---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 181.400"
title: "46"
number: "181.400"
heading: "Spaces required to have fixed fire extinguishing systems."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/181.400"
---

# §181.400. Spaces required to have fixed fire extinguishing systems.

- (a) The following spaces must be equipped with a fixed gas fire extinguishing system, in compliance with [§ 181.410](/cfr/46/181.410.md), or other fixed fire extinguishing system specifically approved by the Commandant, except as otherwise allowed by [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section:
  - (1) A space containing propulsion machinery;
  - (2) A space containing an internal combustion engine of more than 37.3 kW (50 hp);
  - (3) A space containing an oil fired boiler;
  - (4) A space containing machinery powered by gasoline or other fuels having a flash point of 43.3 °C (110 °F) or lower;
  - (5) A space containing a fuel tank for gasoline or any other fuel having a flash point of 43.3 °C (110 °F) or lower;
  - (6) A space containing combustible cargo or ship's stores inaccessible during the voyage (in these types of spaces only carbon dioxide, and not Halon, systems will be allowed);
  - (7) A paint locker; and
  - (8) A storeroom containing flammable liquids (including liquors of 80 proof or higher where liquor is packaged in individual containers of 9.5 liters (2.5 gallons) capacity or greater).
- (b) **Alternative system types and exceptions to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section are—**
  - (1) A fixed gas fire extinguishing system, which is capable of automatic discharge upon heat detection, may only be installed in a normally unoccupied space with a gross volume of not more than 170 cubic meters (6,000 cubic feet);
  - (2) A pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system must be in compliance with [§ 181.420](/cfr/46/181.420.md) of this part and may only be installed in a normally unoccupied machinery space, a paint locker, or a storeroom containing flammable liquids (including liquors of 80 proof or higher where liquor is packaged in individual containers of 9.5 liters (2.5 gallons) capacity or greater), with a gross volume of not more than 57 cubic meters (2,000 cubic feet);
  - (3) A 40-B portable fire extinguisher installed outside the space may be substituted for a fixed gas fire extinguishing system in a storeroom containing flammable liquids (including liquors of 80 proof or higher where liquor is packaged in individual containers of 9.5 liters (2.5 gallons) capacity or greater) or a paint locker, with a volume of not more that 5.7 cubic meters (200 cubic feet);
  - (4) A space which is so open to the atmosphere that a fixed gas fire extinguishing system would be ineffective, as determined by the cognizant OCMI, is not required to have a fixed gas fire extinguishing system; and
  - (5) Where the amount of carbon dioxide gas required in a fixed fire extinguishing system can be supplied by one portable extinguisher or a semi-portable extinguisher, such an extinguisher may be used subject to the following:
    - (i) The cylinder must be installed in a fixed position outside the space protected;
    - (ii) The applicator must be installed in a fixed position so as to discharge into the space protected; and
    - (iii) Controls must be installed in an accessible location outside the space protected.
- (c) All griddles, broilers, and deep fat fryers must be fitted with a grease extraction hood in compliance with [§ 181.425](/cfr/46/181.425.md) of this subchapter.
- (d) An enclosed vehicle space must be fitted with an automatic sprinkler system that meets the requirements of [part 76](/cfr/46/part76.md) of this chapter.
- (e) A partially enclosed vehicle space must be fitted with a manual sprinkler system that meets the requirements of [part 76](/cfr/46/part76.md) of this chapter.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 982, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51358, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-1999-6216, 64 FR 53228, Oct. 1, 1999; USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48299, July 22, 2016; USCG-2024-1103, 90 FR 52881, Nov. 24, 2025]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 982, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 982, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51358, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-1999-6216, 64 FR 53228, Oct. 1, 1999; USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48299, July 22, 2016; USCG-2024-1103, 90 FR 52881, Nov. 24, 2025]