When using a Class A fire extinguisher rated at 2-A, what is the maximum square footage of ordinary combustibles it is designed to handle?
Correct Answer
D) 2,500 square feet
Each numerical rating on a Class A fire extinguisher represents 1.25 gallons of water equivalent. A 2-A extinguisher is designed to handle fires involving ordinary combustibles over an area of 2,500 square feet (2 x 1,250 = 2,500).
Why This Is the Correct Answer
A Class A fire extinguisher with a 2-A rating is designed to handle ordinary combustibles over 2,500 square feet. The numerical rating system for Class A extinguishers is based on water equivalency, where each number represents the extinguisher's effectiveness compared to 1.25 gallons of water. A 2-A rating means it has the firefighting capability equivalent to 2.5 gallons of water (2 x 1.25), which translates to coverage of 2,500 square feet of ordinary combustible materials.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 500 square feet
500 square feet is too small for a 2-A rated extinguisher - this would be closer to a 0.4-A rating if such existed
Option B: 1,000 square feet
1,000 square feet would correspond to approximately a 0.8-A rating, which is significantly less than a 2-A rating
Option C: 1,500 square feet
1,500 square feet would correspond to approximately a 1.2-A rating, still less than the 2-A rating specified
Memory Technique
Remember '1,250 per A' - each A rating covers 1,250 square feet, so multiply the number before 'A' by 1,250 to get total coverage
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code, Chapter 9 - Fire Protection Systems, or NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
More Project Mgmt Questions
What is the minimum R-value required for wall insulation in Florida Climate Zone 2?
A subcontractor brings a new chemical product to your jobsite. Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), what information must be immediately available to workers?
A construction site has a trench that is 8 feet deep in Type B soil. What is the maximum allowable slope ratio for the trench walls without protective systems?
A detail drawing shows a scale of 3/4" = 1'-0". If a dimension measures 2.25 inches on the drawing, what is the actual dimension?
What is the maximum recommended spacing between drywall screws when attaching to wood studs?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass