What is the correct height for a fire extinguisher?

Author: Desmond Lind DVM  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

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.

What is the proper height for a fire extinguisher?

Extinguishers need to be installed at least 4 inches off the ground up to a maximum of 5ft.

What is the ADA code for fire extinguisher height?

MOUNTING HEIGHT. Portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 5 feet above the floor.

What are the OSHA rules for fire extinguishers?

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.

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.

how high should a fire extinguisher be mounted?

What is the 75 rule for fire extinguishers?

The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers for use by employees on Class A fires so that the travel distance for employees to any extinguisher is 75 feet (22.9 m) or less.

What are the guidelines for fire extinguishers?

Pull: Pull the safety pin located at the top of the fire extinguisher. Aim: Aim the nozzle at the fire's base rather than its top. Squeeze: Squeeze the lever gently to release the extinguishing agent. Sweep: Sweep the fire extinguisher from side to side to sufficiently cover the fire and prevent it from spreading.

How many feet of clearance should be 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. They “borrow” this 36-inch clearance measurement from NFPA 70-2011, Article 110.26 for electrical control panels.

What is the height of a fire extinguisher box?

To prevent fire extinguishers from being moved or damaged, they should be mounted on brackets or in wall cabinets with the carrying handle placed 3-1/2 to 5 feet above the floor. Larger fire extinguishers need to be mounted at lower heights with the carrying handle about 3 feet from the floor.

Where should a fire extinguisher be placed?

If you have a fire extinguisher, it should be placed where it is easily accessible. The kitchen and garage are good sites for an extinguisher.

What is the height of a fire extinguisher from the floor as per NFPA?

The bottom of the extinguisher needs to be at least 4in off the ground and the top not more than 5ft from the ground, unless it is heavier than 40lbs. In the case where it is heavier than 40lbs, the top of the extinguisher cannot be more than 3.5ft above the floor.

What is the maximum reach height for ADA?

Figure 5(a) High Forward Reach Limit.

Facing a wall, surface or element -- maximum reach height is 48 inches (1220 mm) and minimum low forward reach height is 15 inches (380 mm). Clear floor space 48 inches (1220 mm) deep and 30 inches (760 mm) wide.

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 ADA height code for fire extinguishers?

Extinguishers weighing 40 pounds or less: The top no higher than 5 feet (60 inches), and the bottom no lower than 4 inches from the floor. Extinguishers weighing more than 40 pounds: The top no higher than 3 1/2 feet (42 inches), and the bottom no lower than 4 inches from the floor.

What heights do fire extinguisher signs need to be?

The sign must be mounted such that it is no less than 2 metres from the floor level or at a height that makes it the most apparent to a person of average height and visual acuity.

How do I calculate how many fire extinguishers I need?

Calculate Based on Square Footage:
  1. For buildings less than 3,000 square feet, at least one 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher is required.
  2. For buildings between 3,000 and 6,000 square feet in size, at least two 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguishers are required.

What is the standard height for a fire extinguisher?

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.

What is the height requirement for a pull station?

The simple answer that the operable part of the pull station needs to be at least 42 in. (1.07 m), and not more than 48 in. (1.22 m), above the finished floor. Additionally, one pull station needs to be within 5 ft (1.5 m) of each exit doorway on each floor where required to be installed in a building.

Is there a code for fire extinguisher installation?

The details in regard to the maintenance are given in IS 2190 : 1992 'Code of practice for selection, installation and maintenance of portable first aid fire extinguishers (third revision)'. This standard was first published in 1962 and revised in 1972, 1976 and 1985.

What are the installation heights for fire extinguishers?

Installation Height

No extinguisher should be mounted higher than 1200mm (120cm) off the floor. The bottom of the extinguisher should be no less than 100mm (10cm) from the floor.

What is the OSHA requirement for fire extinguishers?

Fire extinguishers will be stored at a distance no greater than 10 feet from torch users. A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 10B, will be provided within 50 feet of the location where more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 pounds of a flammable gas are used on a job site.

What is the maximum height above a finished floor to install a portable fire extinguisher with a weight of 25 pounds?

Portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 5 feet above the floor.

What are the golden rules of fire extinguishers?

Use an extinguisher – Remember the golden fire extinguisher rule: only attempt to use an extinguisher if you can confidently tackle it with the right equipment. Otherwise, if in doubt, get out and stay out.

What is the height of a fire extinguisher cabinet?

Specifically, the highest operable part of the fire extinguisher should be no more than 48 inches (1220 mm) above the floor for unobstructed reach. If the extinguisher is in a recessed or obstructed location (e.g., within a cabinet), the maximum height is reduced to 44 inches (1120 mm).

What is the ABC code for a fire extinguisher?

Class A puts out ordinary combustible fires (wood, paper, plastic, etc.) Class B puts out flammable liquid fires (oil, gas, petroleum, etc.) Class C puts out electrical fires. Class D puts out combustible metal fires (magnesium, titanium, potassium, sodium, etc.)

Previous article
Why is my dryer making a weird noise?
Next article
Can Triple AAA help with lost keys?