Commercial Fire Protection Service
Commercial Fire Extinguisher Service
Portable fire extinguishers are a code-required first line of defense in every commercial building. Get matched with a contractor for placement, inspection, and maintenance.
Overview
Portable fire extinguishers are required in virtually every commercial occupancy and are governed by NFPA 10, the Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. OSHA’s guidance on portable fire extinguishers covers placement, use, and testing basics as well. Unlike fixed suppression systems, extinguishers are meant for a trained occupant to fight a small, incipient-stage fire — not to replace sprinklers, alarms, or suppression systems.
Extinguisher Types & Fire Classes
- Class A: ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth
- Class B: flammable liquids and gases
- Class C: energized electrical equipment
- Class D: combustible metals, common in certain industrial settings
- Class K: commercial kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats
- Multi-purpose ABC dry chemical extinguishers are the most common type installed in general commercial spaces
Placement & Spacing Requirements
NFPA 10 sets maximum travel distances to an extinguisher based on the hazard classification of the space (typically 75 feet for Class A hazards), and requires extinguishers to be mounted, visible, and accessible — not blocked by inventory, equipment, or furniture.
Inspection, Maintenance & Testing
- Monthly visual inspection to confirm the extinguisher is in place, charged, and unobstructed
- Annual maintenance inspection performed by a certified technician, with a tag documenting the service date
- Periodic hydrostatic testing of the cylinder, on an interval that depends on extinguisher type (commonly every 5 or 12 years)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for extinguisher inspections?
The property owner or facility manager is generally responsible for ensuring monthly visual checks happen and that a licensed contractor performs the required annual maintenance inspection.
How many extinguishers does my building need?
It depends on square footage, hazard classification, and travel distance requirements under NFPA 10 — a licensed contractor can determine the exact count and placement for your building.
Can I use any fire extinguisher for a commercial kitchen?
No. Commercial kitchens with grease fire risk require a Class K extinguisher in addition to, not instead of, the kitchen’s wet chemical hood suppression system.
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