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CATO Fire Extinguisher Cabinets

CATO Fire Extinguisher Cabinets: Chief Series & Warrior Series

Overview of the CATO Brand

CATO Fire Protection Products is based in Fort Myers, Florida.  Since 1984 CATO has been manufacturing plastic fire extinguisher cabinets and fire alarm covers in the USA.  In 2023 Activar Construction Products Group acquired CATO.  The company emphasizes durability, economy, and design options including surface mount and semi-recessed configurations, with specialized models for environments such as MRI rooms.

1. Chief Series Plastic Fire Extinguisher Cabinets

Key Features

  • Reliable & Affordable: Built tough with dent and rust proof plastic, delivering resilient economic value.
     
  • Model Options: Available in several variants:
    • Chief – uses a break-glass access panel (“break cover”)
    • Island Chief – features a pull-panel front, labeled MRI Safe (ASTM F2503), ideal for MRI environments and other sensitive zones.
    • Chief Pull-to-Open – includes a hinged acrylic door with pull handle for quick access.
    • Chief Semi-Recessed – offers an ADA compliant, low profile installation with a built-in pull handle and recessed trim.

Construction & Materials

  • Body: High impact polystyrene with UV inhibitors in red or white.
  • Cover Materials:
    • Chief: 0.080" acrylic, grid scored for emergency break panel access.
    • Island Chief: 0.030" PETG pull panel, clear only, labeled with "Felony Warning" and MRI Safe decals.
    • Chief Pull-to-Open: Hinged acrylic front with pull handle, locking trim.
    • Semi-Recessed: Clear acrylic window within a streamline polypropylene frame.
  • Hardware & Access:
    • Chief and Island Chief: Equipped with hexagonal locks and keys; Chief also includes a break tool hammer (optional break bar).

Specialty—MRI Safe (Island Chief)

The Island Chief’s all plastic, non-magnetic construction meets ASTM F2503 standards, making it safe for use in MRI rooms—critical in healthcare environments.

Application Fit

The Chief and Island Chief accommodates extinguishers from 2.5 lb. to 20 lb.  The Chief Pull-to-Open  and the Chief Semi Recessed accommodates extinguishers from 2.5 lb. to 10 lb.  All of these cabinet offer options for rust-prevention trays and custom decals.

2. Warrior Series Plastic Fire Extinguisher Cabinets

Main Features

  • Durable Exterior-Grade Design: Made for tough environments like parking garages and gas stations. The two-piece polystyrene design resists rust and dents.
  • Easy Access Mechanism: Features a pull-up cover with a locking seal—no padlock necessary. Labeled "PULL" for intuitive access.

Materials & Specs

  • Body:  Injection-molded high-impact polystyrene (.110" thick) with UV inhibitors; available in red or white.
  • Cover: .100" crystal polystyrene, in clear or red; includes etched “PULL” handle for daily access.
  • Decals: Comes with UV-resistant “FIRE” and “Crime Warning” decals.
  • Access Hardware: Includes a plastic locking seal (white only); breaking the seal allows cover removal.

Specialty—MRI Safe (Warrior)

The Warrior's all plastic, non-magnetic construction meets ASTM F2503 standards, making it safe for use in MRI rooms—critical in healthcare environments.

Sizes & Uses

Fits 2.5 lb. to 10 lb. fire extinguishers. Suitable for indoor and out door use, designed for surface mounting.

Additional Accessories

Options like rust-prevention trays, replacement parts, and decals are available for customization or maintenance.

Comparison: Chief Series vs. Warrior Series

Feature
 		 Chief Series
 		 Warrior Series
 
Use Case Indoor/Outdoor/Healthcare
ADA-compliant		 Indoor/Outdoor
ADA-compliant
Access Method Break Glass or
Hinged Door		 Break Seal
with locking seal
Materials Polystyrene/PETG/acrylic,
UV-resistant		 High-impact polystyrene,
UV-resistant
Special Model Island Chief – MRI safe
for MRI rooms		 MRI-safe
for MRI rooms
Sizes 2.5–20 lb. Extinguishers 2.5–10 lb. Extinguishers
Installation Surface and Semi-Recessed Surface Only
Security Lock and Key Plastic Locking Seal

Final Thoughts

The CATO Chief Series is versatile, offering a full lineup of cabinet styles—from quick-break access to MRI safe solutions—with strong customization and healthcare focus.  Meanwhile, the Warrior Series delivers a budget-friendly, robust exterior cabinet designed for everyday accessibility and durability.

Whether safeguarding sensitive medical environments or protecting extinguishers in outdoor or high-traffic areas, CATO’s lines offer tailored protection through smart, all-plastic engineering.