−---
−title: Portable Fire Extinguishers and Cabinets
−category: Fire Protection
−toc_depth: 3
−description: >
− When to use: Portable (hand-carried and wheeled) fire extinguishers and their mounting hardware, brackets, and cabinets installed throughout commercial, institutional, industrial, mercantile, assembly, and residential buildings to provide a first line of manual fire suppression by occupants and staff. Covers extinguisher selection by fire class (A, B, C, D, K) and occupancy hazard level, UL fire rating and agent type, distribution and travel-distance layout, mounting heights and brackets, recessed/semi-recessed/surface-mounted and fire-rated cabinets, identification and signage, installation, and the inspection/maintenance/hydrostatic-test program required to keep the units in service.
− Not intended for: Fixed automatic fire-extinguishing systems such as wet- and dry-chemical kitchen hood suppression (covered under NFPA 96 commercial cooking protection), clean-agent total-flooding systems, or engineered CO2 systems; standpipe and hose systems for fire-department use (see [[sync/standpipe-systems]]); automatic sprinkler systems (see [[sync/wet-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]]); fire pumps (see [[sync/fire-pumps]]); the building fire alarm system (see [[sync/fire-alarm-systems]]); or extinguishers carried on vehicles and apparatus rather than fixed in the building.
−---
−
−# Scope
−
−This standard covers the selection, distribution, mounting, identification, installation, and ongoing inspection and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers and the cabinets and brackets that house them in buildings. Portable fire extinguishers are the first line of manual fire suppression in nearly every occupancy: they are intended to be used by occupants or trained staff to control or extinguish an incipient fire before it grows beyond the capability of a hand-carried unit and before the fire department arrives. Because they are the most numerous and most widely distributed fire-protection appliance in a building, errors in their selection, placement, or maintenance are common and consequential.
−
−The scope covers the extinguisher unit itself (cylinder, agent, valve, hose or nozzle, gauge, and bracket), the means by which it is mounted or stored (wall bracket, hanger, recessed cabinet, semi-recessed cabinet, or surface-mounted cabinet), the identification signage that directs occupants to the extinguisher, and the requirements for the placement and distribution of units so that every point in the building is within the maximum travel distance permitted for the hazard present. It also covers the placement of specialized extinguishers for specific hazards, such as Class K wet-chemical units adjacent to commercial cooking appliances and Class D units adjacent to combustible-metal operations.
−
−Portable fire extinguishers furnished and installed under this standard shall be selected, located, installed, inspected, maintained, and tested in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (current edition adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction), and the International Fire Code (IFC) and International Building Code (IBC) Section 906 as adopted locally. NFPA 10 governs the technical requirements; IBC/IFC Section 906 governs where extinguishers are required and establishes that they shall be conspicuously located and immediately available along normal paths of travel. Where a local amendment modifies either document, the local amendment governs unless it is less stringent than the base standard, in which case the base standard governs.
−
−The selection and distribution of portable fire extinguishers is determined by the hazard present in each area of the building, which varies by occupancy and use. The number, type, size, and location of extinguishers and cabinets are project-specific and shall be [[drawing: as indicated on the life-safety plan and extinguisher location schedule]]. This standard establishes the requirements each unit and cabinet shall meet; the drawings establish how many are provided and where.
−
−# Referenced Standards
−
−Selection, construction, installation, and maintenance shall comply with the current adopted editions of the following standards. Where standards conflict, the more stringent requirement governs unless directed otherwise by the Engineer of Record in writing.
−
−| Standard | Title |
−|----------|-------|
−| NFPA 10 | Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers |
−| NFPA 96 | Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations |
−| IBC | International Building Code, Section 906 (Portable Fire Extinguishers) |
−| IFC | International Fire Code, Section 906 (Portable Fire Extinguishers) |
−| ANSI/UL 711 | Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers |
−| ANSI/UL 299 | Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers |
−| ANSI/UL 154 | Carbon-Dioxide Fire Extinguishers |
−| ANSI/UL 2129 | Halocarbon Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers |
−| ANSI/UL 8 | Water-Based Agent Fire Extinguishers |
−| ANSI/UL 626 | Water Fire Extinguishers (with antifreeze) |
−| UL 1093 | Halogenated Agent Fire Extinguishers |
−| ICC A117.1 | Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities |
−| ADA | Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Standards |
−| ASTM E814 (UL 1479) | Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems (for fire-rated cabinets in rated walls) |
−| 49 CFR 180 | DOT requirements for hydrostatic testing of compressed-gas cylinders |
−
−# Submittals
−
−## Action Submittals
−
−The Contractor shall submit the following for the Engineer of Record's review and the AHJ's approval prior to procurement and installation. Although portable extinguishers are a comparatively simple trade, the submittal package is the point at which extinguisher selection, distribution, and cabinet type are confirmed against the life-safety plan; deficiencies caught here are far less expensive than units replaced after installation because the wrong agent, rating, or cabinet projection was furnished.
−
−- Product data for each extinguisher type, including the agent, nominal agent weight or capacity, the UL listing standard, the UL fire-test rating (e.g., 4-A:80-B:C), the cylinder hydrostatic-test rating, and the operating-temperature range
−- Product data for each cabinet type, including the mounting style (recessed, semi-recessed, or surface-mounted), the rough-opening dimensions, the door style and material, the trim projection beyond the finished wall, and the fire-resistance listing where the cabinet is installed in a fire-rated wall
−- Product data for each bracket or hanger type for bracket-mounted (non-cabinet) extinguishers, including the listed extinguisher weight range the bracket is rated to support
−- Extinguisher location and distribution plan demonstrating that every point in each protected area is within the maximum travel distance for the applicable fire class and hazard level per NFPA 10, with the hazard classification of each area identified
−- Identification and signage schedule showing the type, size, and mounting height of each extinguisher location sign
−- For Class K extinguishers, the required placard text confirming that the fixed kitchen suppression system is to be actuated prior to using the extinguisher, with text approved by the AHJ
−
−```datasheet
−label: Action Submittals Required
−type: checkbox
−options:
− - "Extinguisher product data with UL rating and listing standard"
− - "Cabinet product data with projection and fire rating"
− - "Bracket / hanger product data with rated weight range"
− - "Extinguisher distribution plan with hazard classification and travel distances"
− - "Identification and signage schedule"
− - "Class K placard text approved by AHJ (where applicable)"
−default: "Extinguisher product data with UL rating and listing standard"
−```
−
−## Closeout Submittals
−
−The following shall be submitted at substantial completion before the extinguisher installation is accepted:
−
−- Operation and maintenance manual including the type, rating, and location of every extinguisher, the NFPA 10 inspection and maintenance schedule, and the manufacturer's service instructions for each unit
−- Initial installation inspection record confirming that each extinguisher is fully charged, correctly located, correctly mounted, and tagged with the date placed in service
−- As-built extinguisher location plan reflecting field changes from the reviewed distribution plan
−- Warranty documentation for all extinguishers and cabinets carrying a manufacturer warranty
−
−```datasheet
−label: Closeout Submittals Required
−type: checkbox
−options:
− - "Operation and maintenance manual"
− - "Initial installation inspection record with service tags"
− - "As-built extinguisher location plan"
− - "Manufacturer warranty documentation"
−default: "Operation and maintenance manual"
−```
−
−# Quality Assurance
−
−## Product Listing
−
−Every portable fire extinguisher shall be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and shall bear a UL fire-test rating established under ANSI/UL 711. The extinguisher shall additionally be listed under the agent-specific construction standard applicable to its type: ANSI/UL 299 for dry-chemical and dry-powder units, ANSI/UL 154 for carbon-dioxide units, ANSI/UL 2129 for halocarbon clean-agent units, and ANSI/UL 8 or UL 626 for water-based units. An extinguisher that bears a rating but is not listed to its construction standard, or that bears no UL fire-test rating at all, shall not be accepted.
−
−## Installer Qualifications
−
−Initial placement-in-service inspection, recharging, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers shall be performed by persons certified or licensed as required by the state and local jurisdiction. In most jurisdictions, the servicing of portable fire extinguishers is a licensed activity, and the technician affixing the service tag shall hold the applicable state certification. The Contractor shall confirm the local licensing requirement before assigning the work.
