How Many Fire Extinguishers Do I Need?

People always ask us how many fire extinguishers do I need. The number of fire extinguishers that are required will depend on some factors that play a vital role.

 

Those factors determine the quantity, size, type, and also location of the fire extinguishers. The NFPA, OSHA and local codes have proper rules and requirements for the use of fire extinguishers.

 

How Many Fire Extinguishers Do I Need

The Factors That Determine The Proper Requirements

 

Size of the room

NFPA basic requirements, in a building the fire extinguisher distance will be no more than 75 feet between one another. It must also be accessible. The building’s square foot and its layout will determine the required quantity.

 

Fire hazard level

A commercial building evaluates the fire hazard level by evaluating the purpose of the building.

  • Commercial Kitchen
  • Light Fire level
  • Ordinary fire level I & II
  • Extra fire level I & II

 

If Flammable liquids are present

According to OSHA, if flammable liquids or gas are present in a minimum of 5 gallons, then there must be at least a 10B rating accessible fire extinguisher within 50 feet.

 

Stairway

A multi-story commercial or residential building must keep at least one fire extinguisher in every stairway.

 

These are some factors, which must be considered which are contained in the NFPA 10 and OSHA Safety and Health Regulations for Construction 1926.150: Fire Protection.

 

How Do I Calculate How Many Fire Extinguishers I Need?

To calculate how many 13A extinguishers are required, divide the floor area by 200, and round up. For Example floor area 1300 sqm: 1300 ÷ 200 = 6.5 Round up to 7 7 x 13A water-based extinguishers.

 

How To Choose The Right Fire Extinguisher

 

How To Choose The Right Fire Extinguisher

 

If you know the categories of fire then you can choose the correct fire extinguisher.

 

Type A is ordinary combustibles like paper, cloth, wood, or plastic. For this water and foam fire extinguisher is perfect.

 

Type B is flammable liquids. Like petroleum oil, paint, propane, butane, or gasoline. Dry chemicals, Carbon dioxide, Cartridge operated dry chemicals and Clean agent extinguishers are perfect for those flammable liquids.

 

Type C is electrical instrumentation like kitchen appliances, transformers, or motors. Dry chemical, Carbon dioxide, Cartridge operated dry chemical, Water mist, and the clean agent is the correct extinguisher for those types of fires.

 

Type D is combustible metals like magnesium, sodium, potassium, or aluminum. Only dry powder fire extinguisher for these materials.

 

Cooking oils like vegetable fats, animal fats, greases, or different cookery oils cause a type K fire. To extinguish this type of fire use a wet chemical fire extinguisher.

 

Advised Distance To Use a Fire Extinguisher

To use a fire extinguisher, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. They all have instructions on how to use it within a safe distance. Most portable fire extinguishers must be used from a distance of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) to be effective.

 

How Many Fire Extinguishers Are Required?

A minimum of 2 fire extinguishers per floor is needed. If the floor area is small less than 3000 sq feet and in single occupancy then one fire extinguisher is enough. A minimum rated fire extinguisher is 2A for protecting a building.

 

 

Q: How many fire extinguishers do I need on my boat?

A: The Coast Guard recommends that you keep a minimum of one B-1 marine fire extinguisher on your boat. But depending on your boat size, you may need to increase the number of fire extinguishers.

If your boat length is a minimum of 26ft then you need one B-1 fire extinguisher. If your boat length is 26 ft – 40 ft then you need to install two B-1 or one B-2 fire extinguisher and if your boat length is 40ft – 65ft then install two B-2 or three B-1 fire extinguishers.

 

Q: How many fire extinguishers do I need on an 18-foot power boat?

A: Your boat has a powerful engine so, you are required to follow the rules of The Coast Guard and install a fire extinguisher.

It doesn’t matter what type of boat you have. It is important to have easily accessible fire extinguishers. If you have an 18-foot powerboat then you need one B-1 fire extinguisher.

 

Q: How many fire extinguishers do I need in my home?

A: How many fire extinguishers do you need for your home depends on the size and level of your home.

It is necessary to put at least one fire extinguisher in every home but if your home is built as multi-level and less than 3000 sq feet then you need to put a minimum of one fire extinguisher on every level and one fire extinguisher in every stairway.

If the home size is more than 3000 sq feet then the number of fire extinguishers must be increased.

 

Q: What size fire extinguisher for the home?

In your home, there are different levels of fire hazards. You have a garage, workshop, kitchen, laundry room, etc. If flammable liquids are present in your garage or workshop and electrical equipment like a power board then choose a 5-10 lb. extinguisher.

The perfect size for your home is one 2.5 lb. fire extinguisher for your kitchen and one 2.5 lb. fire extinguisher for your laundry room.

 

Q: How many fire extinguishers do I need in my warehouse?

A: NFPA basic requirements, in a warehouse the fire extinguisher distance will be no more than 75 feet between one another. It must also be accessible. But it depends on the warehouse layout.

The warehouse’s square foot and its layout will determine the required quantity. The fire extinguisher should be in wall cabinets or mounted on brackets.

It must be placed 3-1/2 to 5 feet above the floor with a carrying handle. But a larger fire extinguisher must be mounted at a lower height, it’s about 3 feet above the floor with a carrying handle.

 

Q: How many fire extinguishers do I need on my car/vehicle?

A: The ADR regulations suggest that a cab must need at least 1 or 2 kg dry powder fire extinguisher. But a vehicle that carries a minimum of 7.5 tons of hazardous materials, will need a total of 12kgs ABC dry powder fire extinguisher.

 

Q: How many fire extinguishers are required in a factory?

A: A minimum of 2 fire extinguishers per floor is needed. If the floor area is small less than 3000 sq feet and in single occupancy then one fire extinguisher is enough. If the factory floor size is more than 3000 sq feet then one fire extinguisher for every 3000sq feet.

 

Q: Which type of fire extinguisher should be onboard a vessel with a permanently installed fuel tank?

If your vessel has an inboard engine then you require a fire extinguisher. Vessels have flammable liquids, so they will need a category B fire extinguisher.

If your vessel length is a minimum of 26 feet then you should keep one B-type fire extinguisher.

 

Q: How many fire extinguishers are required for residential buildings?

A: A residential building requires a minimum of 2 fire extinguishers per floor. If the floor area is small less than 3000 sq feet and in single occupancy then one fire extinguisher is enough.

A minimum rated fire extinguisher is 2A. A multi-story commercial or residential building must keep at least one fire extinguisher in every stairway.

Also, if you like to know more details then read the NFPA 10 and OSHA Safety and Health Regulations for Construction 1926.150: Fire Protection.