Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are filled up with non-flammable carbon dioxide gas.
Knowing the multiple classifications of fire is vital in understanding which kind of fire extinguisher to use in an emergency. A carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is usually used for Class B (flammable liquids and gases) as well as Class C (electrical) fires as well. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are filled up with non-flammable carbon dioxide gas. CO2 fire extinguishers can be easily identified by its hard horn and lack of a pressure gauge. The extinguisher’s pressure is so extreme that bits of tiny ice might shoot out of the horn once discharged. If you decide to go with this fire extinguisher, you have to know everything about them. Here are the top four things to know about carbon dioxide fire extinguishers for proper fire protection.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers are Designed for Class B Liquid Fires and Are Safe for Electrical Use
Class B fires that can be extinguished successfully with a carbon dioxide extinguisher are flammable gases and liquids, oil greases (excluding cooking greases/oils), solvents, tars, oil-based paints, and lacquers. Any Class C fires, which involve energized electrical equipment, can also be extinguished with CO2.
CO2 Displaces the Oxygen to Extinguish Fire
Once the CO2 gas is released from the extinguisher, it looks a lot like dry ice. This “cloud” of CO2 cuts back the oxygen in the air around the fire and then smothers it. This kind of extinguisher doesn’t work well outside because of wind drift. The wind can then blow the carbon dioxide off the fire and bring oxygen back towards the flames.
The Discharge Range is Quite Small
Once CO2 is released from the fire extinguisher, it will begin to spread, as gases usually do. Because of this, the horizontal discharge range of a CO2 stream is somewhat limited to about three to ten feet. This range is nearly half the average range of an ABC extinguisher.
They Don’t Leave Any Residue Once the Fire is Extinguished
Carbon dioxide cuts the oxygen supply off and brings down the fire’s temperature with its cold presence. Once the carbon dioxide gas has extinguished the fire, it’ll dissipate into the atmosphere without leaving a single trace. No reside normally means no damage. This is a very significant advantage for expensive electronic equipment, versus using a usual ABC fire extinguisher, which uses a powder that could be corrosive.
Fire Protection Services from Fireline
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