CO2 fire extinguishers: A Complete Guide

CO2 fire extinguishers: A Complete Guide

CO2 fire extinguishers

CO2 fire extinguishers: A Complete Guide

CO2 fire extinguishers are the extinguishers for electrical fires, and these also work on flammable liquid (class B) fires. In this article, we will explore CO2 fire extinguishers in a complete guide. CO2 fire extinguishers are mainly utilized for electrical fires. These are usually paired with foam extinguishers.

CO2 fire extinguishers are highly effective for suppressing Class B fires from flammable liquids and Class C fires from electrical equipment. The carbon dioxide removed replaces oxygen to cool the fire to control the blast. These extinguishers are best for IT rooms, labs, kitchens, workshops, vehicles, and other settings prone to electrical or cooking oil/grease fires. Their non-conductive, non-residue release makes them secure for electronics.

CO2 extinguishers come in 2 kg, 3 kg, and 5 kg sizes that can be wall-mounted for quick access. Their pressurized release allows remote firefighting from a safe distance. The versatility of Class B and C fires makes CO2 extinguishers an important fire protection tool for commercial and industrial establishments. The use of CO2 fire extinguishers easily makes them the best choice.

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    What Are CO2 Fire Extinguishers?

    CO2 fire extinguishers work essential elements of the fire triangle by displacing oxygen. The extinguishers have liquid carbon dioxide under high pressure. When deployed, liquid CO2 turns into gas and expands rapidly, cooling the air around it. This creates a heavy gas cloud that pushes oxygen away, removing one side of the fire triangle and putting out the flames. The cold CO2 vapor also absorbs heat from the fire.

    Inside the cylinder, a siphon tube helps release the liquefied gas as vapor through the discharge hose. When you press the lever, a piercing pin breaks the seal, allowing CO2 to escape through the nozzle.

    CO2 extinguishers work well on Class B fires (flammable liquids) and Class C fires (electrical equipment). But they shouldn’t be used on Class A fires (wood, cloth, paper) since those need a quenching effect to stop the flames.

    Be cautious when using CO2 in spaces—it can reduce oxygen levels. Always ventilate the area immediately after use.

    CO2 fire extinguisher uses:

    • Fires equipment like computers, or generators (‘electrical’ fires)
    • Fires some flammable liquids, like petrol, diesel, and paint (‘class B’ fires)

    Do not use CO2 extinguishers for:

    • Cooking fires oil and grease, like chip pan fires (‘class F’ fires)

    How to identify a CO2 extinguisher:

    •  BLACK colored label wording ‘CO2’
    • The nozzle tops in a unique black ‘horn’
    • Should be specified by an extinguisher ID sign fixed nearby ‘CO2 Extinguisher’

    Sizes of CO2 fire extinguishers available:

    • 2 kg
    • 3 Kg
    • 5 kg

    How CO2 fire extinguishers work:

    CO2 fire extinguishers release CO2 gas (carbon dioxide gas). The gas is held in the extinguisher as a liquid and made under pressure when the handle is pressed.
    This generates the CO2 gas at great speed, so why CO2 fire extinguishers are not recommended for chip pan fires – they could remove the flames into surrounding regions.

    Unlike water and foam extinguishers, CO2 fire extinguishers do not work CO2 extinguishers are useless on flames involving combustible solids because, in comparison to water and foam extinguishers, they do not cool the fire.

    A CO2 extinguisher, on the other hand, puts out a fire by changing carbon dioxide for the oxygen that was near the flames.

    Pros and Cons of CO2 extinguishers:

    Pros: They are very good at putting out electrical fires and leave no residue left.

    Cons: not environmentally friendly than other types of extinguishers; they change the oxygen in the air with CO2, which increases the risk of asphyxiation if used in restricted places; they also come with a risk of cold burns if the user holds the extinguisher by the horn.

    Who needs CO2 extinguishers?

    CO2 fire extinguishers should be a common problem for premises with live electrical fire risk. Some specific places need CO2 extinguishers to be installed by fire protection rules. These are usually have electrical equipment, including:

    • Offices
    • Laboratories
    • Casinos
    • Server rooms
    • Mechanical rooms
    • Schools
    • Universities

    CO2 extinguishers can be found in areas that store flammable products like gasoline, diesel, and paint since they may also be used on Class B fires.
    CO2 fire extinguishers are especially useful in workplaces with a lot of electrical equipment. Combinations of CO2 and foam extinguishers are often recommended for this type of interior setting since they address a large number of potential fire hazards.

    How to use a CO2 fire extinguisher:

    CO2 fire extinguishers A Complete inner 2

    CO2 fire extinguishers are mainly made to put out electrical fires, but they can also be used on Class B liquid fires. Their application changes according on what type of fire. CO2 gas is dangerous at an amount of only 4% and can kill at a concentration of only 8%, thus do not use CO2 extinguishers in small spaces.

    Only use an extinguisher on small fires. If the fire has spread, evacuate the area right once, alert anybody nearby, and then alert the fire and rescue services. Avoid trying to put out the fire. Follow the guidelines below and maintain a safe distance if you prefer to fight the fire.

    • Pull the safety pin, it will break the tamper seal.
    • Do not hold the horn unless it is a frost-free horn, as it is extremely cold during use and can cause extreme frost burns. Always choose CO2 extinguishers with a frost-free horn to avoid this hazard.
    • Press the lever to start releasing the extinguisher. Please mention that the CO2 extinguishers make a very powerful release noise, which is expected.
      Aiming the extinguisher:
    • Flammable liquids: Move all over the area, pointing the horn at the fire’s base. Take caution not to spray the CO2 extinguisher’s strong jet onto the flaming liquid.
    • Electrical equipment: To avoid later re-ignition, turn off the power wherever it is safe to do so, then aim the horn directly at the fire.
    • Please be aware that the discharge duration of a CO2 extinguisher is extremely short.

    After using a CO2 extinguisher, be sure the fire has been completely put out because it is easy for it to re-ignite. After usage, CO2 gas moves away, and if the fire is still very hot, it may reignite.

    Conclusion

    Extinguishers are essential for business fire safety to protect your staff, coworkers, the building, and its contents. However, it is important to choose the appropriate fire extinguisher for the situation.
    In business and industrial environments, CO2 fire extinguishers—also known to as carbon dioxide fire extinguishers—are essential to fire safety.

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