In fully sprinklered buildings classified as offices, what is the required minimum size of a fire extinguisher for every 12,000 square feet of floor area?

The minimum size of a fire extinguisher required for every 12,000 square feet of floor area in fully sprinklered buildings classified as offices is a 3-A rating. This rating indicates that the extinguisher can effectively combat fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth, which are common in office settings.

Since office buildings are typically equipped with sprinkler systems designed to control or suppress fires, the standards established acknowledge that most fire incidents can be managed with a fire extinguisher of this rating. A 3-A rated extinguisher provides adequate coverage and fire-fighting capacity appropriate for the potential hazards present in such environments.

Understanding this requirement is critical for maintaining safety and compliance within fire safety regulations, as it ensures that even in the presence of a sprinkler system, occupants have immediate access to effective means of extinguishing small fires before they escalate.