers should be available to occupants when evacuating.
You do not want occupants to move away from an exit and risk being trapped
by the fire when trying to retrieve an extinguisher. Extinguishers also need to
be installed in places where they’re visible, but if an obstruction is
unavoidable then there needs to be a sign provided to indicate the
extinguisher’s location.

Installation height

Extinguishers need to be installed at least 4 inches off the ground up to a

maximum of 5ft. The exception to this is for extinguishers heavier than 40
lbs, they can only be up to 3 ft 6 inches off the ground and wheeled fire
extinguishers don’t need to be off the ground since the wheels already keep
the cylinder from touching the floor.
 Cabinets & Hangers

Extinguishers not on wheels are often installed on hangers or brackets, which

need to be intended for the extinguisher, but they can also be installed in
cabinets.

Conclusion

In my humble opinion portable fire extinguisher distribution and placement is

the trickiest part of installation. There is a balance between efficiency and
practicality that truly make a difference in the event of an emergency. I hope
everyone found this helpful, let us know in the comments below what you
think the toughest part of the job is.

For more information check out our NFPA Portable Fire Extinguisher Fact
Sheet. Annex E of NFPA 10 also has some more great information on fire
extinguisher distribution if you want to learn more about the topic.

Editor’s Note: I rounded to the nearest whole number for any calculations
performed in this blog.

Important Notice: Any opinion expressed in this column (blog, article) is the opinion of the author and
does not necessarily represent the official position of NFPA or its Technical Committees. In addition,
this piece is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or
services.

TOPICS: Fire Protection Systems

Download the Fire Extinguisher Location and DOWNLOAD NOW

Placement Fact Sheet
BRIAN O'CONNOR
Technical Services Engineer

READ MORE BY BRIAN O'CONNOR

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Jon Gehl 11 days ago

J
Hi Brian - We are working on a multi story apartment building, it has an elevator. What is the standard / max distance
away from the elevator an extinguisher can be. There is not a mech room for the elevator if that makes a difference.
Reply 0 0

Ramon 1 month ago

R
My email luis1ramon1@gmail.com
Reply 0 0

Ramon 1 month ago

R
fire extinguishers should go out and be replaced for a new one What year Below what year
Reply 0 0

Brian o'connor 18 days ago

B
Hey Ramon, it depends on the type of extinguisher for example, nonrechargeable extinguishers need to be
removed from service after 12 years from the date of manufacture. Check out NFPA 10 for the exact requirements
applicable to your situation.
Reply 0 0

Don't Want to be Roasted 4 months ago

D
Residential bldg., 6 stories tall, 10 apts. each floor. The fire escape route (all the fire escapes with back view leads to this
area) have items in that area (artificial grass/turf, bbq at times, gatherings (b'day, gender reveal, grooming (beard
shaving), etc.), children playing w/ and w/o supervision, chairs, tables, hammock, 6 swing construction, a shed, debris
under the stairs, loud noises, smoking (both cig and marijuana). Being on the 2nd floor, having the view of the back of
the bldg., and concerned if a fire breaks out at least containment can be a substitute until the Fire Department arrives.
The escape route is located behind an emergency only door between the 1st and 2nd floor, if a fire breaks out and the
door is not closed while they are running to safety, there's a potential of the fire, depending how fast it grow and its
direction, the fire escape route is compromised and we tenants can be trapped. Therefore, where in my apartment
should the extinguisher be placed to help us to safety while the Fire Department is on the way? Thank you.
Reply 0 0

Justin Thime 3 months ago

J
If a fire breaks out there's a potential of fire? Clarify your question.
Reply 0 0

Ronald McGrath 4 months ago

R
in a commercial building in a small kitchenette with a microwave and no stove or cook top, could you mount an ABC
extinguisher inside a base cabinet under the microwave? If the bottom is more than 4" off floor and the handle is within
ADA reach ranges.
Reply 0 0

Brian o'connor 18 days ago

B
Extinguishers need to be installed in places where they’re visible, but if an obstruction is unavoidable then there
needs to be a sign provided to indicate the extinguisher’s location. I can't comment on ADA requirements.
Reply 0 0

Kelly Diamond 5 months ago

K
Hi! Are we required to leave a certain amount of space in front of, around and below a fire extinguisher? For example,
can we put a table under the wall mounted extinguisher?
Reply 0 0

Larryg 3 months ago

L
No..extinguisher needs clear access

Quoted Text
 Reply 0 0

RELATED ARTICLES
Kelly Diamond 3 months ago
K
How much clearance in all directions? It is mounted in a wall in a waiting room
Reply
DECEMBER 19, 2022 0 0

Jill Miller 25 days ago

J
I believe it is 3 feet
Reply 0 0

Nelson 5 months ago

N
For a commercial building (municipal town hall) that has small kitchenettes with only a microwave (no cooktop or
toaster ovens) what is the appropriate type, class A ordinary or class K because the food someone reheats might have
oils, fats or grease?
Reply 0 0

