Free Tool — BS 5306-8:2023

Fire Extinguisher Calculator

Estimate the minimum number of portable fire extinguishers required for your premises, based on BS 5306-8:2023 — the British Standard for the selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers.

Results are a minimum estimate. A full site-specific fire risk assessment by a competent person is always required.

Enter your premises details

Based on BS 5306-8:2023 — Selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers.

1Number of floors

Include ground floor, upper floors, and basement.

2Floor area per floor (m²)

m²

Use the gross floor area. If floors differ significantly, use the largest.

3Special hazards to consider

If any of the following apply, additional extinguisher types may be required beyond the Class A provision.

Electrical / IT equipment

Areas with servers, switchgear, or significant electrical equipment may require CO₂ extinguishers in addition to Class A provision.

Cooking equipment

Deep fat fryers, griddles, and commercial ranges require wet chemical extinguishers. One unit per cooking area — accessible within 15 m.

Flammable liquids or solvents

Where petrol, oils, or flammable chemicals are stored or used, foam extinguishers (Class B) should be provided in addition to Class A.

Vehicles / Car park

Vehicle bays and open-air parking areas may require dry powder (ABC) extinguishers. Dry powder is not suitable for normally-occupied indoor spaces.

Which Extinguisher for Which Fire?

All UK fire extinguishers have a red body. The coloured panel identifies the type. Using the wrong type on the wrong fire can be dangerous.

Fire Type	Water	Foam	ABC Powder	CO₂	Wet Chemical
AWood, paper & textiles
BFlammable liquids
CFlammable gases
DMetal fires
⚡Electrical equipment
FCooking oils & fats
Example premises	Schools, shops, apartment blocks, hospitals	Hotels, offices, schools, apartments	Outdoor sites, garages, welding workshops	Offices, server rooms	Kitchens, restaurants, canteens

* Class D metal fires require specialist dry powder — not standard ABC powder. Always consult a competent fire safety professional for specialist hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many fire extinguishers do I need by law?: Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure adequate fire extinguishing equipment is available. BS 5306-8:2023 specifies the minimum: 1 extinguisher (min 26A) for up to 50 m², 2 extinguishers (min 26A) for 50–400 m², and for larger premises a calculated A rating determines the requirement. Additional types are required for electrical equipment, cooking, and flammable liquids.
What type of extinguisher do I need for electrical equipment?: CO₂ extinguishers are recommended for areas with significant electrical or IT equipment. A minimum of one 2 kg CO₂ per floor with electrical equipment is typical. For server rooms or switchgear rooms, a 5 kg CO₂ or dedicated suppression system may be more appropriate.
How often do fire extinguishers need to be serviced?: Fire extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly by the responsible person, and serviced annually by a competent engineer under BS 5306-3. An extended service (full discharge and recharge) is required every five years.
What is the maximum travel distance to a fire extinguisher?: BS 5306-8:2023 specifies a maximum travel distance of 30 metres to the nearest appropriate extinguisher. For higher-hazard premises, the fire risk assessment may require a shorter travel distance.
Who can service fire extinguishers?: Servicing must be carried out by a competent person — typically an engineer holding an EAL Level 3 fire extinguisher qualification or equivalent. BFC's EAL Level 3 Fire Extinguisher Training is the industry standard qualification for engineers in this discipline.

EAL Level 3 Fire Extinguisher Training

BFC is the only training provider in the UK accredited by EAL for fire extinguisher qualifications. Our Level 3 course covers selection, installation, inspection, maintenance, extended service, and disposal of all extinguisher types.

Course Details Upcoming Dates

Fire Extinguisher Calculator

Results are a minimum estimate. A full site-specific fire risk assessment by a competent person is always required.

Enter your premises details

Based on BS 5306-8:2023 — Selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers.

1Number of floors

Include ground floor, upper floors, and basement.

2Floor area per floor (m²)

m²

Use the gross floor area. If floors differ significantly, use the largest.

3Special hazards to consider

If any of the following apply, additional extinguisher types may be required beyond the Class A provision.

Electrical / IT equipment

Areas with servers, switchgear, or significant electrical equipment may require CO₂ extinguishers in addition to Class A provision.

Cooking equipment

Deep fat fryers, griddles, and commercial ranges require wet chemical extinguishers. One unit per cooking area — accessible within 15 m.

Flammable liquids or solvents

Where petrol, oils, or flammable chemicals are stored or used, foam extinguishers (Class B) should be provided in addition to Class A.

Vehicles / Car park

Vehicle bays and open-air parking areas may require dry powder (ABC) extinguishers. Dry powder is not suitable for normally-occupied indoor spaces.

Which Extinguisher for Which Fire?

All UK fire extinguishers have a red body. The coloured panel identifies the type. Using the wrong type on the wrong fire can be dangerous.

Fire Type	Water	Foam	ABC Powder	CO₂	Wet Chemical
AWood, paper & textiles
BFlammable liquids
CFlammable gases
DMetal fires
⚡Electrical equipment
FCooking oils & fats
Example premises	Schools, shops, apartment blocks, hospitals	Hotels, offices, schools, apartments	Outdoor sites, garages, welding workshops	Offices, server rooms	Kitchens, restaurants, canteens

* Class D metal fires require specialist dry powder — not standard ABC powder. Always consult a competent fire safety professional for specialist hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many fire extinguishers do I need by law?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure adequate fire extinguishing equipment is available. BS 5306-8:2023 specifies the minimum: 1 extinguisher (min 26A) for up to 50 m², 2 extinguishers (min 26A) for 50–400 m², and for larger premises a calculated A rating determines the requirement. Additional types are required for electrical equipment, cooking, and flammable liquids.

What type of extinguisher do I need for electrical equipment?

CO₂ extinguishers are recommended for areas with significant electrical or IT equipment. A minimum of one 2 kg CO₂ per floor with electrical equipment is typical. For server rooms or switchgear rooms, a 5 kg CO₂ or dedicated suppression system may be more appropriate.

How often do fire extinguishers need to be serviced?

Fire extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly by the responsible person, and serviced annually by a competent engineer under BS 5306-3. An extended service (full discharge and recharge) is required every five years.

What is the maximum travel distance to a fire extinguisher?

BS 5306-8:2023 specifies a maximum travel distance of 30 metres to the nearest appropriate extinguisher. For higher-hazard premises, the fire risk assessment may require a shorter travel distance.

Who can service fire extinguishers?

Servicing must be carried out by a competent person — typically an engineer holding an EAL Level 3 fire extinguisher qualification or equivalent. BFC's EAL Level 3 Fire Extinguisher Training is the industry standard qualification for engineers in this discipline.

EAL Level 3 Fire Extinguisher Training

Course Details Upcoming Dates