Commercial Fire Extinguisher Requirements

If you own a business or commercial property in North Carolina or are considering purchasing one, it’s important to be aware of NC’s commercial fire extinguisher requirements. It’s never too early to start planning or upgrading your fire safety equipment. Code compliance keeps your doors open and saves lives.

Today, the experts at City Fire & Safety will explain the requirements for commercial fire extinguishers in North Carolina.

How Many Fire Extinguishers Are Required in a Business?

The number of fire extinguishers your business needs depends on several factors, including the size and structure of your building and the type of property. But here are a few general guidelines:

• North Carolina requires fire extinguishers to be no more than 75 feet apart.
• For commercial kitchens and other buildings with flammable B liquids, fire extinguishers should be no more than 30 feet apart (or 30 feet away from cooking equipment or hazards).
• Construction sites are required to have at least one fire extinguisher per floor.

Do you need help determining how many fire extinguishers your business needs? Consult the experts at City Fire & Safety. Rely on us for all your fire extinguisher needs.

Placement of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be placed where they’re readily visible and accessible without obstructions. Here are a few important guidelines for code-compliant installations:

• Exits are ideal: Placing fire extinguishers near exits helps encourage people to move away from the fire and out of the building.
• Use signs, lights, and arrows: If obstructions can’t be avoided where your fire extinguisher is, place visual aids so people can quickly find them.
• Consider weight: The top of a 40-pound or heavier fire extinguisher cannot be more than 3.5 feet from the ground; for lighter fire extinguishers, the top must be no more than five feet from the ground.
• Proper mounting is key: Bracket-mounted fire extinguishers are easily accessible, while a cabinet-housed fire extinguisher is stored behind a breakable glass front for protection until use.

Maintenance & Inspection Requirements

Routine maintenance and annual inspections are key to keeping your business fire code compliant. City Fire & Safety performs thorough inspections and maintenance as needed, including:

• Inspecting for the correct placement, location, and number of fire extinguishers
• Ensuring fire extinguishers are properly mounted
• Checking the expiration date of fire extinguishers
• Replacing fire extinguishers that have expired or lost pressure
• Securing proper service tags for fire extinguishers

Book Fire Extinguisher Services With City Fire & Safety

Staying code-compliant is easy with expert help from City Fire & Safety.

Our team ensures your business complies with all of North Carolina’s fire safety codes, so you don’t have to worry. You can rest easy knowing we’ve got you covered. We know all the details on what you need, from the type and size of fire extinguishers to their proper placement, installation, maintenance, and inspections.

The business world can be complicated, but fire code compliance doesn’t have to be. Stay safe by scheduling commercial fire extinguisher services with City Fire & Safety today.