The performance of automatic fire extinguishers (AFE) was tested using a novel nozzle distribution test in relation to a point of visual approach. The visual nozzle distribution data was obtained from the mapping of the amount of the collected fire extinguishing agent to each position and the gradient was given in accordance with the visually collected amount. The results showed that the effective discharge time was determined by the nozzle structure and its size. The visual nozzle distribution test (VNDT) provided relevant information regarding the performance efficiency of AFE, including the nozzle coverage area, the effective amount of the fire extinguishing agent and the distribution uniformity of fire extinguishing agents, and calculations for the proper amount of a fire extinguishing agent to extinguish a fire. Consequently, the results indicate the VNDT is an excellent method for analyzing the performance efficiency of AFE.