When it comes to ensuring the safety of residents in apartment buildings, having the right fire extinguishers in place is crucial. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are the best fit for your property.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top recommended fire extinguishers for apartment buildings.
They’re easy to use and maintain, giving you peace of mind that your tenants will be protected in case of an emergency. So let’s dive in!
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Our Top Picks
There are tons of options, but we thought these are the best among the best.
Kidde Pro 210
- Class A,B, and C fires
- Rechargeable
- Easy to maintain
Firexo 7 in 1
- Multi-purpose
- Compact and portable
- Can fight li-ion batteries
First Alert EZ Fire Spray
- Portable size
- Long discharge time
- Wide-spray nozzle
Kidde Fire Extinguisher for Home
The Kidde Fire Extinguisher is a reliable, multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher designed for home use. This 1-A:10-B:C rated extinguisher is suitable for fighting common household fires involving wood, paper, liquids, and electrical equipment. It features a lightweight aluminum cylinder and comes with a mounting bracket for easy installation.
Why We Picked It
- UL rated 1-A:10-B:C for versatility
- Durable aluminum construction
- Includes mounting bracket for convenience
Amerex B500 ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
The Amerex B500 is a versatile and reliable 5-pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher suitable for use on Class A, B, and C fires. This UL-rated 2A:10B:C extinguisher features a commercial-grade aluminum valve and an anodized aluminum cylinder, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance.
Why We Picked It
- UL-rated 2A:10B:C for Class A, B, and C fires
- Commercial-grade aluminum valve and cylinder
- Versatile and reliable fire protection
First Alert HOME1 Fire Extinguisher
The First Alert HOME1 is a versatile and rechargeable fire extinguisher that offers reliable protection against common household fires. This UL-rated 1-A:10-B:C extinguisher features a durable metal construction, easy-to-use design, and a commercial-grade valve and trigger for added safety and performance.
Why We Picked It
- Multipurpose protection against wood, paper, plastic, oil, and electrical fires
- Rechargeable design allows for professional refilling after use
- Durable metal construction with commercial-grade components for reliability
Kidde Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher
The Kidde Pro 210 is a versatile, rechargeable fire extinguisher designed for multi-purpose use in homes and offices. This lightweight, easy-to-handle extinguisher is UL rated 2-A:10-B:C, making it suitable for fighting common fires involving trash, wood, paper, liquids, gases, and energized electrical equipment. The unit features a durable aluminum cylinder, a pressure gauge for at-a-glance status checks, and comes with a mounting bracket for convenient placement.
Why We Picked It
- Multi-purpose protection for Class A, B, and C fires
- Rechargeable and easy to maintain
- Durable construction with aluminum cylinder and valve assembly
LifeSafe StaySafe Portable Fire Extinguisher
The LifeSafe Technologies StaySafe All-in-1 Portable Fire Extinguisher is a compact, easy-to-use fire spray designed to tackle 10 different types of fires. This non-toxic and eco-friendly extinguisher is perfect for use in homes, kitchens, cars, garages, and boats. Its lightweight and portable design makes it a convenient choice for quick fire suppression in various settings.
Why We Picked It
- Versatile: Tackles 10 types of fires
- Safe: Non-toxic and eco-friendly formula
- Portable: Compact and lightweight design
Firexo 7 in 1 Fire Extinguisher
The Firexo 7 in 1 Fire Extinguisher is a versatile, multi-purpose aerosol extinguisher that can tackle all types of fires, including challenging lithium-ion battery fires. This portable, compact extinguisher packs a punch with its 0.1 gallon capacity, making it perfect for use in homes, cars, and RVs.
Why We Picked It
- All-in-one solution for various fire types
- Compact and portable design for easy storage and use
- Effective against lithium-ion battery fires, a unique feature among fire extinguishers
Kidde Kitchen Fire Extinguisher
The Kidde Kitchen Fire Extinguisher is a specialized fire extinguisher designed for home kitchen use, specifically formulated to fight grease fires. This lightweight 3.9 lb. extinguisher comes with a wall mount for easy access and features a white finish to blend in with kitchen decor.
Why We Picked It
- UL-listed for residential cooking equipment (711A rating)
- Proprietary nozzle delivers a broad, dispersed spray of dry chemical agent
- Sodium bicarbonate-based dry chemical is effective on grease fires
First Alert EZ Fire Spray
The First Alert EZ Fire Spray is a compact and easy-to-use aerosol fire extinguisher designed for common household fires. This innovative product discharges four times longer than traditional extinguishers, providing 32 seconds of firefighting time. The lightweight can is simple to store and features a biodegradable, nontoxic formula that wipes clean after use.
Why We Picked It
- Longer discharge time compared to regular extinguishers
- Wide-spray nozzle for quick and effective fire suppression
- Portable size ideal for kitchens, cars, boats, and RVs
FIRST Alert Pro5 Heavy Duty Fire Extinguisher
The First Alert PRO5 Rechargeable Heavy Duty Fire Extinguisher is a top-of-the-line fire suppression device designed for home and light commercial use. This UL rated 3-A:40-B:C extinguisher features a durable metal valve and trigger, making it suitable for fighting common household fires involving wood, paper, fabric, flammable liquids, and live electrical equipment.
Why We Picked It
- Rechargeable design allows for professional refilling after use
- Heavy-duty metal construction ensures durability and reliability
- Versatile ABC rating covers most common home fire types
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about fire extinguishers in apartment buildings:
What type of fire extinguishers are required in apartment buildings?
Apartment buildings should have ABC dry chemical extinguishers with a minimum rating of 2A:10B:C in common areas. Residential units can have 1A:10B:C extinguishers as an alternative.
How many fire extinguishers are needed per floor?
There should be at least one 2A:10B:C fire extinguisher per floor, with a maximum travel distance of 75 feet to reach an extinguisher. Additional extinguishers may be needed to meet this travel distance requirement depending on the size and layout of each floor.
Where should fire extinguishers be located in apartment buildings?
Fire extinguishers should be placed along normal paths of travel, near exits, and be readily visible and accessible. If the extinguisher location is not obvious, signs should be posted indicating their placement. Extinguishers should be wall-mounted between 3.5 to 5 feet above the floor.
How often do fire extinguishers need to be inspected?
Fire extinguishers must be professionally inspected and serviced annually by a licensed fire protection contractor. Inspection tags showing service dates must be attached. Building owners should also conduct monthly visual checks of the extinguishers.
What is the difference between rechargeable and disposable fire extinguishers?
Rechargeable extinguishers are refillable after use and must be serviced annually. These are typically the 2A:10B:C models used in apartment common areas. Disposable extinguishers are single-use and are discarded after discharge. The 1A:10B:C models allowed in residential units are usually disposable.
What should tenants do if they use a fire extinguisher in their apartment?
Tenants should immediately report the discharge of a fire extinguisher to building management so it can be replaced or recharged promptly. Even a small amount of discharge will render the extinguisher ineffective until it is serviced.