If your Fire Risk Assessment shows that you’re at risk for Class A, B, or C fires, portable dry powder fire extinguishers may well be your first line of defence during a fire emergency. You can carry them to the scene of the fire and potentially tackle it before it gets out of control. That’s why the right storage solution for your dry powder fire extinguisher is so important.

You need to be sure that your fire extinguishers are secure and correctly located within your building. That’s what makes fire extinguisher brackets so important. They allow you to store your fire safety equipment and make it easy to access them whenever you need them.

In this guide, we’re going to look some of at the different types of fire extinguisher bracket that we have available. We’ll discuss why they’re important and the value of finding the right location to store your dry powder fire extinguisher. Then we will look at the types of extinguisher bracket and why you might want to choose them.

The importance of fire extinguisher brackets

Ensuring that your dry powder fire extinguisher is properly secured is absolutely essential for a number of reasons. For one, it allows you to place your fire extinguisher in a location that’s easy to access. You need to be sure that you can quickly and easily access your fire extinguisher in the event of a fire emergency.

A fire extinguisher bracket is also important for the safety of the extinguisher itself. It’s surprisingly easy for dry powder fire extinguisher to become damaged if they’re not properly secured. They can be knocked over by people or doors which can result in dents and weaknesses in the cylinder. Similarly, if the extinguisher is standing on a wet floor, it can rust and corrode. 

Where to store your fire extinguishers

When you conduct your Fire Risk Assessment, you should consider the areas where there are likely to be fire hazards and place your extinguishers accordingly. Dry powder fire extinguishers are suitable for Class A, B, C, and Electrical (below 1000v) fires, so they should be located near to areas of high risk for these fires.

However, there are some places you should make sure to avoid when choosing where to locate your fire extinguisher. These include:

• Somewhere a potential fire might prevent access to the extinguisher.

• Over, or close to, heating appliances.

• Hidden behind doors, inside cupboard, or in deep recesses.

• Somewhere they might get in the way of an exit route.

• Somewhere they’re likely to get damaged.

According to British Standards BS5306-8, extinguishers in areas that are likely to get dislodged, such as schools and fast-food outlets, should be installed in recessed housing or cabinets where possible.

Fire extinguishers should be located near to potential fire hazard but no so close that it puts you in danger in the event of a fire. They should be placed in a location where you don’t need to travel too far to get it during a fire. The distance depends on the type of fire but an extinguisher should never be more than 30m away from a fire hazard.

If you need to go through any doors to reach the extinguisher, you should reduce the travel distance by 5m per door. That way, you can reduce the amount of time it takes you to reach the extinguisher as much as possible.

To find the specific distances for different fire classes, you should refer to the British Standards and seek specialist advice.

Different types of extinguisher bracket

Wall-mounted brackets

These are the most commonly used method for securing a fire extinguisher within a building. These brackets are designed to fasten the extinguisher securely to a wall or other vertical surfaces. They typically consist of a metal bracket with either adjustable straps or hooks that hold the extinguisher in place. If the bracket does feature adjustable straps, that makes it possible for you to fit extinguishers of different sizes into it. Many of these are suitable for multiple types of extinguishers, including dry powder fire extinguishers. It’s important to be aware that some fire extinguishers, particularly CO2 extinguishers, require specific brackets that don’t fit other types.

Transport brackets

These brackets are specifically designed for mounting extinguishers in vehicles such as cars, vans, or boats. Vehicle brackets are built to withstand the vibrations and movements associated with vehicular use. They ensure that extinguishers remain upright and securely in place during travel, avoiding any potential damage, and can be easily accessed when needed.

Cabinet brackets

These brackets are used to mount dry powder extinguishers inside protective cabinets. These are typically used in areas that have high levels of traffic or if dry powder fire extinguishers are at risk from the elements. The cabinets provide an extra layer of protection against dust, moisture, and accidental damage.

Ceiling or overhead brackets

These brackets are designed to suspend dry powder extinguishers from a ceiling or overhead structure. They are commonly used in locations where wall mounting is not practical or when quick access to the extinguisher is essential. Ceiling brackets often feature a hinged or swivelling mechanism that allows the extinguisher to be easily lowered for use. Many automatic dry powder fire extinguishers feature mounts that attach them to the ceiling.

Combination brackets

Some brackets are designed to accommodate multiple types of fire extinguishers, including dry powder extinguishers. These versatile brackets usually have adjustable straps or holders that can securely hold different sizes and types of extinguishers. Combination brackets offer flexibility in mounting various extinguisher types in one location.

It's a good idea to note that different manufacturers may have specific designs and variations of their brackets. Not only that, but there may be specialised brackets available for specific extinguisher models or sizes. It is essential to refer to the specific guidance and recommendations provided by the extinguisher manufacturer or consult with experts in fire safety to ensure proper bracket selection and installation.

If you need any advice or guidance on choosing the right bracket for your dry powder fire extinguishers, you can speak to one of our BAFE qualified engineers on 0330 058 0631, or click here to get in touch with us online.