−
−## Coordination with the Life-Safety Plan
−
−The hazard classification of each area, the fire classes present, and the resulting extinguisher selection and distribution shall be confirmed against the architectural life-safety plan and the Engineer of Record's hazard analysis before procurement. A common and serious error is to furnish a uniform building-wide extinguisher selection (typically multipurpose ABC dry chemical) without separately addressing areas with special hazards — commercial kitchens requiring Class K units, electrical and electronics rooms where a clean agent or CO2 is preferred to avoid residue, and combustible-metal operations requiring Class D units. The Contractor shall not assume that a single extinguisher type satisfies the entire building.
−
−# Fire Classification and Hazard Analysis
−
−## Fire Classes Present
−
−Portable fire extinguishers are selected to match the class of fire anticipated in the area they protect. The fire classes are defined by the combustible material involved, and an extinguisher is rated for the classes its agent can safely and effectively extinguish.
−
−- **Class A** — ordinary combustibles: wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics.
−- **Class B** — flammable and combustible liquids and gases: gasoline, oil, solvents, and grease (excluding cooking media).
−- **Class C** — fires involving energized electrical equipment, where the non-conductivity of the agent is essential.
−- **Class D** — combustible metals: magnesium, sodium, titanium, lithium, and similar.
−- **Class K** — cooking media (vegetable and animal oils and fats) in commercial cooking appliances.
−
−The fire classes present in each area shall be identified during the hazard analysis. Most general occupancies (offices, classrooms, retail, corridors) present Class A and Class B hazards together with energized electrical equipment, and are protected by a single multipurpose unit rated for A, B, and C. Special-hazard areas require a separately selected unit for the class of fire present.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Fire Classes Present in Protected Area
−type: checkbox
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Class A — ordinary combustibles"
− - "Class B — flammable / combustible liquids and gases"
− - "Class C — energized electrical equipment"
− - "Class D — combustible metals"
− - "Class K — commercial cooking media"
−default: "Class A — ordinary combustibles"
−```
−
−## Occupancy Hazard Classification
−
−NFPA 10 classifies the hazard of an area as light (low), ordinary (moderate), or extra (high), based on the amount and combustibility of the Class A material and the amount of flammable Class B liquids present. The hazard classification determines the minimum extinguisher rating, the maximum floor area a single extinguisher may protect, and (together with the rating) the maximum travel distance. Light-hazard occupancies include offices, classrooms, churches, and assembly areas where the quantity of combustibles is low. Ordinary-hazard occupancies include mercantile, light manufacturing, parking garages, and warehouses with moderate combustible loading. Extra-hazard occupancies include woodworking, vehicle repair, aircraft hangars, and areas with significant flammable-liquid handling or storage.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Occupancy Hazard Classification
−type: select
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Light (low) hazard"
− - "Ordinary (moderate) hazard"
− - "Extra (high) hazard"
−default: "Light (low) hazard"
−```
−
−The hazard classification shall be determined area-by-area, not building-wide. A single building commonly contains light-hazard offices, an ordinary-hazard parking level, and an extra-hazard maintenance shop, each requiring a different extinguisher rating and distribution. The Designer shall classify each area on the life-safety plan.
−
−# Extinguisher Selection
−
−## Agent Type
−
−The extinguishing agent shall be selected to match the fire classes present and the sensitivity of the protected contents to agent residue and corrosion. Multipurpose (ABC) dry chemical, based on monoammonium phosphate, is the dominant general-purpose agent because a single unit covers Class A, B, and C fires and is inexpensive and effective. Its disadvantage is that the discharged powder is mildly corrosive and leaves a residue that is damaging to electronics and difficult to clean, which is why clean-agent and CO2 units are preferred in data centers, electrical rooms, laboratories, and similar sensitive spaces.
−
−Carbon-dioxide (CO2) agent is rated for Class B and Class C fires, leaves no residue, and is non-conductive, making it well suited to energized electrical equipment and laboratories. CO2 has no Class A rating of consequence and a limited discharge range, so it is not a general-purpose agent. Halocarbon clean agent (a non-ozone-depleting halocarbon listed to UL 2129) is rated for Class A, B, and C fires, leaves no residue, and is the preferred agent where the protected contents are both combustible (Class A) and residue-sensitive — server rooms, telecommunications spaces, and museum or archive areas. Wet chemical, listed for Class K, is the required agent for commercial cooking media; it cools and saponifies hot oil and is the only agent suited to deep-fat fryers and griddles. Water and water-mist units protect Class A hazards only; water-mist units are additionally rated for Class C because the fine, non-conductive mist does not bridge an electrical path, and are used where water damage must be minimized. Dry-powder agent (distinct from dry chemical) is the only agent for Class D combustible-metal fires and is specific to the metal being protected.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Extinguishing Agent
−type: select
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Multipurpose dry chemical (ABC) — monoammonium phosphate"
− - "Carbon dioxide (CO2) — Class B and C"
− - "Halocarbon clean agent — Class A, B, and C, residue-free"
− - "Wet chemical — Class K commercial cooking media"
− - "Water (air-pressurized) — Class A only"
− - "Water mist — Class A and C, low residue"
− - "Dry powder — Class D combustible metals"
−default: "Multipurpose dry chemical (ABC) — monoammonium phosphate"
−```
−
−## UL Fire-Test Rating
−
−Each extinguisher shall bear a UL fire-test rating established under ANSI/UL 711, expressed as a numeral-and-letter classification such as 4-A:80-B:C. The numeral preceding "A" indicates the Class A extinguishing capacity (the relative quantity of Class A fire the unit will extinguish; a numeral of 1 corresponds to approximately 1.25 gallons of water equivalent). The numeral preceding "B" indicates the approximate area, in square feet, of a flammable-liquid fire the unit will extinguish in the hands of a trained operator. The letter "C" carries no numeral and indicates only that the agent is non-conductive and safe for use on energized electrical equipment. The selected rating shall meet or exceed the minimum required for the area's hazard classification.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Minimum UL Fire-Test Rating
−type: select
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "2-A:10-B:C (light hazard, general)"
− - "3-A:40-B:C"
− - "4-A:60-B:C"
− - "4-A:80-B:C (common ordinary-hazard standard)"
− - "6-A:80-B:C"
− - "10-B:C (Class B/C only, e.g., CO2)"
− - "Higher rating as required by hazard analysis"
−default: "4-A:80-B:C (common ordinary-hazard standard)"
−```
−
−## Minimum Class A Rating by Hazard
−
−The minimum Class A rating shall comply with NFPA 10 for the area's hazard classification. The minimum rating for any Class A extinguisher is 2-A regardless of hazard. Light-hazard areas require a minimum 2-A rating; ordinary-hazard areas require a minimum 2-A rating with closer spacing and reduced maximum floor area per unit; extra-hazard areas require a minimum 4-A rating. Higher ratings allow a single unit to protect a larger floor area and may reduce the total number of units required, subject always to the maximum travel-distance limit.
