How to Install a Fire Extinguisher

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires most workplaces install fire extinguishers to provide the means for employees to quickly extinguish small fires. The National Fire Protection Administration sets standards for fire extinguishers, including proper location and installation of portable fire extinguishers. Although each extinguisher manufacturer issues its own instructions, each conforms to NFPA standards.

Things You'll Need

• Bracket
• Stud finder
• Level
• Electric screwdriver
• Screws
• Plastic anchors
• Pencil

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Instructions

Appropriate Placement

• 1

  Choose a location in plain view where people usually walk, except in stairwells. You may also locate the fire extinguisher in a wall recess or unlocked cabinet.

• 2

  Install a fire extinguisher of 40 lbs. or less with the top of the canister no greater than 5 feet above the floor but the bottom of the extinguisher at least 4 inches above the floor.

• 3

  Install an extinguisher of more than 40 lbs. with the top of of the canister no greater than 3.5 feet above the floor but the bottom of the extinguisher at least 4 inches above the floor.

Wall Mounting

• 4

  Remove the fire extinguisher from its bracket. If the manufacturer did not bundle it with a bracket, purchase a bracket to fit the weight and size of the extinguisher from a hardware store.

• 5

  Use the stud finder to locate a wall stud under the drywall.

• 6

  Use the level to properly position the bracket over the stud location and mark the screw holes with pencil on the drywall.

• 7

  Purchase screws to fit the bracket's mounting holes, if the manufacturer did not include screws with the bracket.

• 8

  Encase the screw in a plastic anchor.

• 9

  Install the first screw into the bracket at the pencil-marked point on the drywall, but do not tighten it in yet.

• 10

  Repeat the same process with each screw and bracket screw hole.

• 11

  Tighten all screws, and then seat the fire extinguisher in the bracket.