Brian o'connor 5 months ago

B
Typically you don't need a Class K for a countertop with a microwave on it. With such little amounts of
oil/fat/grease buildup a Class ABC extinguisher should be fine. This is assuming the area is normally cleaned and
oil/fat/grease is not stored nearby.
Reply 0 0
HOW TO MAINTAIN BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT ACCESS FOR THE RESPONDING FIRE
DEPARTMENT
ABEsarz 5 months ago
A
In a 3 story apartment building with 24 rental apartments, there are 2 fire extinguishers in the open corridor. Is there a
requirement that each individual apartment has to have a FE within that apartment? If so, would it be allowable to put
DECEMBER 02, 2022
in under the kitchen sink?
Reply 0 0

Larryg 3 months ago

L
Fire extinguisher should be in an accessible area..usually in the open plane of sight. You can contact your local fire
marshal office.
Reply 0 0

Brian o'connor 5 months ago

B
The answer to this question is dependent upon the layout of the building. I am unable to answer questions about
specific installations since I don't know all of the details.
Reply 0 0

Mumtaz 6 months ago

M
Construction building site
What is the travel distance
fire extinguisher
HOME distance light
FIRE SPRINKLER hazard
MESSAGES ARE A HOLIDAY SAFETY GIFT
Reply 0 0

NOVEMBER 08, 2022

Brian o'connor 5 months ago
B
It depends on the type of extinguisher you are using and the hazards nearby. Please see the blog above and NFPA
10 for the requirements on travel distance.
Reply 0 0

John Papp 6 months ago

J
Hi Brian, is there any guidance on the maximum distance from a doorway an extinguisher can be? Or does the 75' rule
still apply?
Reply 0 0

Brian o'connor 5 months ago

B
75' rule still applies
Reply 0 0

Melissa Pineda 7 months ago

M
When placing the fire extinguisher in the cabinet, is there any guidance against a reach in type cabinet (top opens
rather
DO YOUthan front)? IWITH
TRAVEL imagineA that this would
PORTABLE COmake accessing
ALARM? the extinguisher
IF NOT, YOU SHOULD, difficult
AND forHERE’S
someoneWHY
in a wheelchair
despite the cabinet placement meeting the height min/max specifications.
Reply 0 0
 OCTOBER 28,o'connor
Brian 2022 5 months ago
B
I haven't seen those types of cabinets before but I believe this should be considered under the requirement that
says the extinguishers need to be readily accessible and immediately available in the event of fire. I imagine this
would make it more difficult for anyone to access.
Reply 0 0

ABDULLA 7 months ago

A
THANKS FOR YOUR VALUABLE INFORMATION COULD YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE SELECTION OF FIRE
EXTINGUISHER SIZES .AS THE NFPA 10 INDICATES ONLY RATING 2A, 4A , 6A AS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.ALSO
PLEASE ADVISE WHAT IS THE RELATION BETWEEN SIZE AND FIRE RATING OF FIRE EXTINGUIHSER
Reply 0 0

Brian O'Connor 7 months ago

B
Check out UL 711 for information on exactly how extinguishers get their ratings. It does not directly correlate to
the size of extinguisher.
Reply 0 0

BACKFLOW PREVENTER TYPES

Matthew Walls
8 months ago
M
Hi Brian, is there a standard that indicates how far to the left or right of the signage is allowed to be? For instance a
vertical arrow "fire extinguisher" pointing down but extinguisher is 30" to the left and mounted on side of column to
OCTOBER 21, 2022
keep it out of the way of physical damage..?
Reply 0 0

Brian O'Connor 8 months ago

B
Hey Matthew, thanks for your question. I recommend you reach out to our NFPA Technical Questions resource for
specific questions on NFPA 10. It is available for free to our members.
Reply 0 0

Erdesson Ersly Cossier 8 months ago

E
Hello Brian,

In an industrial building of 12,000 m2, how many extinguishers can be installed? And how do we do the calculation
please? What formula?
Reply 0 0

Brian o'connor 8 months ago

B
Hello Erdesson, please read NFPA 10 for more information on exactly how to distribute extinguishers within your
WHAT ARE THE CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR HAUNTED HOUSE ATTRACTIONS?
facility.
Reply 0 0

OCTOBER 14, 2022

Jay Slater 8 months ago
J
Hi Brian, We have a fire extinguisher that is setting on top of a table 4ft from the floor that is not mounted to anything.
Does this need to be mounted?
Reply 0 0

Brian O'Connor 8 months ago

B
Hey Jay, great question. According to paragraph 6.1.3.4 of NFPA 10, portable fire extinguishers (other than
wheeled extinguishers) need to be installed either:

1. on a hanger
2. In a bracket that has releasing straps
3. In an extinguisher cabinet or wall recess

