How to Mount Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are a vital part in helping to stop the spreading of a fire in a private or commercial property. An easy task, mounting a fire extinguisher is required in order to make the extinguisher accessible to those who need it. Follow the steps below and you will have a life safety tool installed in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Fire extinguisher
• Mounting bracket
• Screwdriver
• Stud finder
• Power drill (optional)
• Screws
• Measuring tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Decide if you want a bracket mount or a specific extinguisher cabinet built. If you want to use a cabinet or your wall does not support a bracket mount, see the References section below. If you are using a bracket, continue to Step 2.

• 2

  Measure the distance from the floor to the installation point using the measuring tape. For extinguishers that weigh less than 40 lbs., the top should not be more than 5 feet off the ground. For extinguishers over 40 lbs., the top should not be more than 3 1/2 feet off the ground.

  Also, the bottom of the extinguishers must be at least 4 inches from the floor. You cannot store an extinguisher on the floor itself.

• 3

  Pick a solid wall to mount the bracket onto. If you doubt the strength of the wall, consider using a cabinet or stand made for extinguishers instead.

• 4

  Remove the extinguisher from the bracket before trying to mount onto the wall.

• 5

  Use a stud finder to locate a convenient stud for your bracket. Take the bracket that came with your extinguisher (Lug, J or shoulder brackets) and mark with a pencil or pen on the wall where you plan to attach the bracket to the wall.

• 6

  Using a screwdriver or power drill, place one screw into the uppermost hole and drive the screw through it into the wall behind. This will now serve as a template for where the remaining screws must go.

• 7

  Finish drilling in as many screws into the bracket as required by the manufacturers directions.

• 8

  Open the retaining mechanism (the part that holds and releases the extinguisher) and place the extinguisher inside. Test it once or twice in order to make sure it releases properly.