Can you keep fire extinguisher under kitchen sink?

Author: Angela Carroll  |  Last update: Monday, February 16, 2026

“It's ideal to have a fire extinguisher on each level of the home,” says Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo Insurance. “Fire extinguishers are stored best in easy-to-reach places and away from heat sources, such as under the kitchen sink or in entryways.

Where should you keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen?

Kitchen fire extinguishers should be installed near stoves and other cooking appliances, but not so close to impede access in the event of a fire. If you have a smaller kitchen, you might need to mount the kitchen extinguisher on a wall in a closet, as long as it is accessible from the kitchen.

Where not to put a fire extinguisher?

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.

What is the OSHA rule for fire extinguisher placement?

Those with gross weights of no more than 40 pounds (lbs.) should be mounted with their carrying handles no higher than 5 feet from the floor. Larger fire extinguishers (over 40 lbs. gross weight) need to be mounted at lower heights, with their carrying handles no more than 3-1/2 feet from the floor.

Where is the proper location of a fire extinguisher?

Place all extinguishers where they're easy to see and reach. Every fire extinguisher must be placed in a visible and easy-to-reach location with the label facing out. They should be installed along hallways, in meeting rooms, near exit doors, and in other common locations.

️🔥 How to Install a Fire Extinguisher on a Wall➔ Easy DIY Instructions (Even a Kid Can Do It!)

Can you keep a fire extinguisher under the sink?

“It's ideal to have a fire extinguisher on each level of the home,” says Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo Insurance. “Fire extinguishers are stored best in easy-to-reach places and away from heat sources, such as under the kitchen sink or in entryways.”

How much clearance around a fire extinguisher?

Most authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) will expect at least 36-inches clearance in front of the extinguisher as long as it is still visible.

What are some common fire extinguisher violations of OSHA regulations?

OSHA fire extinguisher violations usually happen for a host of reasons.
  • Improper fire extinguishers are supplied, or they're not distributed across your facility adequately. Remember, not all fire extinguishers are created equally.
  • Fire extinguishers aren't maintained. ...
  • Lack of fire extinguisher inspection records.

Why can't fire extinguisher put on floor?

The main reason would be it is difficult to locate a fire extinguisher when a fire occurs. By placing the fire extinguisher on the floor, we remove it out of our natural line of sight. This is both a fire hazard and one of the things that SCDF officers look out for during their building inspections.

What is the code for blocking fire extinguishers?

906.6Unobstructed and unobscured. Portable fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view. In rooms or areas in which visual obstruction cannot be completely avoided, means shall be provided to indicate the locations of extinguishers.

Can I store a fire extinguisher in a cabinet?

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. In my humble opinion portable fire extinguisher distribution and placement is the trickiest part of installation.

What is the golden rule of fire extinguishers?

The golden rule is that only one extinguisher is used. If that fails to extinguish the fire, STOP and leave.

Do fire extinguishers need to be off the floor?

Ones with contents of 3 kg or 3 litres and above should be wall-mounted so that the handles are one metre from the floor. This also includes the common 2kg CO2 extinguisher. Smaller extinguishers need to be mounted so that handles are one and a half metres from the floor level.

How far away can a kitchen fire extinguisher be?

► Fires involve cooking oils used in commer- cial cooking equipment. ► Should not be located further than 30 ft (9.1 m) from the hazard. extinguishers, different location requirements exist for Class A, B, C, D, and K extinguishers.

What kind of fire extinguisher is not allowed in kitchen?

Dry chemical fire extinguishers are not sufficient to put out kitchen fires involving vegetable-based cooking oils, which carry a high risk of re-flash fires. These extinguishers should be removed from the cooking area.

Where should fire extinguishers be sited?

Fire extinguishers are also often located near fire alarm call points so that someone can raise the alarm and then pick up an extinguisher. Extinguishers should be sited so that it is not necessary to travel more than 30 metres to reach one. So, therefore, extinguishers can be 60 metres apart.

Where is the best place to put a fire extinguisher in your home?

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.

Where should you place a fire extinguisher?

Normally, fire extinguishers should be located:
  1. in conspicuous positions on brackets, on floor stands or within cabinets.
  2. where they will be readily seen by persons following an escape route.
  3. most suitably, near to room exits, corridors, stairways, lobbies, and landings.

Is it illegal to not have a fire extinguisher in your house?

Fire extinguishers are required in most commercial, industrial and residential buildings. The only buildings where fire extinguishers are not mandated are family homes.

Do fire extinguishers have to be mounted?

The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury.

How far should a fire extinguisher be from the floor?

The installation height for extinguishers depends on the weight of the extinguisher. If the weight of the extinguisher is less than 4kg, the top of the handle should be 1.5m above ground level when installed. If the fire extinguisher is more than 4kg, the top of the handle should be 1.0m above ground level.

How to show fire extinguisher on floor plan?

Fire extinguishers. Use a small fire extinguisher icon and the label "Fire Extinguisher" to show the location of all the extinguishers on your diagram. If there's a fire fighting station on the property, show that as well and label it "Fire Station".

How long does a 5 pound fire extinguisher last?

When you purchase a new carbon dioxide, pressurized water, or wet chemical extinguisher, you can expect it to last at least five years. For dry chemical extinguishers, the minimum lifespan is 12 years.

Previous article
Why does my room suddenly smell like chemicals?
Next article
Is it safe to put furniture against baseboard heaters?