−
−## Extinguisher Size and Agent Capacity
−
−The nominal agent capacity shall be selected so that the unit achieves the required rating while remaining light enough for the intended user to carry and operate. For multipurpose dry chemical, a nominal 5 lb unit is typical for light-hazard office and corridor use, a 10 lb unit (commonly rated 4-A:80-B:C) is the workhorse for ordinary-hazard areas, and 20 lb units are used in extra-hazard areas. Units heavier than these are available but are mounted lower and may be impractical for general occupant use; wheeled units are provided where the required agent quantity exceeds what can be hand-carried.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Nominal Agent Capacity (Dry Chemical)
−type: select
−unit: lb
−options:
− - "2.5 lb"
− - "5 lb"
− - "10 lb"
− - "20 lb"
− - "Wheeled unit (30 lb or larger)"
−default: "10 lb"
−```
−
−```datasheet
−label: Wheeled (Larger Capacity) Unit Required
−type: radio
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "No — hand-carried units throughout"
− - "Yes — wheeled units at extra-hazard locations"
−default: "No — hand-carried units throughout"
−```
−
−## Class K Extinguishers for Commercial Cooking
−
−Where commercial cooking equipment involving vegetable or animal oils and fats is present, a Class K wet-chemical extinguisher shall be provided as required by IBC/IFC Section 906 and NFPA 96. The Class K extinguisher is secondary protection; the primary protection is the fixed automatic hood-suppression system, and the portable unit is intended for use only after that system has discharged. A placard shall be conspicuously placed near each Class K extinguisher stating that the fixed system is to be actuated prior to using the extinguisher, with text approved by the AHJ. Class K units shall be located within a travel distance not exceeding 30 ft from the cooking appliance.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Class K Extinguisher at Commercial Cooking
−type: radio
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Not applicable — no commercial cooking media present"
− - "Required — Class K wet-chemical unit with AHJ-approved placard"
−default: "Not applicable — no commercial cooking media present"
−```
−
−## Class D Extinguishers for Combustible Metals
−
−Where combustible-metal operations are present, a Class D dry-powder extinguisher selected for the specific metal hazard shall be provided. The agent and the application rate differ by metal, and an agent listed for one combustible metal may be ineffective or dangerous on another. Class D units shall be located within a travel distance not exceeding 75 ft of the hazard, and the agent selection shall be confirmed against the specific metal handled.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Class D Extinguisher for Combustible Metals
−type: radio
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Not applicable — no combustible-metal hazard present"
− - "Required — Class D dry-powder unit matched to the specific metal"
−default: "Not applicable — no combustible-metal hazard present"
−```
−
−# Distribution and Travel Distance
−
−## Class A Travel Distance
−
−Extinguishers protecting Class A hazards shall be distributed so that the maximum travel distance from any point in the protected area to the nearest suitable extinguisher does not exceed 75 ft, measured along the actual path of travel that an occupant would walk — around walls, partitions, and fixed obstructions, and through doorways — not in a straight line. The 75 ft limit is independent of the extinguisher rating; a higher-rated unit increases the floor area it may protect but never extends the travel distance beyond 75 ft. Verifying travel distance along the real path of egress, rather than as a radius on the plan, is one of the most frequent NFPA 10 compliance issues at inspection.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Maximum Travel Distance to a Class A Extinguisher
−type: range
−unit: ft
−options:
− min: 25
− max: 75
− setpoints: [50, 75]
−default: 75
−```
−
−## Class B Travel Distance
−
−Extinguishers protecting Class B (flammable-liquid) hazards shall be distributed so that the maximum travel distance does not exceed the limit set by NFPA 10 for the extinguisher's Class B rating and the hazard level: generally 30 ft for lower-rated units in higher hazards and up to 50 ft for higher-rated units. Because Class B fires spread rapidly, the permitted travel distance is shorter than for Class A. Where a multipurpose unit carries both A and B ratings, the more restrictive Class B travel distance governs the spacing in any area where a Class B hazard is present.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Maximum Travel Distance to a Class B Extinguisher
−type: range
−unit: ft
−options:
− min: 30
− max: 50
− setpoints: [30, 50]
−default: 50
−```
−
−## Maximum Floor Area per Extinguisher
−
−The maximum floor area a single Class A extinguisher may protect is limited by NFPA 10 according to the unit's Class A rating and the area's hazard classification. The travel-distance limit and the maximum-floor-area limit are applied together; the more restrictive of the two governs the number and spacing of units. The Designer shall confirm both limits for each area and shall add units wherever either limit would otherwise be exceeded.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Maximum Floor Area per Class A Extinguisher
−type: range
−unit: ft²
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− min: 3000
− max: 11250
− setpoints: [3000, 6000, 11250]
−default: 11250
−```
−
−## Number and Location of Units
−
−The number, type, and exact location of every extinguisher and cabinet are project-specific and shall be [[drawing: as indicated on the life-safety plan and extinguisher location schedule]]. At a minimum, extinguishers shall be located along normal paths of travel, near exits and exit-access doors where occupants naturally move toward during evacuation, and adjacent to specific hazards (electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, kitchens, shops) that require a dedicated unit.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Extinguisher Location Strategy
−type: checkbox
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Along normal paths of travel and in corridors"
− - "Near exits and exit-access doors"
− - "Adjacent to specific hazards (electrical, mechanical, kitchen, shop)"
− - "At each level of stairwells where required by the AHJ"
− - "Additional units to satisfy travel-distance and floor-area limits"
−default: "Along normal paths of travel and in corridors"
−```
−
−# Mounting and Cabinets
−
−## Mounting Method
−
−Each extinguisher shall be installed on a listed wall bracket or hanger, or housed in a listed cabinet, so that it is securely supported and readily accessible. Bracket mounting is the least expensive method and is appropriate in back-of-house, industrial, and mechanical areas where appearance is not a concern and the unit is not exposed to physical damage. Cabinet mounting protects the unit from dust, weather, tampering, and impact, and provides a finished appearance in public and occupied spaces; it is the standard method in lobbies, corridors, and tenant areas. Extinguishers shall never be set on the floor unmounted, both because an unmounted unit is easily displaced or knocked over and because NFPA 10 requires positive support.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Mounting Method
−type: radio
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "Semi-recessed cabinet"
− - "Recessed cabinet"
− - "Surface-mounted cabinet"
− - "Wall bracket / hanger (no cabinet)"
−default: "Semi-recessed cabinet"
−```
−
−## Cabinet Type
−
−The cabinet type shall be selected to balance appearance, the available wall depth, and the projection limit into the path of travel. A recessed cabinet sits entirely within the wall cavity with only the door and trim at or near the finished wall surface; it presents the cleanest appearance and the least projection but requires a wall deep enough to accept the full cabinet box. A semi-recessed cabinet projects partially into the wall and partially out, and is the most widely used type because it accommodates shallow stud walls while keeping the projection within the limit permitted for an accessible path of travel. A surface-mounted cabinet attaches entirely to the wall face, requires no wall cavity, and is used where the wall cannot be penetrated (masonry, concrete, fire-rated assemblies that cannot be cut) — but its full projection typically exceeds the 4 in. accessible-route limit and so it shall not be placed within a required accessible path of travel.
−
−The semi-recessed cabinet is the default because it suits the typical interior stud wall and satisfies the accessibility projection limit. The cabinet door style, material, and finish shall be coordinated with the architectural finishes; door types include full glass, with a break-glass or pull-handle latch, and solid or vision-panel doors.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Cabinet Door Style
−type: select
−options:
− - "Full acrylic / glazed door with pull handle"
− - "Full acrylic / glazed door with break-glass latch"
− - "Solid door with vision panel"
− - "Solid door, no vision panel"
−default: "Full acrylic / glazed door with pull handle"
−```
−
−```datasheet
−label: Cabinet Trim Style
−type: select
−options:
− - "Flush trim (trimless / drywall bead)"
− - "Rolled-edge / square trim"
− - "Recessed (zero projection) trim"
−default: "Rolled-edge / square trim"
−```
−
−## Cabinet Projection into Path of Travel
−
−Where a surface-mounted or semi-recessed cabinet is located within a corridor, aisle, or other accessible route, its projection from the wall shall comply with the accessible-route requirements of ICC A117.1 and the ADA. An object mounted on a wall with its leading edge between 27 in. and 80 in. above the finished floor shall not project more than 4 in. into the path of travel. Because a fully-stocked surface-mounted cabinet commonly projects 6 in. or more, surface-mounted cabinets shall not be used within a required accessible route; a recessed or semi-recessed cabinet shall be used instead, with its projection confirmed against the 4 in. limit. This is among the most common accessibility violations in extinguisher installations and is readily avoided by confirming the cabinet projection during submittal review.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Maximum Cabinet Projection in Accessible Route
−type: range
−unit: in.
−options:
− min: 0
− max: 4
− setpoints: [0, 1.5, 3, 4]
−default: 4
−```
−
−## Fire-Rated Cabinets
−
−Where a recessed or semi-recessed cabinet is installed in a wall that is required to have a fire-resistance rating — such as a corridor wall, stair enclosure, occupancy-separation wall, or shaft wall — the cabinet shall be a listed fire-rated cabinet, and the installation shall maintain the fire-resistance rating of the penetrated assembly. A standard cabinet recessed into a rated wall reduces the wall to the thickness of the cabinet's sheet-metal box at the opening and destroys the wall's rating unless a fire-rated cabinet (listed with the rated wall assembly per ASTM E814 / UL 1479) is used. The Contractor shall confirm the fire rating of each wall before selecting the cabinet and shall not recess a non-rated cabinet into a rated wall.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Fire-Rated Cabinet Required
−type: radio
−drawing_ref: true
−options:
− - "No — cabinet not located in a fire-rated wall"
− - "Yes — recessed/semi-recessed cabinet in a fire-rated wall"
−default: "No — cabinet not located in a fire-rated wall"
−```
−
−## Mounting Height
−
−Extinguishers shall be installed so that the top of the unit is not more than 5 ft (60 in.) above the finished floor for units with a gross weight not exceeding 40 lb, and not more than 3.5 ft (42 in.) above the finished floor for units with a gross weight greater than 40 lb. In all cases the clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor shall be at least 4 in. Where the extinguisher or its cabinet is located on an accessible route, the operable parts (the carrying handle and the cabinet latch) shall additionally fall within the accessible reach range, which commonly results in a handle height of about 48 in. above the floor. The default mounting height of 48 in. to the top of the unit satisfies both the NFPA 10 maximum and the accessible reach range for typical hand-carried units.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Mounting Height to Top of Extinguisher
−type: range
−unit: in.
