Learn about
Fire Extinguisher Security Cabinets
There are many advantages to utilizing these cabinets, but they also come at an additional expense. The decision whether or not to install security cabinets often comes down to the specific needs of a building and the preferences of the Board or property owner.
Since fire extinguishers are legally required to be installed throughout the common areas of your condo association (and almost all commercial properties) they are "wall decorations" that you cannot avoid.
From an interior decorating standpoint, some consider fire extinguishers to be eye sores. Cabinets can help by producing a more uniform, blended and hidden appearance while still meeting all legal requirements. The perceived improvement in appearance is one of the primary reasons that clients elect to install these units.
Powerful benefit #1
Theft and Tampering Deterrent
Cabinets provide an important theft deterrent since access to the fire extinguisher requires a key. (In the case of a fire, the glass on the front face of the cabinet is broken in order to access the extinguisher.) In buildings where theft of the extinguishers is a concern, or where tampering with the extinguishers may be a problem, cabinets are a great solution.
While most cabinets restrict access to the extinguisher with a lock, the extinguisher can still be stolen. By breaking the front glass, simulating the steps that one would take to access the extinguisher in the case of a real fire, the extinguisher can be accessed. In practice, however, people are far less likely to steal or meddle with an extinguisher if they must first damage building property by breaking the cabinet glass. Security cabinets are the best method available to protect your extinguishers from tampering and theft.
Powerful benefit #2
Avoid the Risk of Falling Extinguishers
Learn about
Accessing the Extinguisher During a Fire
In the case of a fire, the glass or plastic panel on the front face of the cabinet must be broken in order to access the extinguisher. These panels are designed to break relatively easily and shatter into safe pieces that will not cut or otherwise injure the person accessing the extinguisher.
To facilitate the breaking of the glass each cabinet should be equipped with a "hammer" or "breaker bar". (Samples shown below) By striking the glass with the provided device, the pane will shatter and the user can access the fire extinguisher. A hammer or breaker bar comes standard with all security cabinets sold by Connected Fire Safety Services.
