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🧯 DID YOU KNOW?

  • A fire extinguisher should never be blocked by boxes, equipment, or decorations. In an emergency, every second counts.

  • Commercial kitchen fire suppression systems must be inspected every 6 months by a certified technician to remain code compliant.

  • Emergency and exit lights are required to stay illuminated for at least 90 minutes during a power outage.

  • Most ABC fire extinguishers require:

    • 6-Year Internal Maintenance

    • 12-Year Hydrostatic Testing

    Missing these deadlines can leave your extinguisher out of compliance.

  • A commercial kitchen is required to have a Class K Fire Extinguisher in addition to its automatic fire suppression system.

  • The pressure gauge isn't the only thing checked during an inspection. Our technicians also inspect the hose, nozzle, tamper seal, safety pin, cylinder condition, mounting, and service history.

  • Grease buildup inside a kitchen exhaust system can become fuel for a dangerous fire. Regular hood cleaning and suppression inspections work together to help protect your business.

  • Fire extinguishers should be installed where they are easy to see and easy to reach, not hidden behind doors or equipment.

  • A hydrostatic test uses pressure to verify that a fire extinguisher or suppression cylinder is still structurally sound and safe to use.

  • Most kitchen fires start on the cooking surface, which is why suppression nozzles are carefully positioned over each protected appliance.

Need Immediate Assistance?

If your system has discharged or you've failed an inspection...

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We'll help get you back in compliance.

Fire Extinguishers

How often do fire extinguishers need to be inspected?

Fire extinguishers are required to be professionally inspected and retagged once every year.

We also recommend that the owner perform a quick visual inspection every month to ensure the extinguisher:

  • Is in its designated location

  • Has not been discharged or damaged

  • Has an operable pressure gauge (if equipped)

  • Is easily accessible and unobstructed

Where should fire extinguishers be installed?

Fire extinguishers should be mounted in visible, readily accessible locations along normal paths of travel, especially near exits.

For most occupancies, the maximum travel distance to a Class A fire extinguisher should not exceed 75 feet, in accordance with NFPA guidelines.

Our technicians can help determine the proper quantity, size, and placement for your business.

Can I dispose of an unwanted fire extinguisher?

Yes.

You may:

  • Bring your unwanted extinguisher to Allstate Fire Equipment of Southern CT, or

  • Contact your local fire department or municipal recycling facility to ask about disposal options.

Please call ahead before bringing extinguishers to our office.

Do you recharge fire extinguishers?

Absolutely!

We recharge many types of portable fire extinguishers.

Please call our office before stopping by so we can verify the extinguisher type and ensure we can service it while you wait.

Does my fire extinguisher require any additional maintenance?

Yes.

Most ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers require:

  • 6-Year Internal Maintenance

  • 12-Year Hydrostatic Testing

Example

Manufactured in 2021

  • 2027 → 6-Year Maintenance

  • 2033 → Hydrostatic Test

Our technicians keep track of these dates so your extinguishers remain compliant.

Are there different types of fire extinguishers?

Yes! Different hazards require different extinguishers.

Our technicians can help determine which extinguisher is right for your business.

Fire Extinguisher Classifications

Class A

  • Wood

  • Paper

  • Cloth

  • Trash

  • Plastics

Class B

  • Gasoline

  • Oil

  • Paints

  • Solvents

  • Flammable liquids

Class C

  • Energized electrical equipment

  • Motors

  • Wiring

  • Panels

  • Appliances

Class D

  • Combustible metals

  • Magnesium

  • Titanium

  • Lithium

Class K

  • Cooking oils

  • Grease

  • Commercial kitchen appliances

Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems

What is a kitchen fire suppression system?

A kitchen fire suppression system is a specially engineered fire protection system designed to protect commercial cooking equipment.

When a fire occurs, strategically placed nozzles located inside the kitchen hood discharge a wet chemical agent directly onto the cooking appliances and into the hood and duct system, helping suppress the fire before it spreads.

Do I still need a fire extinguisher if I have a suppression system?

Yes.

Commercial kitchens are required to have a Class K Fire Extinguisher in addition to the automatic suppression system.

The extinguisher must be located within 30 feet of travel distance from the cooking equipment (per current NFPA 10 requirements), be readily accessible, and remain unobstructed.

How often does my kitchen fire suppression system need to be inspected?

Kitchen fire suppression systems must be professionally inspected every six months by a trained and certified technician in accordance with NFPA 96.

Routine inspections help ensure your system will operate properly during a fire and remain compliant with local fire codes.

What is a kitchen suppression system hydrostatic test?

Hydrostatic testing verifies that your system's cylinders remain structurally sound and free from leaks.

Since most kitchen systems are never discharged during their service life, hydrostatic testing provides assurance that the cylinders will safely operate when needed.

Most wet chemical cylinders require hydrostatic testing every 12 years, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.

What is a piping obstruction test?

A piping obstruction test ensures the discharge piping is completely clear.

Compressed air is forced through the piping to verify there are no blockages that could prevent the extinguishing agent from reaching the protected appliances during a fire.

What is a Fire Marshal acceptance test?

A Fire Marshal Acceptance Test verifies that a newly installed or significantly modified kitchen fire suppression system operates correctly.

During the test, the system is discharged (or simulated, depending on local requirements) to confirm that it:

  • Activates properly

  • Discharges the extinguishing agent

  • Shuts off the fuel and/or electrical power to protected appliances

  • Activates required alarms or building systems

These tests are typically witnessed by the local Fire Marshal or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before the system is approved for use.