−options:
− min: 36
− max: 60
− setpoints: [42, 48, 54, 60]
−default: 48
−```
−
−```datasheet
−label: Minimum Clearance Below Extinguisher
−type: range
−unit: in.
−options:
− min: 4
− max: 12
− setpoints: [4, 6, 8]
−default: 4
−```
−
−# Identification and Signage
−
−## Conspicuous Location
−
−Each extinguisher shall be conspicuously located and visible from the normal path of travel, in accordance with NFPA 10 and IBC/IFC Section 906. Where an extinguisher or cabinet cannot be made directly visible — for example, where it is set back in an alcove or recessed flush into a wall finish that camouflages it — a sign or other approved means shall be provided to indicate its location. The intent is that an occupant who needs an extinguisher can find one quickly without searching; an extinguisher that cannot be located in an emergency provides no protection.
−
−## Location Signs
−
−An identification sign shall be provided at each extinguisher location to direct occupants to the unit. Signs shall be located close to the extinguisher and shall be visible from the normal path of travel; for visibility down a corridor, projecting (flag-mounted) signs perpendicular to the wall are commonly used. Sign mounting height shall place the sign within the typical sightline, commonly between 60 in. and 80 in. above the finished floor.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Extinguisher Identification Signage
−type: select
−options:
− - "Wall-flush identification sign at each location"
− - "Projecting (flag) sign perpendicular to wall for corridor visibility"
− - "Both flush and projecting signs"
− - "Cabinet face lettering only (where cabinet is conspicuous)"
−default: "Wall-flush identification sign at each location"
−```
−
−## Cabinet Identification
−
−Where an extinguisher is housed in a cabinet, the cabinet shall be marked conspicuously to identify its contents, in accordance with NFPA 10. Marking may be by lettering applied to the cabinet door, a decal, or an adjacent sign. A cabinet that blends into the wall finish without identification defeats the purpose of conspicuous location.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Cabinet Marking
−type: radio
−options:
− - "\"FIRE EXTINGUISHER\" lettering on cabinet door"
− - "Identification decal on glazing"
− - "Adjacent identification sign"
−default: "\"FIRE EXTINGUISHER\" lettering on cabinet door"
−```
−
−## Class K Placard
−
−Where a Class K extinguisher is provided at commercial cooking equipment, a placard shall be conspicuously posted adjacent to the extinguisher stating that the fixed automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be actuated prior to using the portable extinguisher. The placard text shall be approved by the AHJ. This placard is required by IBC/IFC Section 906 and reflects the rule that the portable Class K unit is a backup to, not a replacement for, the hood-suppression system.
−
−# Installation
−
−## Mounting Security
−
−The Contractor shall install each bracket, hanger, and cabinet securely to the building structure, using anchors appropriate to the wall construction and rated to support the gross weight of the extinguisher with an appropriate factor of safety. Brackets on hollow stud walls shall be anchored to blocking or to a backing plate, not to unsupported gypsum board; an extinguisher that pulls out of the wall when lifted is both a hazard and a failed installation.
−
−## Charged and In-Service Condition
−
−Every extinguisher shall be delivered to its mounting location fully charged and shall be placed in service in the fully charged condition. Each unit shall bear a service tag indicating the date it was placed in service and the identity of the person performing the initial placement inspection. An extinguisher installed with a low or empty charge, or without an initial service tag, shall not be accepted.
−
−## Protection from Damage and Environment
−
−Extinguishers shall be located and installed so that they are protected from physical damage, and shall not be located where they will be subject to temperatures outside their listed operating range. Water-based extinguishers shall not be located in areas subject to freezing unless they are listed for low-temperature service or are protected with a listed antifreeze charge. Extinguishers in corrosive, wet, or outdoor environments shall be selected and located with appropriate corrosion-resistant construction or protective enclosures.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Freeze Protection for Water-Based Units
−type: radio
−options:
− - "Not applicable — no water-based units, or all in conditioned space"
− - "Listed low-temperature unit or antifreeze charge in freezing areas"
−default: "Not applicable — no water-based units, or all in conditioned space"
−```
−
−# Inspection, Maintenance, and Testing
−
−The Owner shall be advised in the operation and maintenance manual that portable fire extinguishers require an ongoing inspection, maintenance, and testing program under NFPA 10 to remain in service. This program is the responsibility of the Owner after acceptance, but the requirements shall be documented in the closeout package so the program can begin without interruption. Failure to maintain the program is the most common reason extinguishers are found out of service at a fire-marshal inspection.
−
−## Inspection Frequency
−
−A visual inspection shall be performed at least monthly to confirm that each extinguisher is in its designated location, is unobstructed and visible, is fully charged (gauge in the operable range), shows no visible damage or corrosion, and has an intact tamper seal. The monthly inspection may be performed by the Owner's staff and shall be recorded.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Visual Inspection Frequency
−type: select
−options:
− - "Monthly (NFPA 10 minimum)"
− - "More frequent — high-traffic or high-risk environment"
−default: "Monthly (NFPA 10 minimum)"
−```
−
−## Annual Maintenance
−
−A thorough maintenance examination shall be performed at least annually by a certified technician, including a check of the mechanical parts, the agent quantity, and the pressurization, with a new maintenance tag affixed indicating the date and the technician.
−
−## Internal Examination and Recharge
−
−Stored-pressure dry-chemical extinguishers shall receive an internal examination at the 6-year interval, at which the unit is emptied, internally inspected, and recharged. Any extinguisher that has been discharged or partially discharged, for any reason, shall be recharged immediately and returned to service or replaced with a charged unit in the interim. A partially discharged extinguisher offers unreliable protection and shall not be left in place.
−
−## Hydrostatic Testing
−
−Extinguisher cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested at the interval set by NFPA 10 for the agent type: every 5 years for carbon-dioxide, wet-chemical, and water-based units, and every 12 years for stored-pressure dry-chemical units. Hydrostatic testing verifies the integrity of the pressure vessel; a cylinder that fails the test, or that has reached the end of its permitted service life, shall be removed from service. The hydrostatic-test interval shall be tracked from the cylinder's date of manufacture.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Hydrostatic Test Interval Tracking
−type: checkbox
−options:
− - "5-year — carbon dioxide units"
− - "5-year — wet chemical (Class K) units"
− - "5-year — water and water-mist units"
− - "12-year — stored-pressure dry chemical units"
−default: "12-year — stored-pressure dry chemical units"
−```
−
−# Warranty
−
−The Contractor shall provide a warranty covering all extinguishers, cabinets, and brackets for a period of not less than 1 year from the date of substantial completion. The warranty shall cover material and workmanship defects, the charged and operable condition of each extinguisher at acceptance, and the security of all mounting hardware. Extinguishers found discharged, depressurized, or defective within the warranty period through no fault of use shall be recharged or replaced at no cost to the Owner.
−
−```datasheet
−label: Warranty Duration
−type: select
−options:
− - "1 year from substantial completion (standard)"
− - "Manufacturer's standard warranty (verify period and conditions)"
−default: "1 year from substantial completion (standard)"
−```
+---
+title: Portable Fire Extinguishers and Cabinets
+category: Fire Protection
+toc_depth: 3
+description: >
+ When to use: Portable (hand-carried and wheeled) fire extinguishers and their mounting hardware, brackets, and cabinets installed throughout commercial, institutional, industrial, mercantile, assembly, and residential buildings to provide a first line of manual fire suppression by occupants and staff. Covers extinguisher selection by fire class (A, B, C, D, K) and occupancy hazard level, UL fire rating and agent type, distribution and travel-distance layout, mounting heights and brackets, recessed/semi-recessed/surface-mounted and fire-rated cabinets, identification and signage, installation, and the inspection/maintenance/hydrostatic-test program required to keep the units in service.
