Portable fire extinguishers over 40 pounds must be installed within how many feet above the floor?

Portable fire extinguishers that weigh more than 40 pounds should be installed no higher than 3 ½ feet above the floor. This height requirement is established to ensure that individuals can easily access and operate larger extinguishers during an emergency, reducing the risk of them being unable to retrieve an extinguisher in a critical situation. By maintaining this height, the mounting is within a convenient reach for most users while considering the challenges that can arise during a fire, such as visibility and urgency.

In contrast, smaller extinguishers may have different mounting height requirements, but for those over the specified weight, 3 ½ feet provides a balance between safety and accessibility.