FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

HOW OFTEN DO FIRE EXTINGUISHERS NEED TO BE INSPECTED?

Your Fire Extinguishers need to be inspected and retagged once a year. It is suggested for the owner of the extinguisher to do a monthly inspection.

WHERE SHOULD I INSTALL MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

Fire extinguishers should be located so they are readily accessible and immediately available along normal paths of travel, including exits from areas. The Distance between your Fire Extinguishers should not be more than 75 feet.

WHERE CAN I THROW AWAY AN UNWANTED FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

You can drop off your extinguishers at Allstate Fire Equipment Of Southern CT or you can call your local Fire Department to see if they accept them.

DO YOU RECHARGE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS?

Yes, we do! Give our office a call before stopping in for service!

IS THERE ANY OTHER MAINTENANCE REQUIRED FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

Yes, an ABC Fire Extinguisher will need maintenance every 6 years from the date of manufacturing. (if the extinguisher was manufactured in 2021, the first maintenance would be 6 year in 2027 and a Hydrostatic Test in 2033).

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS? IF SO, WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR ME?

Yes! There are a few different types of Fire Extinguishers out there. You can determine which one is best for you by talking to one of our technicians OR by reviewing this list:
A — Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash, and plastics.

B — Class B fires involve flammable liquids, solvents, oil, gasoline, paints, lacquers, and other oil-based products.

C — Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment such as wiring, controls, motors, machinery or appliances.

D — Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, lithium, and titanium.

K — Class K fires involve combustible cooking media such as oils and grease commonly found in commercial kitchens.

KITCHEN FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

WHAT IS A KITCHEN FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM?

Kitchen fire suppression systems can be designed to protect a wide variety of kitchen appliances, such as stoves or deep fat fryers. The nozzles for the fire suppression system are installed in the kitchen hood exhaust. That way, the wet chemicals will be discharged directly over the source of the fire.

IS A FIRE EXTINGUISHER NECESSARY IF I HAVE A FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM?

Yes, a K-Class Fire Extinguisher is also required in the Kitchen located within 15’ of the appliances.

HOW OFTEN DOES MY KITCHEN FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM NEED TO BE SERVICED?

Every 6 months in accordance with NFPA 96. Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operation, Section 12.2.1 which states:“Maintenance of the fire-extinguishing system and listed exhaust hoods containing a constant or fire-activated water system that is listed to extinguish a fire in the grease removal devices, hood exhaust  plenums, and exhaust ducts shall be made by properly trained, qualified and certified person(s) acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction at least every 6 months.”

WHAT IS A KITCHEN SUPPRESSION SYSTEM HYDROSTATIC TEST?

Hydrostatic testing is another important part of a Kitchen Fire Suppression extinguishing systems because many kitchens may never experience a fire large enough to trigger the system. So, the only way to verify your system will in fact function properly when you do need it to is to test the cylinders and valves for structural integrity and leaks. This is why, with few exceptions, the NFPA requires hydrostatic testing at least once every 12 years.

WHAT IS A PIPING OBSTRUCTION TEST?

A Piping Obstruction Test is performed by attaching a cylinder filled with air to the system and forcing air through the piping to make sure there are no obstructions in the system.

WHAT IS A FIRE MARSHALL TEST?

A Fire Marshall Test is performed on the Kitchen Fire Suppression System in which a tank with air is hooked up to your system and then the system is set off to make sure that if there is a fire your system will work properly to extinguish the fire and make sure the system shuts down the gas to the appliances. This test needs to be performed in the presence of your local Fire Marshall.