Extinguishers weighing less than 40 pounds (18.1 Kg.) should be installed with the top not more than ______ from the floor.

Extinguishers weighing less than 40 pounds (18.1 Kg.) should be installed with the top not more than ______ from the floor.

• A. 3 feet (1.0 m)
• B. 4 feet (1.2 m)
• C. 5 feet (1.5 m)
• D. 6 feet (1.8 m)

Answer: (C)

The key idea is placing a portable extinguisher where it can be grabbed quickly and safely. Lighter extinguishers are easier to lift and reach, so they’re allowed to be mounted higher, up to about five feet from the floor. This height keeps the extinguisher within easy arm’s reach for most standing adults, enabling a fast grip and smooth operation in an emergency without requiring a climb or awkward overhead lift. If the extinguisher were mounted higher than that, even a lighter unit could become difficult to reach quickly. In practice, this height balances accessibility with practical handling. Heavier extinguishers—those weighing 40 pounds or more—are typically mounted lower to reduce the effort needed to lift them, which is why the five‑foot limit is specifically noted for lighter units.

The key idea is placing a portable extinguisher where it can be grabbed quickly and safely. Lighter extinguishers are easier to lift and reach, so they’re allowed to be mounted higher, up to about five feet from the floor. This height keeps the extinguisher within easy arm’s reach for most standing adults, enabling a fast grip and smooth operation in an emergency without requiring a climb or awkward overhead lift. If the extinguisher were mounted higher than that, even a lighter unit could become difficult to reach quickly.

In practice, this height balances accessibility with practical handling. Heavier extinguishers—those weighing 40 pounds or more—are typically mounted lower to reduce the effort needed to lift them, which is why the five‑foot limit is specifically noted for lighter units.