What are the design standards and specifications for fire extinguisher cabinets

Fire cabinets, as an essential component of fire safety, bear the crucial responsibility of storing and protecting firefighting equipment. Scientifically sound design standards and specifications not only guarantee the performance of fire cabinets but also ensure their efficient operation in the event of a fire.

Material Standards for Fire Cabinets
The material choice of fire cabinets directly impacts their fire resistance and durability. They are generally made of high-quality cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, or aluminum alloy, with a steel thickness of at least 1.2 mm. The materials must meet the national standard GB/T 3280-2015 "Cold-Rolled Steel Sheet and Strip" and related fire performance requirements. The surface should be electrostatically sprayed to enhance corrosion and oxidation resistance, ensuring the cabinet's longevity in harsh environments. Some high-end fire cabinets also utilize fire-resistant composite materials to enhance their overall fire resistance.

Structural Design Specifications
The fire cabinet's structural design must ensure that it is sturdy, stable, and easily accessible for emergency use. The cabinet doors should be designed to slide or swing, with tight seals to prevent smoke and flames from entering. Specialized fixtures, such as hose hangers and nozzle brackets, should be installed inside the cabinet to ensure the orderly and secure placement of equipment. The interior space of a fire cabinet should be rationally divided according to the size and quantity of different firefighting equipment to prevent equipment from being squeezed or deformed. The overall design should comply with the relevant requirements of GB 4986-85, "Firefighting Equipment Storage Boxes."

Fire Performance Standards
The fire performance of a fire cabinet is a core design consideration. According to the national standard GB 12955-2008, "Fire-Resistant Components," fire cabinets should have a certain fire resistance limit, typically 30 to 90 minutes, to protect the equipment inside from high-temperature damage during the initial stages of a fire. Fire-resistant seals should be used on the cabinet doors and cabinet body to prevent the intrusion of flames and high-temperature gases through gaps. The appropriate use of fire-resistant coatings and thermal insulation materials can effectively enhance the overall fire resistance of the cabinet and meet actual firefighting requirements.

Installation Location and Height Specifications
The installation location of a fire cabinet must comply with fire safety regulations. It is typically located in a conspicuous and easily accessible public area, near evacuation routes, and near a fire water source. The installation height should be convenient for operation by people of different heights, with a standard installation height of 1.2 to 1.5 meters from the ground. Fire extinguisher cabinets should be kept away from flammable and explosive materials and high-temperature equipment to prevent them from becoming a source of danger in the event of a fire. The cabinet should be securely fastened to the wall to prevent tipping or vandalism.

Marking and Color Specifications
Fire extinguisher cabinets are typically painted a bright red, complying with GB 13495-2011, "Colors and Graphics for Fire Equipment Markings," to ensure easy identification in an emergency. Standard fire safety signs and operating instructions, including text and graphic symbols such as "fire hose" and "fire hydrant," should be printed or affixed to the cabinet surface. These signs should be wear-resistant and non-fading, ensuring long-term legibility.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
Maintenance and management of fire extinguisher cabinets are critical to ensuring their proper operation. Design standards require that fire extinguisher cabinets be easily accessible for daily inspection and maintenance, and that internal equipment be regularly replaced and inspected. Relevant standards, such as GB 50140-2005, "Design Specifications for Fire Extinguisher Configuration in Buildings," stipulate that firefighting equipment within fire extinguisher cabinets should be inspected at least monthly to ensure they are free of damage, expiration dates, and that hoses are free of cracks and that connectors are secure. Maintenance records should be kept in detail for easy tracking and management.

Smart Design Trends
With technological advancements, fire hood design is gradually moving towards smart technology. Some standards are beginning to incorporate intelligent monitoring modules that provide real-time monitoring of fire equipment status and door openings. Smart fire hoods are equipped with networked alarm systems that automatically notify management personnel of abnormalities, speeding up fire response. Smart design not only improves fire hood efficiency but also meets the needs of modern fire safety management.

Summary of Relevant National Standards
The following major national standards should be referenced and complied with in fire hood design:
GB 4986-85 "Fire Equipment Storage Boxes"
GB 12955-2008 "Fire-Resistant Structures"
GB 13495-2011 "Color and Graphic Design of Fire Equipment Signs"
GB 50140-2005 "Design Specification for Fire Extinguisher Configuration in Buildings"
GB/T 3280-2015 "Cold-Rolled Steel Sheet and Strip"