How Many Fire Extinguisher Cabinets for Your Space

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Cabinet Requirements

Fire extinguisher cabinets serve dual purposes: they protect firefighting equipment from environmental damage and ensure visibility and accessibility during emergencies. The number of protective enclosures required in any given space isn't arbitrary—it's governed by a combination of building codes, occupancy types, and square footage.

Unlike exposed extinguishers, cabinets offer additional protection against tampering, weather conditions in semi-outdoor areas, and aesthetic integration within architectural designs. This is particularly important for interior architects who must balance safety compliance with visual harmony.

Why Cabinet Quantity Matters

Installing too few cabinets creates dangerous gaps in coverage distance regulations for suppression devices. Too many cabinets, while safe, represents unnecessary expenditure and potential visual clutter. The optimal number ensures:

• Compliance with national and local fire safety codes
• Maximum travel distance requirements are met
• Adequate protection for high-risk areas
• Cost-effective safety implementation
• Seamless integration with interior design

Key Factors Determining Cabinet Quantity

Several variables influence how many fire extinguisher cabinets should be in a space. Understanding these factors helps facility managers and architects make informed decisions.

Building Square Footage

Total floor area remains the primary determinant. Most European regulations use a ratio-based approach linking cabinet quantity to surface area. For example, the EN 3 standard (European standard for portable fire extinguishers) provides guidance on extinguisher distribution based on fire risk levels.

Occupancy Classification

Different building uses demand different approaches:

• Office spaces: Lower fire risk, standard coverage
• Retail environments: Higher foot traffic, increased requirements
• Industrial facilities: Elevated risk, specialized equipment needed
• Healthcare facilities: Critical safety needs, redundant coverage
• Hospitality venues: Public access areas require strategic placement

Fire Risk Assessment

A comprehensive fire risk assessment evaluates:

• Combustible materials present
• Ignition sources
• Evacuation routes
• Historical incident data
• Process-specific hazards

Higher risk ratings typically require reduced travel distances and therefore more cabinets per square meter.

Building Layout and Obstructions

Open-plan spaces require fewer cabinets than compartmentalized layouts. Corridors, stairwells, and physical barriers affect optimal placement requirements for portable firefighting equipment. Architects must account for:

• Wall configurations
• Column placement
• Accessibility compliance
• Visibility from multiple angles
• Obstruction-free access

European Regulatory Standards by Country

European countries follow harmonized standards while maintaining national specifications. Here's a breakdown of key regulations across major markets:

Germany: ASR A2.2 Guidelines

German workplace regulations (ASR A2.2) specify that the number of fire extinguisher cabinets depends on the workplace risk category. Low-risk environments require one 6kg extinguisher per 200-300 m², while high-risk areas need coverage every 100-150 m².

United Kingdom: BS 5306-8 Standard

The British Standard uses a fire rating point system. Class A fire risks require a minimum 13A rating per 200 m² of floor space. Coverage distance regulations for suppression devices mandate that no person should travel more than 30 meters to reach an extinguisher for Class A fires.

Netherlands: NEN 2654 Approach

Dutch regulations emphasize risk-based assessment. The NEN 2654 standard requires cabinets positioned so maximum travel distance doesn't exceed 20 meters in most commercial buildings. Industrial settings may have stricter requirements.

Italy: Ministerial Decree Framework

Italian regulations categorize activities by fire risk (low, medium, high). Building size and cabinet quantity calculation follows prescribed ratios, with high-risk activities requiring one extinguisher per 100-150 m² and low-risk spaces per 200 m².

Spain: Real Decreto 513/2017

Spanish regulation distinguishes between surface risk and special risk zones. General spaces require coverage every 15 meters of travel distance, with specific requirements for high-occupancy areas and industrial processes.

Calculating the Number of Cabinets Needed

Determining how many fire extinguisher cabinets should be in a space requires systematic calculation. Follow this step-by-step methodology:

Step 1: Determine Total Floor Area

Measure the gross floor area in square meters. For multi-story buildings, calculate each floor separately as vertical travel distances apply different rules.

Step 2: Identify Occupancy Type and Risk Level

Classify your space according to local regulations:

• Low risk: offices, residential
• Medium risk: retail, light manufacturing
• High risk: chemical storage, woodworking

Step 3: Apply Coverage Ratio

Use the appropriate coverage ratio from your jurisdiction. For example, a 1,200 m² medium-risk German facility would require:

1,200 m² ÷ 200 m² per extinguisher = 6 extinguishers minimum

Step 4: Verify Travel Distance Compliance

Plot cabinet locations on floor plans ensuring no point exceeds maximum travel distance. This often requires more cabinets than the area ratio alone suggests.

