Extinguisher Cabinets: Help Your Customers Select The Right Type

By Mark Conroy

This Tech Series reviews the basics of selecting and installing extinguisher cabinets. Understanding the three types of cabinets (Semi-Recessed, Recessed, and Surface Mounted) ensures you will sell the most appropriate cabinets for any project. Here is a description of each type of cabinet:

SEMI-RECESSED CABINET (PROJECTING TRIM)

A hole is cut into the wall and the cabinet slips into the hole. The cabinet face covers the rough opening in the gypsum board and the trim extends 11/2 or 3 inches into the hallway. (ADA compliant)

RECESSED CABINET (FLAT TRIM)

A hole is cut into the wall and the cabinet slips into the hole. The cabinet face covers the rough opening in the gypsum board and the cabinet face is flush to the wall. (ADA compliant)

SURFACE MOUNTED CABINET (WALL HUNG)

The easiest cabinet to install is the surface mount. There is no hole cut in the wall. The cabinet is securely fastened to the wall and protrudes out into the hallway. (Not ADA Compliant)

MATCHING EXTINGUISHERS TO CABINETS

In addition to providing storage, cabinets protect extinguishers and prevent people from bumping them. The cavity must be big enough to accommodate the extinguisher, so select the extinguisher before selecting the cabinet. Although big cavities accommodate big and small extinguishers, select a cabinet that looks good with the extinguisher and doesn't add unnecessary costs to your customer.

ADA COMPLIANT CABINETS

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements prohibit installing objects in hallways more than 4 inches, because they can potentially obstruct the movement of persons with disabilities. To be in compliance with ADA, only the semi-recessed or recessed cabinet should be installed. Semi-recessed cabinets are the usual choice for interior applications, because they take up less space between walls.

FIRE-RATED CABINETS

Fire-rated cabinets are required by fire codes for 1-hour and 2-hour fire-resistance-rated walls. They are specially constructed with gypsum board installed on the sides, top, bottom, and back. Cabinets that are not fire-rated make the entire fire-rated wall noncompliant, so only fire-rated cabinets are approved for these walls. Keep in mind the hole for a fire-rated cabinet needs to be bigger than a hole for a non-fire-rated cabinet, so check the dimensions before cutting the hole.

Extinguisher cabinets are specified for safety in hallways. Understanding why there are different designs will helpyou to beat your competition and increase your company’s revenues. Call Brooks today and we’ll help you with options like doors, break front panels, breaker bars, and the need for safety locks.