+ Not intended for: Fixed automatic fire-extinguishing systems such as wet- and dry-chemical kitchen hood suppression (covered under NFPA 96 commercial cooking protection), clean-agent total-flooding systems, or engineered CO2 systems; standpipe and hose systems for fire-department use (see [[sync/standpipe-systems]]); automatic sprinkler systems (see [[sync/wet-pipe-fire-sprinkler-systems]]); fire pumps (see [[sync/fire-pumps]]); the building fire alarm system (see [[sync/fire-alarm-systems]]); or extinguishers carried on vehicles and apparatus rather than fixed in the building.
+---
+
+# Scope {toc}
+
+## This standard covers the selection, distribution, mounting, identification, installation, and ongoing inspection and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers and the cabinets and brackets that house them in buildings. {note}
+
+## Portable fire extinguishers are the first line of manual fire suppression in nearly every occupancy, intended to be used by occupants or trained staff to control or extinguish an incipient fire before it grows beyond the capability of a hand-carried unit and before the fire department arrives; because they are the most numerous and most widely distributed fire-protection appliance in a building, errors in their selection, placement, or maintenance are common and consequential. {note}
+
+## The scope covers the extinguisher unit itself (cylinder, agent, valve, hose or nozzle, gauge, and bracket), the means by which it is mounted or stored (wall bracket, hanger, recessed cabinet, semi-recessed cabinet, or surface-mounted cabinet), the identification signage that directs occupants to the extinguisher, the requirements for the placement and distribution of units so that every point in the building is within the maximum travel distance permitted for the hazard present, and the placement of specialized extinguishers for specific hazards such as Class K wet-chemical units adjacent to commercial cooking appliances and Class D units adjacent to combustible-metal operations. {note}
+
+## Governing Codes and Standards {toc}
+### NFPA 10 governs the technical requirements; IBC/IFC Section 906 governs where extinguishers are required and establishes that they shall be conspicuously located and immediately available along normal paths of travel.
+
+### Portable fire extinguishers shall be selected, located, installed, inspected, maintained, and tested in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, in the current edition adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
+
+### Portable fire extinguishers shall comply with the International Fire Code (IFC) and International Building Code (IBC) Section 906 as adopted locally.
+
+### Where a local amendment modifies either document, the local amendment shall govern unless it is less stringent than the base standard, in which case the base standard shall govern.
+
+## Project-Specific Quantities and Locations {toc}
+### The selection and distribution of portable fire extinguishers is determined by the hazard present in each area of the building, which varies by occupancy and use. {note}
+### This standard establishes the requirements each unit and cabinet shall meet; the drawings establish how many are provided and where.
+
+### The number, type, size, and location of extinguishers and cabinets shall be [[drawing: as indicated on the life-safety plan and extinguisher location schedule]].
+
+# Referenced Standards {toc}
+
+## Selection, construction, installation, and maintenance shall comply with the current adopted editions of the following standards.
+
+| Standard | Title |
+|----------|-------|
+| NFPA 10 | Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers |
+| NFPA 96 | Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations |
+| IBC | International Building Code, Section 906 (Portable Fire Extinguishers) |
+| IFC | International Fire Code, Section 906 (Portable Fire Extinguishers) |
+| ANSI/UL 711 | Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers |
+| ANSI/UL 299 | Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers |
+| ANSI/UL 154 | Carbon-Dioxide Fire Extinguishers |
+| ANSI/UL 2129 | Halocarbon Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers |
+| ANSI/UL 8 | Water-Based Agent Fire Extinguishers |
+| ANSI/UL 626 | Water Fire Extinguishers (with antifreeze) |
+| UL 1093 | Halogenated Agent Fire Extinguishers |
+| ICC A117.1 | Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities |
+| ADA | Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Standards |
+| ASTM E814 (UL 1479) | Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems (for fire-rated cabinets in rated walls) |
+| 49 CFR 180 | DOT requirements for hydrostatic testing of compressed-gas cylinders |
+
+## Where standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless directed otherwise by the Engineer of Record in writing.
+
+# Submittals {toc}
+
+## Action Submittals {toc}
+### The Contractor shall submit the following for the Engineer of Record's review and the AHJ's approval prior to procurement and installation:
+
+- Product data for each extinguisher type, including the agent, nominal agent weight or capacity, the UL listing standard, the UL fire-test rating (e.g., 4-A:80-B:C), the cylinder hydrostatic-test rating, and the operating-temperature range
+- Product data for each cabinet type, including the mounting style (recessed, semi-recessed, or surface-mounted), the rough-opening dimensions, the door style and material, the trim projection beyond the finished wall, and the fire-resistance listing where the cabinet is installed in a fire-rated wall
+- Product data for each bracket or hanger type for bracket-mounted (non-cabinet) extinguishers, including the listed extinguisher weight range the bracket is rated to support
+- Extinguisher location and distribution plan demonstrating that every point in each protected area is within the maximum travel distance for the applicable fire class and hazard level per NFPA 10, with the hazard classification of each area identified
+- Identification and signage schedule showing the type, size, and mounting height of each extinguisher location sign
+- For Class K extinguishers, the required placard text confirming that the fixed kitchen suppression system is to be actuated prior to using the extinguisher, with text approved by the AHJ
+
+```datasheet
+label: Action Submittals Required
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - "Extinguisher product data with UL rating and listing standard"
+ - "Cabinet product data with projection and fire rating"
+ - "Bracket / hanger product data with rated weight range"
+ - "Extinguisher distribution plan with hazard classification and travel distances"
+ - "Identification and signage schedule"
+ - "Class K placard text approved by AHJ (where applicable)"
+default: "Extinguisher product data with UL rating and listing standard"
+```
+
+### Submittal review confirms extinguisher selection, distribution, and cabinet type against the life-safety plan; deficiencies caught here are far less expensive than units replaced after installation because the wrong agent, rating, or cabinet projection was furnished. {note}
+
+## Closeout Submittals {toc}
+### The following shall be submitted at substantial completion before the extinguisher installation is accepted:
+
+- Operation and maintenance manual including the type, rating, and location of every extinguisher, the NFPA 10 inspection and maintenance schedule, and the manufacturer's service instructions for each unit
+- Initial installation inspection record confirming that each extinguisher is fully charged, correctly located, correctly mounted, and tagged with the date placed in service
+- As-built extinguisher location plan reflecting field changes from the reviewed distribution plan
+- Warranty documentation for all extinguishers and cabinets carrying a manufacturer warranty
+
+```datasheet
+label: Closeout Submittals Required
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - "Operation and maintenance manual"
+ - "Initial installation inspection record with service tags"
+ - "As-built extinguisher location plan"
+ - "Manufacturer warranty documentation"
+default: "Operation and maintenance manual"
+```
+
+# Quality Assurance {toc}
+
+## Product Listing {toc}
+### Every extinguisher shall bear a UL fire-test rating and shall be listed to the construction standard applicable to its agent type.
+
+### Every portable fire extinguisher shall be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and shall bear a UL fire-test rating established under ANSI/UL 711.
+
+### The extinguisher shall additionally be listed under the agent-specific construction standard applicable to its type: ANSI/UL 299 for dry-chemical and dry-powder units, ANSI/UL 154 for carbon-dioxide units, ANSI/UL 2129 for halocarbon clean-agent units, and ANSI/UL 8 or UL 626 for water-based units.
+
+### An extinguisher that bears a rating but is not listed to its construction standard, or that bears no UL fire-test rating at all, shall not be accepted.
+
+## Installer Qualifications {toc}
+### In most jurisdictions, the servicing of portable fire extinguishers is a licensed activity. {note}
+
+### Initial placement-in-service inspection, recharging, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers shall be performed by persons certified or licensed as required by the state and local jurisdiction.
+
+### The technician affixing the service tag shall hold the applicable state certification.
+
+### The Contractor shall confirm the local licensing requirement before assigning the work.
+
+## Coordination with the Life-Safety Plan {toc}
+
+### The hazard classification of each area, the fire classes present, and the resulting extinguisher selection and distribution shall be confirmed against the architectural life-safety plan and the Engineer of Record's hazard analysis before procurement.
+
+### The Contractor shall not assume that a single extinguisher type satisfies the entire building.
+
+### A common and serious error is to furnish a uniform building-wide extinguisher selection (typically multipurpose ABC dry chemical) without separately addressing areas with special hazards — commercial kitchens requiring Class K units, electrical and electronics rooms where a clean agent or CO2 is preferred to avoid residue, and combustible-metal operations requiring Class D units. {note}
+
+# Fire Classification and Hazard Analysis {toc}
+
+## Fire Classes Present {toc}
+### Portable fire extinguishers are selected to match the class of fire anticipated in the area they protect. {note}
+### The fire classes are defined by the combustible material involved, and an extinguisher is rated for the classes its agent can safely and effectively extinguish. {note}
+
+- **Class A** — ordinary combustibles: wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics.