So this means you are not allowed to just put an extinguisher on top of a table and count that as an installation.
There is a high risk that the extinguisher will be knocked over and can be damaged or injure someone.
Reply 1 0

A LEVEL OF
JaySAFETY – NFPA
Slater 8 months ago FIRE & LIFE SAFETY ECOSYSTEM
J
Brian, that is what I thought. We have already placed the fire extinguisher on a hanger beside the table on a
steel beam. Thanks for the information.
Reply 1 0

Mary 8 months ago

M
Hi Brian, thanks for the information, I have a question on a floor that has multiple apartments and the extinguishers will
be located along the corridor that gives access to the apartments, does the 75' max. distance to the fire extinguisher
count from the door of the apartment to the fire extinguisher? or from the most remote point inside the apartment to
 count from the door of the apartment to the fire extinguisher? or from the most remote point inside the apartment to
the fire extinguisher.
About NFPA
Reply 0 0

Overview
Brian o'connor 8 months ago
LeadershipB
As mentioned above we look at the maximum travel distance to the fire extinguisher so that would be measured
Careers from the most remote point not just the closest door.
Reply 0 0
International

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Doug 11 months ago
D
Directions
We are creating a 5S floor map for our production facility located in California. Is there a minimum perimeter clearance
requirement for wall hanging extinguishers?
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Brian o'connor 11 months ago
B
Hey Doug, theNFPA
Codes & Standards language
Fire &NFPA
Life 10 uses doesn't specify a specific perimeter clearance requirement rather NFPA 10
requires extinguishers to be placed where they are readily accessible and free from visual obstructions. Check out
Safety Ecosystem
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Does the 5ft rule conflict with ADA requirements of 48"?
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B USA®
There
Xchange™ (online is a possibility that an extinguisher mounted at a certain height could not be in compliance with ADA
NFCSS
community) requirements but there are a lot of factors that play into that determination such as whether or not it is in the
circulation path, whether it is in a recessed cabinet and how far the cabinet or extinguisher protrude from the wall.
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Customer Mike Stine 11 months ago

Support
M
Thank you for the guide. This is a great quick reference. However, there used to be a note or explanation in the NFPA
Accessibility
forum’s about whether a hanger, bracket, etc. is required when a fire extinguisher is installed within a cabinet or wall
recess. Do you know this reference, or the NFPA official guidance specific to these installations?
Contact Us
Reply 0 0

 
Brian o'connor 11 months ago
B
In the 2022 edition of NFPA 10 paragraph 6.1.3.4 states that extinguishers need to be installed either on a hanger
intended for the extinguisher, in a bracket supplied by the extinguisher manufacturer, in a listed bracket or in an
 
approved cabinet or wall recess.
Reply 1 0

 
Henry Lopez 2 months ago
H
Great information Mr. Brian o'connor

 
Can you help me to clarify, when the fire extinguisher is installed inside of an
(4)> approved cabinet or wall recess

That needs to be on a hanger or just set inside of the cabinet.

Do I need to apply the parenthesis # Terms of Use Privacy Policy

© National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2022
(1) Securely on a hanger intended for the extinguisher.
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Anonymous User
A
THIS COMMENT IS REMOVED
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Brian o'connor 1 year ago

B
Hey Nicole, you bring up a great question. Typically it is the fire code that will tell you exactly where you need to
install portable fire extinguishers and NFPA 10 tells you how to install them. You need to check your local fire code
because certain buildings might require them outside. For example an airport has outside extinguishers in case of
a fuel spill or other fire on the apron.
Reply 0 0

Tim Taylor 1 year ago

T
 The mounting height graphic is incorrect. The 5 height is to the top of the extinguisher not the bottom. The 4
minimum is to the bottom.
Reply 0 0

Brian o'connor 1 year ago

B
Hey Tim, you are absolutely correct, fire extinguishers less than 40 lbs need to be installed so that the top of the
extinguisher is less than 5ft off the ground and the bottom of any non-wheeled extinguisher needs to be at least
4" off the ground. I was having a tough time trying to represent that visually but maybe I'll give it another try to
make it more clear. Thanks for your comment!
Reply 0 0

Brian o'connor 1 year ago

B
Image has been updated, just waiting on our webmaster to post it.
Reply 0 0

Stephen Secora 1 year ago

S
Great info, Brian! Would the same 50-ft fire extinguisher placement distance apply for a 6000 gal. above ground #2
heating oil tank?
Reply 0 0

Brian o'connor 1 year ago

B
Hey Stephen, yes, as long as you had a fire extinguisher with the correct rating a maximum 50ft travel distance
could be appropriate. Although that is a maximum distance and you could of course place it closer to the hazard
it is meant to be used on.
Reply 0 0

Mark Casadevall PE 1 year ago

M
Thanks for the information Brian.
Reply 0 0

Brian o'connor 1 year ago

B
You're welcome, I'm glad you found it informative!
Reply 0 0