Extinguishers that use water stored under pressure must have a minimum discharge of how far?

The minimum discharge distance for water fire extinguishers is 30 feet. This requirement ensures that the extinguisher can effectively project water over a sufficient distance to reach the base of a fire while keeping the user at a safe distance.

Water extinguishers are primarily used on Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles. A 30-foot discharge allows for adequate coverage, as it allows the operator to stand back from potential flare-ups or hazardous conditions, thereby minimizing the risk of injury.

In practical scenarios, a greater discharge distance would be challenging to achieve with water extinguishers due to the nature of water as a cooling agent and the design of the equipment. Considering the application in a variety of settings, ensuring a minimum distance of 30 feet balances effectiveness with safety.