+- **Class B** — flammable and combustible liquids and gases: gasoline, oil, solvents, and grease (excluding cooking media).
+- **Class C** — fires involving energized electrical equipment, where the non-conductivity of the agent is essential.
+- **Class D** — combustible metals: magnesium, sodium, titanium, lithium, and similar.
+- **Class K** — cooking media (vegetable and animal oils and fats) in commercial cooking appliances.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Fire Classes Present in Protected Area
+type: checkbox
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Class A — ordinary combustibles"
+ - "Class B — flammable / combustible liquids and gases"
+ - "Class C — energized electrical equipment"
+ - "Class D — combustible metals"
+ - "Class K — commercial cooking media"
+default: "Class A — ordinary combustibles"
+```
+
+### The fire classes present in each area shall be identified during the hazard analysis.
+
+### Most general occupancies (offices, classrooms, retail, corridors) present Class A and Class B hazards together with energized electrical equipment, and are protected by a single multipurpose unit rated for A, B, and C; special-hazard areas require a separately selected unit for the class of fire present. {note}
+
+## Occupancy Hazard Classification {toc}
+### NFPA 10 classifies the hazard of an area as light (low), ordinary (moderate), or extra (high), based on the amount and combustibility of the Class A material and the amount of flammable Class B liquids present. {note}
+### The hazard classification determines the minimum extinguisher rating, the maximum floor area a single extinguisher may protect, and (together with the rating) the maximum travel distance.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Occupancy Hazard Classification
+type: select
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Light (low) hazard"
+ - "Ordinary (moderate) hazard"
+ - "Extra (high) hazard"
+default: "Light (low) hazard"
+```
+
+### Light-hazard occupancies include offices, classrooms, churches, and assembly areas where the quantity of combustibles is low; ordinary-hazard occupancies include mercantile, light manufacturing, parking garages, and warehouses with moderate combustible loading; extra-hazard occupancies include woodworking, vehicle repair, aircraft hangars, and areas with significant flammable-liquid handling or storage. {note}
+
+### The hazard classification shall be determined area-by-area, not building-wide.
+
+### The Designer shall classify each area on the life-safety plan.
+
+### A single building commonly contains light-hazard offices, an ordinary-hazard parking level, and an extra-hazard maintenance shop, each requiring a different extinguisher rating and distribution. {note}
+
+# Extinguisher Selection {toc}
+
+## Agent Type {toc}
+### The extinguishing agent shall be selected to match the fire classes present and the sensitivity of the protected contents to agent residue and corrosion.
+### Multipurpose (ABC) dry chemical, based on monoammonium phosphate, is the dominant general-purpose agent because a single unit covers Class A, B, and C fires and is inexpensive and effective. {note}
+### Its disadvantage is that the discharged powder is mildly corrosive and leaves a residue that is damaging to electronics and difficult to clean, which is why clean-agent and CO2 units are preferred in data centers, electrical rooms, laboratories, and similar sensitive spaces. {note}
+
+### Carbon-dioxide (CO2) agent is rated for Class B and Class C fires, leaves no residue, and is non-conductive, making it well suited to energized electrical equipment and laboratories. {note}
+### CO2 has no Class A rating of consequence and a limited discharge range, so it is not a general-purpose agent. {note}
+### Halocarbon clean agent (a non-ozone-depleting halocarbon listed to UL 2129) is rated for Class A, B, and C fires, leaves no residue, and is the preferred agent where the protected contents are both combustible (Class A) and residue-sensitive — server rooms, telecommunications spaces, and museum or archive areas. {note}
+### Wet chemical, listed for Class K, is the required agent for commercial cooking media; it cools and saponifies hot oil and is the only agent suited to deep-fat fryers and griddles. {note}
+### Water and water-mist units protect Class A hazards only; water-mist units are additionally rated for Class C because the fine, non-conductive mist does not bridge an electrical path, and are used where water damage must be minimized.
+### Dry-powder agent (distinct from dry chemical) is the only agent for Class D combustible-metal fires and is specific to the metal being protected. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Extinguishing Agent
+type: select
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Multipurpose dry chemical (ABC) — monoammonium phosphate"
+ - "Carbon dioxide (CO2) — Class B and C"
+ - "Halocarbon clean agent — Class A, B, and C, residue-free"
+ - "Wet chemical — Class K commercial cooking media"
+ - "Water (air-pressurized) — Class A only"
+ - "Water mist — Class A and C, low residue"
+ - "Dry powder — Class D combustible metals"
+default: "Multipurpose dry chemical (ABC) — monoammonium phosphate"
+```
+
+## UL Fire-Test Rating {toc}
+### Each extinguisher shall bear a UL fire-test rating established under ANSI/UL 711, expressed as a numeral-and-letter classification such as 4-A:80-B:C.
+### The numeral preceding "A" indicates the Class A extinguishing capacity (the relative quantity of Class A fire the unit will extinguish; a numeral of 1 corresponds to approximately 1.25 gallons of water equivalent). {note}
+### The numeral preceding "B" indicates the approximate area, in square feet, of a flammable-liquid fire the unit will extinguish in the hands of a trained operator. {note}
+### The letter "C" carries no numeral and indicates only that the agent is non-conductive and safe for use on energized electrical equipment. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum UL Fire-Test Rating
+type: select
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "2-A:10-B:C (light hazard, general)"
+ - "3-A:40-B:C"
+ - "4-A:60-B:C"
+ - "4-A:80-B:C (common ordinary-hazard standard)"
+ - "6-A:80-B:C"
+ - "10-B:C (Class B/C only, e.g., CO2)"
+ - "Higher rating as required by hazard analysis"
+default: "4-A:80-B:C (common ordinary-hazard standard)"
+```
+
+### The selected rating shall meet or exceed the minimum required for the area's hazard classification.
+
+## Minimum Class A Rating by Hazard {toc}
+### The minimum Class A rating shall comply with NFPA 10 for the area's hazard classification.
+
+### The minimum rating for any Class A extinguisher shall be 2-A regardless of hazard.
+
+### Light-hazard areas shall have a minimum 2-A rating.
+
+### Ordinary-hazard areas shall have a minimum 2-A rating with closer spacing and reduced maximum floor area per unit.
+
+### Extra-hazard areas shall have a minimum 4-A rating.
+
+### Higher ratings allow a single unit to protect a larger floor area and may reduce the total number of units required, subject always to the maximum travel-distance limit. {note}
+
+## Extinguisher Size and Agent Capacity {toc}
+### The nominal agent capacity shall be selected so that the unit achieves the required rating while remaining light enough for the intended user to carry and operate.
+### For multipurpose dry chemical, a nominal 5 lb unit is typical for light-hazard office and corridor use, a 10 lb unit (commonly rated 4-A:80-B:C) is the workhorse for ordinary-hazard areas, and 20 lb units are used in extra-hazard areas. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Nominal Agent Capacity (Dry Chemical)
+type: select
+unit: lb
+options:
+ - "2.5 lb"
+ - "5 lb"
+ - "10 lb"
+ - "20 lb"
+ - "Wheeled unit (30 lb or larger)"
+default: "10 lb"
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Wheeled (Larger Capacity) Unit Required
+type: radio
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "No — hand-carried units throughout"
+ - "Yes — wheeled units at extra-hazard locations"
+default: "No — hand-carried units throughout"
+```
+
+### Units heavier than these standard capacities shall be mounted lower and may be impractical for general occupant use. {note}
+
+### Wheeled units shall be provided where the required agent quantity exceeds what can be hand-carried.
+
+## Class K Extinguishers for Commercial Cooking {toc}
+### The Class K extinguisher is secondary protection; the primary protection is the fixed automatic hood-suppression system, and the portable unit is intended for use only after that system has discharged. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Class K Extinguisher at Commercial Cooking
+type: radio
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Not applicable — no commercial cooking media present"
+ - "Required — Class K wet-chemical unit with AHJ-approved placard"
+default: "Not applicable — no commercial cooking media present"
+```
+
+### Where commercial cooking equipment involving vegetable or animal oils and fats is present, a Class K wet-chemical extinguisher shall be provided as required by IBC/IFC Section 906 and NFPA 96.
+
+### A placard shall be conspicuously placed near each Class K extinguisher stating that the fixed system is to be actuated prior to using the extinguisher, with text approved by the AHJ.
