What is the correct mounting height for a standard fire extinguisher?

For extinguishers weighing up to 18 kg, the carrying handle should be at a maximum height of 1.5 m from the floor (Clause 6.2).

What is the maximum life span of a Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) extinguisher?

10 years, after which it must be rejected (Table 4).

Can water or foam extinguishers be used on electrical fires?

No, they are highly conductive and dangerous for electrical fires. Only CO2, Clean Agent, or specialized DCP extinguishers should be used.

IS 2190

: 2010

Selection, Installation and maintenance of first-aid fire extinguishers - Code o Practice

CurrentEssentialCode of PracticeBIMFire Safety · Fire Fighting

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IS 2190 provides comprehensive guidelines for the selection, installation, and maintenance of first-aid (portable) fire extinguishers. It outlines the suitability of different extinguishers based on fire classes and establishes strict schedules for routine inspection, hydrostatic testing, refilling, and end-of-life replacement.

Selection, Installation and maintenance of first-aid fire extinguishers - Code o Practice

Quick Reference Values

max mounting height up to 18kg1.5 m from the floor

max mounting height above 18kg1.0 m from the floor

min clearance from floor100 mm

hydrostatic test interval water foam dcp3 years

hydrostatic test interval co25 years

life span water foam dcp10 years

life span co215 years

Practical Notes

Ensure fire extinguishers are highly visible, unobstructed, and clearly marked with appropriate signage.

Wall-mounted extinguishers must be installed so that the carrying handle is not more than 1.5m above the floor to ensure they are easily accessible during an emergency.

Always track the manufacturing date of the cylinder; an extinguisher must be decommissioned and replaced once it reaches its maximum life span (usually 10 to 15 years), regardless of its condition.