Fire safety isn’t just about buying the right type of fire extinguisher—it’s also about installing the right number of them in the right locations. Whether you’re running a factory, office, commercial shop, school, or housing society, having too few extinguishers can leave areas vulnerable, while too many may mean unnecessary expenses.
In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to calculate and decide the correct number of fire extinguishers for your premises, based on Indian Fire Safety Products norms and practical considerations.
Step 1: Understand Your Fire Risk Level
Before you determine the number, identify what kind of fire risks your building or premises have:
- Low-risk areas – Offices, schools, apartments
- Medium-risk areas – Small factories, commercial kitchens, retail shops
- High-risk areas – Chemical industries, petrol pumps, welding workshops
Different risk levels require different extinguisher coverage densities.
Step 2: Measure the Area
As per Bureau of Indian Standards (IS: 2190) guidelines:
- For Low-risk areas, one 4kg/4L extinguisher is required for every 100–150 square meters
- For Medium-risk areas, one extinguisher per 50–100 square meters
- For High-risk areas, one extinguisher per 25–50 square meters
👉 Example:
If your office is 900 sq. ft. (~85 sq. m), and it’s a low-risk area, you need at least 1 fire extinguisher of 4kg/4L capacity.
Step 3: Select the Right Type & Capacity
Once the number is calculated, select the appropriate types based on your risks:
| Area Type | Suggested Extinguisher Type |
| Office | ABC Dry Powder or CO₂ |
| Kitchen | Wet Chemical or Foam (AFFF) |
| Electrical Room | CO₂ Extinguisher |
| Petrol Station | Foam + Dry Powder Combo |
| Industrial Unit | ABC + D-Type (for metals) |
Most commercial premises opt for 4kg, 6kg, or 9kg extinguishers, depending on fire load.
Step 4: Placement & Accessibility
Even with the correct number, placement is key:
- Extinguishers must be installed along escape routes and exits
- The maximum travel distance to reach a fire extinguisher should not exceed 15 meters in low-risk areas
- Install at eye level (3.5 to 5 feet from the floor)
- Label all locations clearly with signboards
- Keep them unobstructed and regularly maintained
Step 5: Regular Inspection & AMC
Install only ISI-marked extinguishers from certified suppliers. Also, plan for:
- Monthly visual checks
- Annual maintenance
- Refilling every 1-3 years (depending on type)
You can also sign up for an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) with a licensed vendor to ensure compliance and peace of mind.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Fire Safety Training
Even with the best Manufacturers of Fire Extinguishers in place, if your staff doesn’t know how to use them, they won’t be effective. Consider:
- Quarterly fire drills
- Basic training sessions
- Displaying operating instructions with diagrams
✅ Need Help Calculating Fire Extinguisher Requirements?
At Somya Pyrotek, we provide fire risk assessments and help you choose the right number, type, and placement of extinguishers—according to your space, industry, and risk factor.
We offer:
✔ ISI-certified extinguishers (ABC, CO₂, Foam, Water Mist)
✔ Site visits and compliance audits
✔ Installation and annual maintenance services
📞 Call us today at [+91-9811141246]
🌐 Visit [Fireextinguishers.co.in]