+
+### Class K units shall be located within a travel distance not exceeding 30 ft from the cooking appliance.
+
+## Class D Extinguishers for Combustible Metals {toc}
+### The agent and the application rate differ by metal, and an agent listed for one combustible metal may be ineffective or dangerous on another.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Class D Extinguisher for Combustible Metals
+type: radio
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Not applicable — no combustible-metal hazard present"
+ - "Required — Class D dry-powder unit matched to the specific metal"
+default: "Not applicable — no combustible-metal hazard present"
+```
+
+### Where combustible-metal operations are present, a Class D dry-powder extinguisher selected for the specific metal hazard shall be provided.
+
+### Class D units shall be located within a travel distance not exceeding 75 ft of the hazard.
+
+### The agent selection shall be confirmed against the specific metal handled.
+
+# Distribution and Travel Distance {toc}
+
+## Class A Travel Distance {toc}
+### The 75 ft limit is independent of the extinguisher rating; a higher-rated unit increases the floor area it may protect but never extends the travel distance beyond 75 ft.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Maximum Travel Distance to a Class A Extinguisher
+type: range
+unit: ft
+options:
+ min: 25
+ max: 75
+ setpoints: [50, 75]
+default: 75
+```
+
+### Extinguishers protecting Class A hazards shall be distributed so that the maximum travel distance from any point in the protected area to the nearest suitable extinguisher does not exceed 75 ft, measured along the actual path of travel that an occupant would walk — around walls, partitions, and fixed obstructions, and through doorways — not in a straight line.
+
+### Verifying travel distance along the real path of egress, rather than as a radius on the plan, is one of the most frequent NFPA 10 compliance issues at inspection. {note}
+
+## Class B Travel Distance {toc}
+### Because Class B fires spread rapidly, the permitted travel distance is shorter than for Class A. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Maximum Travel Distance to a Class B Extinguisher
+type: range
+unit: ft
+options:
+ min: 30
+ max: 50
+ setpoints: [30, 50]
+default: 50
+```
+
+### Extinguishers protecting Class B (flammable-liquid) hazards shall be distributed so that the maximum travel distance does not exceed the limit set by NFPA 10 for the extinguisher's Class B rating and the hazard level: generally 30 ft for lower-rated units in higher hazards and up to 50 ft for higher-rated units.
+
+### Where a multipurpose unit carries both A and B ratings, the more restrictive Class B travel distance shall govern the spacing in any area where a Class B hazard is present.
+
+## Maximum Floor Area per Extinguisher {toc}
+### The maximum floor area a single Class A extinguisher may protect is limited by NFPA 10 according to the unit's Class A rating and the area's hazard classification.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Maximum Floor Area per Class A Extinguisher
+type: range
+unit: ft²
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ min: 3000
+ max: 11250
+ setpoints: [3000, 6000, 11250]
+default: 11250
+```
+
+### The travel-distance limit and the maximum-floor-area limit shall be applied together; the more restrictive of the two governs the number and spacing of units.
+
+### The Designer shall confirm both limits for each area and shall add units wherever either limit would otherwise be exceeded.
+
+## Number and Location of Units {toc}
+### The number, type, and exact location of every extinguisher and cabinet are project-specific. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Extinguisher Location Strategy
+type: checkbox
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Along normal paths of travel and in corridors"
+ - "Near exits and exit-access doors"
+ - "Adjacent to specific hazards (electrical, mechanical, kitchen, shop)"
+ - "At each level of stairwells where required by the AHJ"
+ - "Additional units to satisfy travel-distance and floor-area limits"
+default: "Along normal paths of travel and in corridors"
+```
+
+### The number, type, and exact location of every extinguisher and cabinet shall be [[drawing: as indicated on the life-safety plan and extinguisher location schedule]].
+
+### Extinguishers shall, at a minimum, be located along normal paths of travel, near exits and exit-access doors where occupants naturally move toward during evacuation, and adjacent to specific hazards (electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, kitchens, shops) that require a dedicated unit.
+
+# Mounting and Cabinets {toc}
+
+## Mounting Method {toc}
+### Bracket mounting is the least expensive method and is appropriate in back-of-house, industrial, and mechanical areas where appearance is not a concern and the unit is not exposed to physical damage. {note}
+### Cabinet mounting protects the unit from dust, weather, tampering, and impact, and provides a finished appearance in public and occupied spaces; it is the standard method in lobbies, corridors, and tenant areas. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Mounting Method
+type: radio
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "Semi-recessed cabinet"
+ - "Recessed cabinet"
+ - "Surface-mounted cabinet"
+ - "Wall bracket / hanger (no cabinet)"
+default: "Semi-recessed cabinet"
+```
+
+### Each extinguisher shall be installed on a listed wall bracket or hanger, or housed in a listed cabinet, so that it is securely supported and readily accessible.
+
+### Extinguishers shall never be set on the floor unmounted, both because an unmounted unit is easily displaced or knocked over and because NFPA 10 requires positive support.
+
+## Cabinet Type {toc}
+### A recessed cabinet sits entirely within the wall cavity with only the door and trim at or near the finished wall surface; it presents the cleanest appearance and the least projection but requires a wall deep enough to accept the full cabinet box. {note}
+### A semi-recessed cabinet projects partially into the wall and partially out, and is the most widely used type because it accommodates shallow stud walls while keeping the projection within the limit permitted for an accessible path of travel. {note}
+### A surface-mounted cabinet attaches entirely to the wall face, requires no wall cavity, and is used where the wall cannot be penetrated (masonry, concrete, fire-rated assemblies that cannot be cut). {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Cabinet Door Style
+type: select
+options:
+ - "Full acrylic / glazed door with pull handle"
+ - "Full acrylic / glazed door with break-glass latch"
+ - "Solid door with vision panel"
+ - "Solid door, no vision panel"
+default: "Full acrylic / glazed door with pull handle"
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Cabinet Trim Style
+type: select
+options:
+ - "Flush trim (trimless / drywall bead)"
+ - "Rolled-edge / square trim"
+ - "Recessed (zero projection) trim"
+default: "Rolled-edge / square trim"
+```
+
+### The cabinet type shall be selected to balance appearance, the available wall depth, and the projection limit into the path of travel.
+
+### Because a surface-mounted cabinet's full projection typically exceeds the 4 in. accessible-route limit, it shall not be placed within a required accessible path of travel.
+
+### The semi-recessed cabinet is the default because it suits the typical interior stud wall and satisfies the accessibility projection limit. {note}
+
+### The cabinet door style, material, and finish shall be coordinated with the architectural finishes.
+
+## Cabinet Projection into Path of Travel {toc}
+### This is among the most common accessibility violations in extinguisher installations and is readily avoided by confirming the cabinet projection during submittal review. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Maximum Cabinet Projection in Accessible Route
+type: range
+unit: in.
+options:
+ min: 0
+ max: 4
+ setpoints: [0, 1.5, 3, 4]
+default: 4
+```
+
+### Where a surface-mounted or semi-recessed cabinet is located within a corridor, aisle, or other accessible route, its projection from the wall shall comply with the accessible-route requirements of ICC A117.1 and the ADA.
+
+### An object mounted on a wall with its leading edge between 27 in. and 80 in. above the finished floor shall not project more than 4 in. into the path of travel.
+
+### Because a fully-stocked surface-mounted cabinet commonly projects 6 in. or more, surface-mounted cabinets shall not be used within a required accessible route; a recessed or semi-recessed cabinet shall be used instead, with its projection confirmed against the 4 in. limit.
+
+## Fire-Rated Cabinets {toc}
+### A standard cabinet recessed into a rated wall reduces the wall to the thickness of the cabinet's sheet-metal box at the opening and destroys the wall's rating unless a fire-rated cabinet (listed with the rated wall assembly per ASTM E814 / UL 1479) is used. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Fire-Rated Cabinet Required
+type: radio
+drawing_ref: true
+options:
+ - "No — cabinet not located in a fire-rated wall"
+ - "Yes — recessed/semi-recessed cabinet in a fire-rated wall"
+default: "No — cabinet not located in a fire-rated wall"
+```
+
+### Where a recessed or semi-recessed cabinet is installed in a wall that is required to have a fire-resistance rating — such as a corridor wall, stair enclosure, occupancy-separation wall, or shaft wall — the cabinet shall be a listed fire-rated cabinet, and the installation shall maintain the fire-resistance rating of the penetrated assembly.
