Applies in Germany. This page explains the German rules in English. German terms are given in brackets.

How often must a fire extinguisher be inspected?

In Germany, fire extinguishers in workplaces must be checked regularly by a competent person. How many extinguishers you need depends on the floor area and the extinguishing units (Löschmitteleinheiten, LE) set out in the German workplace rule ASR A2.2.

In short

Maintenance every two years by a competent person (ASR A2.2, no. 7.4.2). Longer intervals only if the manufacturer allows them; shorter manufacturer intervals always apply. Shorter intervals under heavy use, for example outdoors or in vehicles. In addition, fire extinguishers count as pressure equipment and need the recurring tests under the German Industrial Safety Regulation (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung, BetrSichV).

Overview for guidance only, not legal advice. No guarantee of accuracy. Intervals and scope depend on design, use and the risk assessment (Gefährdungsbeurteilung). Responsibility lies with the operator.

How many fire extinguishers do I need?

Enter the floor area and the rating of your extinguishers. The calculator shows the required extinguishing units (LE) and the number of extinguishers for normal fire risk under ASR A2.2.

Floor area in m² (all levels combined)

Rating per extinguisher (fire class A)

Required extinguishing units

18 LE

Number of extinguishers

320 m² with normal fire risk require 18 LE. With extinguishers of 12 LE each, that is 2 extinguishers.

For several floors, add up all levels; every floor needs at least 6 LE.
As a rule, only extinguishers with at least 6 LE count towards the basic equipment.
The requirement applies per fire class: if class B materials are present, the rating for class B must also be sufficient.
From any point, the walking distance to the nearest extinguisher must not exceed 20 m.
The calculator only applies to normal fire risk and does not replace a risk assessment. Higher fire risk requires additional measures.
The equipment is determined by a competent person on the basis of the risk assessment (Gefährdungsbeurteilung). The result is for guidance only.

Extinguishing rating and extinguishing units (ASR A2.2, Table 2)

Rating fire class AExtinguishing units (LE)

5A1

8A2

13A4

21A6

27A9

34A10

43A12

55A15

As a rule, only extinguishers with at least 6 LE count towards the basic equipment.

Inspection intervals at a glance

Maintenance of all fire extinguishers (ASR A2.2, no. 7.4.2)every 2 years; longer only with manufacturer approval, shorter manufacturer intervals applycompetent person, in practice a fire extinguisher technician (Sachkundiger)

Under heavy use (weather, mobile use)shorter, based on the risk assessmentcompetent person

Fire extinguishers as pressure equipment: internal inspection (BetrSichV, Annex 2 Section 4 No. 7.10)at least once every 5 yearsqualified person (befähigte Person) or approved inspection body (ZÜS), depending on pressure and container volume

Fire extinguishers as pressure equipment: strength test (BetrSichV, Annex 2 Section 4 No. 7.10)at least once every 10 years; may be omitted for powder extinguishers if the internal inspection found no defects, and for extinguishers with an internal lining if the lining is undamagedqualified person or ZÜS

Cartridge-operated extinguishers (pressurised only when used) and CO₂ extinguishersinternal inspection and strength test after the interval only if the container is opened or refilled for maintenance; the maintenance every 2 years still appliesmaintenance: fire extinguisher technician (Sachkundiger); BetrSichV tests as above

Visual check by the companyregularly (recommendation, no fixed interval)own staff

If no defects are found, this is marked on the extinguisher, e.g. with an inspection label (Prüfplakette). If it no longer works properly, it must be repaired or replaced without delay (ASR A2.2, no. 7.4.1).

What has to be documented?

The results of maintenance and inspection must be documented (ASR A2.2, no. 7.4.1). In practice, for each extinguisher: location, type and agent, extinguishing rating, date, result, defects found and how they were fixed, and who carried out the inspection. Authorities during site inspections and insurers often ask for these records.

Frequently asked questions

Does a fire extinguisher have to be replaced after 2 years?

No. It is serviced and gets a new inspection label (Prüfplakette). It is only replaced if it has been used, is damaged or can no longer be repaired.

Who may inspect fire extinguishers?

A competent person, in practice a fire extinguisher technician (Sachkundiger). Separate rules apply to the pressure equipment tests under BetrSichV (see “Inspection intervals at a glance” above).

What are extinguishing units (LE)?

A unit defined in ASR A2.2 that makes extinguishers of different sizes comparable. The rating on the label, for example 43A, corresponds to a fixed number of extinguishing units (see the table “Extinguishing rating and extinguishing units” above, next to the calculator).

How many fire extinguishers do I need?

It depends on the floor area, the fire risk and the rating of the extinguishers. The calculator above shows the requirement for normal fire risk. In addition, the walking distance to the nearest extinguisher must not exceed 20 m, and every floor needs at least 6 LE.

Legal basis: German workplace rule ASR A2.2 “Maßnahmen gegen Brände” (GMBl 2025), German Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV), Annex 2 Section 4 No. 7.10, based on DIN 14406-4. As of October 2026.

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