In this article we will explain: the rules regarding the height at which your portable fire extinguishers must be fixed.
The heights prescribed in the reference regulation N.F.P.A. 10 are related to the total weight of the portable extinguisher.
Weight is a matter of common sense.
The principle is simple; the heavier the extinguisher, the lower you will install it. We remind you that it must remain accessible to small people and not require a Herculean force to unhook it. The objective is to facilitate safe access for everyone.
The lowest you can install your fire extinguisher.
When installing a portable fire extinguisher, the clearance between the bottom of the cylinder and the ground must be a minimum of 4″ (10.2 cm). This will reduce the risk of generating rust on the cylinder.
The References in Terms of Height
N.F.P.A. 10 states that portable fire extinguishers with a weight (total) greater than 40 lbs (18.14 kg) must not exceed 42″ (1.07 m) in height. The maximum height is measured at the top of the head, which is the end of the extinguisher. In practice we recommend that you apply this limit when the extinguisher exceeds 30 lbs. This is to accommodate short people or women. Therefore, 20 lb. dry chemical extinguishers (weighing 32 lb. in total), Co2 extinguishers (10 lb. and more), water extinguishers or class K extinguishers are part of this common-sense rule.
Furthermore, these same standard states that portable fire extinguishers with a weight (total) of less than 40 lb must not exceed 5 ft (1.53 m) in height. The maximum height is measured at the top of the head, which is the end of the extinguisher.
Therefore, small extinguishers should not be mounted more than 5 ft (1.53 m) high and others between 36 and 42 in (91.4 cm to 1.07 m).
Here is a table of suggested heights by extinguisher size.
FORMAT MINIMUM HEIGHT MAXIMUM HEIGHT
| 2.5 ABC | 4″ with base of cylinder 5′ on top of extinguisher |
| 5 ABC | 4″ at the base of the cylinder 5′ at the top of the extinguisher |
| 10 ABC | 4″ at the base of the cylinder 5′ at the top of the extinguisher |
| 20 ABC | 4″ with the base of the cylinder 42″ with the top of the extinguisher |
| 5 CO2 | 4″ with base of cylinder 5′ on top of extinguisher |
| 10 CO2 | 4″ with base of cylinder 42″ with top of extinguisher |
| 15 CO2 | 4″ with base of cylinder 42″ with top of extinguisher |
| 20 CO2 | 4″ with the base of the cylinder 42″ with top of extinguisher |
| CLASS D | 4″ with base of the cylinder 42″ with top of extinguisher |
| K-Class | 4″ with base of cylinder 42″ with top of extinguisher |
| Vaporized water | 4″ with base of cylinder 42″ with top of extinguisher |
| Water pressure | 4″ with the base of the cylinder 42″ with top of extinguisher |
You can call on Sylprotec to install your portable extinguishers. In addition, Sylprotec offers in-store or via its online shopping site, hooks for all models of portable extinguishers, cabinets to secure portable extinguishers and signs to help you locate them.
The company offers these services in the Greater Montreal area, including Laval and the North Shore of Montreal. The services are subject to travel expenses, prices are available on their website under the service tab.
If you would like to know more about the travel distances between your portable fire extinguishers, please visit: https://extinguishermontreal.ca.
Sylvain Patrice t.p. i.
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