+
+### The Contractor shall confirm the fire rating of each wall before selecting the cabinet and shall not recess a non-rated cabinet into a rated wall.
+
+## Mounting Height {toc}
+### The default mounting height of 48 in. to the top of the unit satisfies both the NFPA 10 maximum and the accessible reach range for typical hand-carried units. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Mounting Height to Top of Extinguisher
+type: range
+unit: in.
+options:
+ min: 36
+ max: 60
+ setpoints: [42, 48, 54, 60]
+default: 48
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum Clearance Below Extinguisher
+type: range
+unit: in.
+options:
+ min: 4
+ max: 12
+ setpoints: [4, 6, 8]
+default: 4
+```
+
+### Extinguishers with a gross weight not exceeding 40 lb shall be installed so that the top of the unit is not more than 5 ft (60 in.) above the finished floor.
+
+### Extinguishers with a gross weight greater than 40 lb shall be installed so that the top of the unit is not more than 3.5 ft (42 in.) above the finished floor.
+
+### In all cases the clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor shall be at least 4 in.
+
+### Where the extinguisher or its cabinet is located on an accessible route, the operable parts (the carrying handle and the cabinet latch) shall additionally fall within the accessible reach range, which commonly results in a handle height of about 48 in. above the floor.
+
+# Identification and Signage {toc}
+
+## Conspicuous Location {toc}
+### The intent is that an occupant who needs an extinguisher can find one quickly without searching; an extinguisher that cannot be located in an emergency provides no protection. {note}
+
+### Each extinguisher shall be conspicuously located and visible from the normal path of travel, in accordance with NFPA 10 and IBC/IFC Section 906.
+
+### Where an extinguisher or cabinet cannot be made directly visible — for example, where it is set back in an alcove or recessed flush into a wall finish that camouflages it — a sign or other approved means shall be provided to indicate its location.
+
+## Location Signs {toc}
+### For visibility down a corridor, projecting (flag-mounted) signs perpendicular to the wall are commonly used. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Extinguisher Identification Signage
+type: select
+options:
+ - "Wall-flush identification sign at each location"
+ - "Projecting (flag) sign perpendicular to wall for corridor visibility"
+ - "Both flush and projecting signs"
+ - "Cabinet face lettering only (where cabinet is conspicuous)"
+default: "Wall-flush identification sign at each location"
+```
+
+### An identification sign shall be provided at each extinguisher location to direct occupants to the unit.
+
+### Signs shall be located close to the extinguisher and shall be visible from the normal path of travel.
+
+### Sign mounting height shall place the sign within the typical sightline, commonly between 60 in. and 80 in. above the finished floor.
+
+## Cabinet Identification {toc}
+### A cabinet that blends into the wall finish without identification defeats the purpose of conspicuous location. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Cabinet Marking
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "\"FIRE EXTINGUISHER\" lettering on cabinet door"
+ - "Identification decal on glazing"
+ - "Adjacent identification sign"
+default: "\"FIRE EXTINGUISHER\" lettering on cabinet door"
+```
+
+### Where an extinguisher is housed in a cabinet, the cabinet shall be marked conspicuously to identify its contents, in accordance with NFPA 10.
+
+### Cabinet marking may be by lettering applied to the cabinet door, a decal, or an adjacent sign.
+
+## Class K Placard {toc}
+### This placard is required by IBC/IFC Section 906 and reflects the rule that the portable Class K unit is a backup to, not a replacement for, the hood-suppression system. {note}
+
+### Where a Class K extinguisher is provided at commercial cooking equipment, a placard shall be conspicuously posted adjacent to the extinguisher stating that the fixed automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be actuated prior to using the portable extinguisher.
+
+### The placard text shall be approved by the AHJ.
+
+# Installation {toc}
+
+## Mounting Security {toc}
+### An extinguisher that pulls out of the wall when lifted is both a hazard and a failed installation. {note}
+
+### The Contractor shall install each bracket, hanger, and cabinet securely to the building structure, using anchors appropriate to the wall construction and rated to support the gross weight of the extinguisher with an appropriate factor of safety.
+
+### Brackets on hollow stud walls shall be anchored to blocking or to a backing plate, not to unsupported gypsum board.
+
+## Charged and In-Service Condition {toc}
+
+### Every extinguisher shall be delivered to its mounting location fully charged and shall be placed in service in the fully charged condition.
+
+### Each unit shall bear a service tag indicating the date it was placed in service and the identity of the person performing the initial placement inspection.
+
+### An extinguisher installed with a low or empty charge, or without an initial service tag, shall not be accepted.
+
+## Protection from Damage and Environment {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Freeze Protection for Water-Based Units
+type: radio
+options:
+ - "Not applicable — no water-based units, or all in conditioned space"
+ - "Listed low-temperature unit or antifreeze charge in freezing areas"
+default: "Not applicable — no water-based units, or all in conditioned space"
+```
+
+### Extinguishers shall be located and installed so that they are protected from physical damage, and shall not be located where they will be subject to temperatures outside their listed operating range.
+
+### Water-based extinguishers shall not be located in areas subject to freezing unless they are listed for low-temperature service or are protected with a listed antifreeze charge.
+
+### Extinguishers in corrosive, wet, or outdoor environments shall be selected and located with appropriate corrosion-resistant construction or protective enclosures.
+
+# Inspection, Maintenance, and Testing {toc}
+
+## Failure to maintain the ongoing program is the most common reason extinguishers are found out of service at a fire-marshal inspection. {note}
+
+## The Owner shall be advised in the operation and maintenance manual that portable fire extinguishers require an ongoing inspection, maintenance, and testing program under NFPA 10 to remain in service.
+
+## The inspection, maintenance, and testing program is the responsibility of the Owner after acceptance, but the requirements shall be documented in the closeout package so the program can begin without interruption.
+
+## Inspection Frequency {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Visual Inspection Frequency
+type: select
+options:
+ - "Monthly (NFPA 10 minimum)"
+ - "More frequent — high-traffic or high-risk environment"
+default: "Monthly (NFPA 10 minimum)"
+```
+
+### A visual inspection shall be performed at least monthly to confirm that each extinguisher is in its designated location, is unobstructed and visible, is fully charged (gauge in the operable range), shows no visible damage or corrosion, and has an intact tamper seal.
+
+### The monthly inspection may be performed by the Owner's staff and shall be recorded.
+
+## Annual Maintenance {toc}
+
+### A thorough maintenance examination shall be performed at least annually by a certified technician, including a check of the mechanical parts, the agent quantity, and the pressurization, with a new maintenance tag affixed indicating the date and the technician.
+
+## Internal Examination and Recharge {toc}
+### A partially discharged extinguisher offers unreliable protection and shall not be left in place.
+
+### Stored-pressure dry-chemical extinguishers shall receive an internal examination at the 6-year interval, at which the unit is emptied, internally inspected, and recharged.
+
+### Any extinguisher that has been discharged or partially discharged, for any reason, shall be recharged immediately and returned to service or replaced with a charged unit in the interim.
+
+## Hydrostatic Testing {toc}
+### Hydrostatic testing verifies the integrity of the pressure vessel. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Hydrostatic Test Interval Tracking
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - "5-year — carbon dioxide units"
+ - "5-year — wet chemical (Class K) units"
+ - "5-year — water and water-mist units"
+ - "12-year — stored-pressure dry chemical units"
+default: "12-year — stored-pressure dry chemical units"
+```
+
+### Extinguisher cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested at the interval set by NFPA 10 for the agent type: every 5 years for carbon-dioxide, wet-chemical, and water-based units, and every 12 years for stored-pressure dry-chemical units.
+
+### A cylinder that fails the test, or that has reached the end of its permitted service life, shall be removed from service.
+
+### The hydrostatic-test interval shall be tracked from the cylinder's date of manufacture.
+
+# Warranty {toc}
+
+## Warranty Requirements {toc}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Warranty Duration
+type: select
+options:
+ - "1 year from substantial completion (standard)"
+ - "Manufacturer's standard warranty (verify period and conditions)"
+default: "1 year from substantial completion (standard)"
+```
+
+### The Contractor shall provide a warranty covering all extinguishers, cabinets, and brackets for a period of not less than 1 year from the date of substantial completion.
+
+### The warranty shall cover material and workmanship defects, the charged and operable condition of each extinguisher at acceptance, and the security of all mounting hardware.
+
+### Extinguishers found discharged, depressurized, or defective within the warranty period through no fault of use shall be recharged or replaced at no cost to the Owner.