Can a surface mount cabinet go in a corridor?

Usually not in the walking route. 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), and most surface cabinets stick out further than that. Put it out of the path of travel or in an alcove, or choose a recessed or semi-recessed cabinet there. The limit and where it applies are explained in the guide's ADA section .

Do I need a fire-rated cabinet on a fire-rated wall?

Not for surface mount. NFPA 10 allows a surface-mounted cabinet on a fire-resistance-rated wall, because no cabinet-sized opening is cut. The fasteners still go into the wall, so follow the wall assembly's requirements for attachments. A fire-rated cabinet is for recessing into a rated wall. More in the guide's fire-rated walls section .

Will my extinguisher fit?

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 box than a standard one. The measuring steps are in the guide's fit section .

How high do I mount it?

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.

Surface Mount Fire Extinguisher Cabinets

16 products in this collection ↓

A surface mount fire extinguisher cabinet fastens to the face of the wall, into framing or with anchors suited to the wall. It needs no cavity, so it goes where a recessed cabinet cannot: masonry and concrete, thin walls and fire-rated walls you do not want to cut into. Some plastic models are made for outdoor use. The trade-off is that the whole box sits in front of the wall. The full comparison with the other two types is in our cabinet selection guide.

When surface mount is the right call

Your wall or space	Why surface mount
Masonry, block or concrete	There is no cavity to recess into
Thin wall or a wall full of services	Nothing has to be cut out of the wall
Fire-resistance-rated wall	NFPA 10 allows a surface-mounted cabinet on a rated wall, and it needs no cabinet-sized opening
Outdoor location	Plastic models made for exterior use do not rust and resist UV. Check that the model you pick is one of them
Corridor or aisle where people walk	Usually the wrong choice: see the projection question below, or use recessed or semi-recessed