Semi-Recessed Fire Extinguisher Cabinets

It can. The ADA Standards limit how far a wall-mounted object may protrude into a circulation path when its leading edge sits within a set height band (section 307.2). Some semi-recessed cabinets stay inside that limit and some do not, depending on the trim, the door and the handle, so check the overall projection on the cut sheet before you spec one for a corridor. The limit and where it applies are explained in the guide's ADA section.

Check more than the weight class. Compare the extinguisher's height, width and cylinder diameter with the cabinet's inside height, width and depth, and leave room to lift the unit out, or use the manufacturer's list of the extinguishers each cabinet takes. A wide-body or larger extinguisher needs a deeper tub than a standard one. The measuring steps are in the guide's fit section.

Yes, with a fire-rated cabinet that is listed for that kind of wall and installed the way its listing says. Cutting an opening into a fire-resistance-rated wall is a penetration, and the wall has to keep its rating. NFPA 10 allows either a listed fire-rated cabinet or a surface-mounted one on a rated wall. Fire-rated cabinets are typically tested to ASTM E814 for a specific wall assembly. More in the guide's fire-rated walls section.

NFPA 10 sets the height for the extinguisher, so place the cabinet where the unit inside lands within those limits. If the cabinet has to be accessible, its handle also falls under the ADA reach rules. The numbers are on our mounting height requirements page.