Fire Extinguisher Cost

How Much Does a Fire Extinguisher Cost?

Single-Use Fire Extinguisher: $10-$20

Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher: $35-$75

Industrial Fire Extinguisher: $300-$800

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Fire extinguishers are usually handheld pressurized units containing a firefighting agent, like water, foam or a chemical. Fire extinguishers are typically marked to fight four different types of fires: a Type A fire is composed of ordinary combustible materials such as wood or paper; Type B involves flammable liquids such as gasoline or grease; Type C involves electrical equipment such as appliances or circuit breakers; and Type D is for combustible chemicals or metals and is typically found in industrial facilities or chemical laboratories. Type K fires usually involve cooking oils or greases, and can be extinguished with type B or C fire extinguishers.

Typical costs:

A home single-use fire extinguisher that is capable of fighting A, B or C type fires costs $15 -$20. For example, Home Depot sells the Kidde single-use fire extinguisher for $18.
Multi-use home and office fire extinguishers typically cost $35 -$75. First Alert's heavy duty rechargeable fire extinguisher costs $60.
Some fire extinguishers are designed for specific areas such as the kitchen or in the car. Typically, fire extinguishers for the kitchen or car are single-use and cost $10 -$20. The Great Hardware Store, an Indiana-based retailer, sells a kitchen extinguisher for $16. An automotive extinguisher is $14.
Industrial fire extinguishers, which often are capable of putting out A, B, C and D type fires, cost $300 -$800. The tanks of these fire extinguishers are often colored yellow, rather than the traditional red, to indicate the ability to put out D-type fires. DrillSpot.com sells a Buckeye Class D extinguisher for about $450.
Fire sprays, also called aerosol extinguishers, cost $15 -$25 apiece, but have received negative reviews from Consumer Reports. First Alert sells a two-pack of Tundra Fire Extinguishing Spray for $30.

What should be included:

Most fire extinguishers include a pressure gauge, a rating sticker defining what types of fires it can fight, a UL Listed mark indicating it meets stringent safety guideline, and a plastic (single-use) or metal (rechargeable) valve and head. Some manufacturers offer warranties of 10-12 years.
Fire extinguishers generally need to be inspected at least once a year. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors provides information on fire extinguisher maintenance and inspection.

Additional costs:

Refilling or recharging a fire extinguisher can usually be done by a local fire station. If they don't provide the service, they will know who does. Refilling a fire extinguisher typically costs $15 -$20.
Wall mounts for fire extinguishers cost $5 -$100. DrillSpot.com sells a strap bracket for about $8. A wall-mounted cabinet at Home Depot costs $77.
Fire extinguisher signs cost about $3 -$15. Amazon has a selection of fire extinguisher placement signs.

Shopping for a fire extinguisher:

Look for the UL Listed mark on the fire extinguisher, which means it meets the highest standards for safety and performance.
Kidde, a fire extinguisher manufacturer, provides tips on selecting a fire extinguisher for the home or office.
ConsumerSearch.com provides reviews of two popular fire extinguishers and what to look for when buying one.
The Fire Equipment Manufacturers Association provides useful guides including how to use a portable fire extinguisher and how to inspect and maintain a fire extinguisher.