Step 5: Add High-Risk Supplements

Supplement the base calculation with additional cabinets near:

• Electrical panels
• Kitchens or cooking areas
• Server rooms
• Chemical storage
• Workshop areas

Practical Calculation Example

Coverage Distance Regulations for Suppression Devices

Travel distance—the actual path a person must walk to reach an extinguisher—is often more restrictive than area-based calculations. Coverage distance regulations for suppression devices prioritize rapid emergency response.

Measuring Travel Distance Correctly

Travel distance isn't straight-line measurement. It accounts for:

• Hallways and corridors
• Doorways and access points
• Furniture and fixtures
• One-way circulation patterns
• Accessibility obstacles

Always measure along the actual walking path, not as-the-crow-flies.

Class-Specific Distance Requirements

Different fire classes may have different maximum distances:

• Class A (combustibles): Typically 30m maximum in UK, 20-30m in Germany
• Class B (flammable liquids): Often 10-15m in high-risk areas
• Class F (cooking oils): Usually 10m maximum from cooking equipment

Multi-Story Considerations

Vertical travel adds complexity. Placement requirements for portable firefighting equipment generally mandate cabinets on every floor, near stairwells and exits. Don't assume occupants will travel between floors to access firefighting equipment.

Special Considerations for Different Building Types

Different environments present unique challenges for determining how many fire extinguisher cabinets should be in a space.

Office Environments

Open-plan offices allow fewer cabinets due to unobstructed sightlines and travel paths. However, private offices, meeting rooms, and storage areas may create coverage gaps. Place cabinets:

• Near main entrances
• At corridor intersections
• Near server rooms and electrical closets
• In kitchenettes and break rooms

Retail Spaces

Public access buildings require highly visible cabinet placement. Customer circulation patterns differ from employee routes. Consider:

• Front-of-house versus back-of-house coverage
• Seasonal layout changes
• Display fixtures that obstruct access
• After-hours versus operating-hours access

Industrial Facilities

Manufacturing environments often have segregated risk zones. Building size and cabinet quantity calculation must account for process-specific hazards. Specialized extinguishers for metal fires, electrical equipment, or chemical processes may require dedicated cabinets.

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals and care homes face unique challenges:

• Vulnerable occupants with limited mobility
• 24/7 operations
• Infection control protocols
• Medical gas and electrical equipment risks

Higher redundancy and reduced travel distances are standard.

Educational Institutions

Schools require cabinets that balance accessibility with tamper-resistance. Locations should be:

• Visible to staff
• Accessible during emergencies
• Strategically placed in high-traffic areas
• Supplemented in laboratories and workshops

Practical Examples and Case Studies

Real-world applications illustrate how regulations translate into actual installations.

Example 1: 600 m² UK Office

Example 2: 1,500 m² German Retail Store

Example 3: Multi-Story Dutch Office Building

Design Solutions That Comply with Regulations

Fire extinguisher cabinets don't have to compromise aesthetic vision. Modern solutions integrate safety with interior design principles.

The Design Challenge

Traditional red metal cabinets conflict with contemporary minimalist interiors, boutique retail environments, and high-end hospitality spaces. Interior architects face the challenge of meeting regulatory standards for protective enclosures while maintaining design cohesion.

Aesthetic Cabinet Solutions

Contemporary manufacturers offer cabinets that blend safety with style:

• Custom finishes: RAL color matching, wood veneers, metal textures
• Recessed installation: Built-in solutions that minimize visual impact
• Transparent designs: Glass or acrylic doors maintaining visibility
• Integrated signage: Subtle yet compliant marking systems
• Furniture-grade construction: Cabinets indistinguishable from architectural millwork

Designfeu Approach

Designfeu specializes in fire extinguisher cabinets that resolve the design-compliance paradox. Their range offers:

• Contemporary aesthetics suitable for high-end commercial interiors
• Full regulatory compliance across European standards
• Protective enclosures that shield extinguishers from environmental factors
• Customizable finishes matching any interior palette
• Robust construction ensuring longevity

These solutions allow facility managers and architects to install the required number of cabinets without visual compromise. When calculating how many fire extinguisher cabinets should be in a space, design-conscious professionals can now meet quantity requirements while enhancing rather than detracting from interior aesthetics.

Strategic Placement for Design Integration

Even beautiful cabinets benefit from thoughtful placement:

• Alcoves and recesses: Natural architectural features
• Column integration: Wrapping or adjacent mounting
• Corridor terminals: End-of-hallway locations
• Transition zones: Between functional areas
• Near exit signage: Dual-purpose wayfinding