You can store a fire extinguisher outdoors, however, it must be in a secure place and away from the elements. NEVER store an extinguisher in your garage or shed unless it is locked away, out of sight and protected. If your fire extinguisher is not in use, then it should be stored in a cool, dry place at all times.
Traditional steel fire extinguishers can be left outside if they are in a weatherproof cabinet or box. P50 Service-Free Fire Extinguishers can be left outside without extra protection from the weather. This is because they are completely weatherproof and do not corrode.
If you want to be cautious, you should store your extinguisher near the floor and out of the sun.
The majority of fire extinguishers will still function adequately after being stored in freezing temperatures. However, for safety reasons, you must replace devices that are damaged. Storing fire extinguishers outdoors in normal or freezing temperatures leaves them open to precipitation and humidity.
The kitchen and garage are good sites for an extinguisher. However, do not place an extinguisher over the stove or buried in storage in the garage, but rather hang it on the wall no less than 4 inches or greater than 5 feet from the ground.
But it shouldn't be installed in the immediate vicinity of the stove, where smoke and flames could block access. If you have a small kitchen, you may need to mount the kitchen extinguisher on a wall in the adjacent room—as long as it's easily accessible from the kitchen.
Fire extinguishers can be kept in an automobile, RV, or trailer as long as temperatures do not fall outside of the range of -40 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 10B, shall be provided within 50 feet of wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of flammable gas are being used on the jobsite. This requirement does not apply to the integral fuel tanks of motor vehicles.
For those wondering “can ABC fire extinguishers freeze?”, this type of fire extinguisher operates normally right down to -20? C, so it's highly unlikely it would freeze unless in extreme cold weather conditions.
How long do fire extinguishers last? The average lifespan of a powder, foam or water extinguisher is usually between 10 and 12 years. This is based on the extinguisher being in good condition with no corrosion or damage. After this time, the fire extinguisher should be replaced with a new one.
NFPA 10, paragraph 6.1. 3.7 requires extinguishers that are subject to physical damage from impact, vibration, or envi- ronmental issues to be protected. Two of the most common methods for compliance are installing extinguishers in cabinets or providing covers for the extinguishers.
Having said all this, the Underwriters Laboratory test does not guarantee that the fire extinguishers will be effective after exposure to high temperature. It is possible that the valve could leak, slowly releasing pressure or that the heat could alter the chemical composition of the fire retardant.
A modern fire extinguisher can be stored horizontally. The contents are under pressure, and the angle of storage will not cause the system to leak. Proper fire extinguisher storage includes using the appropriate mounting brackets, and being sure that you do not allow your extinguishers to freeze.
Storing A Fire Extinguisher Outside
If your fire extinguisher is not in use, then it should be stored in a cool, dry place at all times.
Move your cold-weather sensitive extinguishers to an indoor location or a well-insulated area to keep them protected and functioning properly.
Is it against the law to put a fire extinguisher on the floor? Unfortunately, it is against fire code regulations if placed directly on the floor.
Dry chemical fire extinguishers can endure freezing temperatures with no problem whatsoever. If you've verified that your extinguisher isn't pressurized water or mist, then you can put the threat of freezing out of mind.
Your fire extinguisher should be stored where it is easily accessible and not exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. The garage is a good choice because it's usually located near your car, so you can keep an eye on both simultaneously (the car shouldn't be left running unattended).
Based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, here are the two fire extinguisher life expectancy guidelines every business owner or facility manager needs to know: Disposable fire extinguishers - Should be replaced every 12 years. Rechargeable fire extinguishers - Should be recharged every 6 years.
Did you think there was a fire and there wasn't? In both of these cases there would be no legal repercussions, unless you damaged something, which is possible using a dry chemical extinguisher around electrical equipment. If it was malicious however there could be charges.
If a fire breaks out, people may be unable to quickly locate and retrieve the extinguisher if it is on the ground. Additionally, placing the extinguisher on the floor can make it more vulnerable to damage or tampering. It may be kicked or knocked over, or someone may intentionally move or steal it.
You can easily grab it from the glove compartment, or if you have space, put it under or behind your driver's seat. Keeping it in your vehicle is also a good idea if you like to stop and help someone who is stuck in a parking lot or on the side of the road.
The kitchen is the highest priority placing a fire extinguisher. According to SCDF statistics, kitchen fires (due to unattended cooking) are the most common cause of residential fires.
Disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years. Rechargeable fire extinguishers should be taken to an experienced fire equipment service company and inspected/recharged every 6 years, especially if used in a commercial application or in an uncontrolled temperature setting.