What is the minimum allowed rating for fire extinguishers in hotels and motels according to the code?

The minimum allowed rating for fire extinguishers in hotels and motels is 2-A, which corresponds to a level of fire suppression capability suitable for typical hotel environments where combustible materials such as paper, wood, and certain plastics may be present. The rating system for fire extinguishers uses a classification based on the types of fires they are effective against.

A rating of 2-A indicates that the extinguisher is capable of putting out fires involving ordinary combustibles, while also providing a certain level of coverage in terms of capacity (in terms of gallons of water equivalent). This means that extinguishers rated lower than 2-A may not be sufficient for the variety of fire risks present in hotel and motel settings.

Focus on ensuring that guests and staff have access to appropriate fire safety equipment is expressed in the fire safety codes, reflecting the need for a thorough fire safety strategy. Thus, a 2-A rating is established as the minimum to ensure adequate protection against potential fire hazards in these facilities, making it the appropriate choice for this context.