5 Features to Consider When Choosing a Fire Extinguisher Cabinet
If you're buying a fire extinguisher, you may want to purchase a cabinet to display and store it. There are a lot of different cabinets on the market, and there are numerous things you need to consider when buying one. To help you hone in on the right option, here are some points to consider.
1. Mounting Style
Some cabinets are attached to the wall, and they protrude from it. That can work in large rooms where you have a lot of space. However, for narrow hallways, you may want a cabinet that doesn't stick out so far. In those cases, you need to opt for recessed or fully recessed. Because you have to cut a hole in the wall, and attach the recessed cabinet to the studs, you may need a professional to help with installing that style.
2. Material
Fire extinguisher cabinets can come in a range of materials. In most cases, however, they are plastic or metal. If you want a classic look and a lightweight cabinet, thin metal may be the ideal choice. However, if you are displaying the cabinet outdoors, plastic may be the better option. While metal may corrode, plastic stands up to the elements more effectively.
3. Accessibility
How are people going to get the fire extinguisher out of the cabinet? In some cases, you may want a cabinet that is primarily locked but that has a glass pane in its door that you can break with a hammer. In other cases, you may prefer a cabinet that is completely open so that anyone can grab the fire extinguisher when it's needed.
4. Security
As indicated above, you can get cabinets that are locked but that can be easily broken into. That doesn't prevent anyone from vandalising or stealing the extinguisher, but that simple safeguard can help reduce the chance of theft. If you want an even more secure setup, you may want to opt for a cabinet that is completely locked.
That works best in places where you are not legally obligated to have an accessible fire extinguisher—for example in your home shop. You may also want to consider a cabinet that has an alarm. Then, when someone takes out the extinguisher, the alarm goes off, and that notifies you that there is either a fire or that someone is stealing your extinguisher.
5. Fire Rating
Finally, some cabinets come with a fire rating. This is a number that indicates how long the cabinet can be exposed to fire. A high fire rating helps to ensure that your fire extinguisher is safe and accessible even if a fire starts.
To discover more about fire extinguishers and cabinets, talk to retailers near you.
