Everything You Need to Know About a CO2 Fire Extinguisher

A CO2 Fire Extinguisher is turning effective in dousing electrical fires and even flammable fires (class B) fires. This extinguisher is often paired with foam extinguishers so that it can extinguish the flames easily. 

Understanding the Extinguisher:

Recognizing a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher is very easy. This type of extinguisher contains carbon dioxide under very high pressure. They contain a flute-shaped discharge horn. They are ideal for dousing class B fires. The reason is simple. The extinguisher comes with a red body and a black band that cover 5-10% of the surface areas. A black label on the top of the product would mention it as a ‘Carbon Dioxide’ Extinguisher. 

Why Do You Need It? 

Do I need a fire extinguishing device for my office space/ retail space? This is one common question that might come across your mind often. Well, the answer to this question is a big yes. 

Any premise posing live electrical fire risk should install a CO2 Based Fire Extinguishing System. This system is suitable for offices, shops, and gymnasiums as these places have a lot of electrical equipment present. Carbon Dioxide being non-conductive doesn’t leave any form of harmful residue behind. Thereby, preventing any sort of damage to the circuits of the equipment. 

A CO2 extinguisher cuts off the oxygen from the fire. It cools down the fuel or the source of the fire very fast. Hence, it can prevent the spread of fire and any serious damage to the electrical equipment. This extinguisher can also douse class B fires which are mainly caused by flammable liquids, such as paint or petrol. 

How A CO2 Based Fire Extinguisher Works? 

A Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher should be used very carefully. These extinguishers work with the help of liquid pressurized carbon dioxide. Whenever the extinguisher is stretched, the pressurized container starts to release the CO2. The gas released from the extinguishing device stops the oxygen from spreading. Thereby, prevents the spread of fire. 

Well, oxygen is known to be the chief source that prompts the fire to burn. A CO2 extinguisher can easily suppress the flames by taking away the oxygen element from the fire triangle. The CO2 remains cold when it comes out of the extinguisher. Hence, it can effectively extinguish class B fires. However, it’s not at all suitable for dealing with class A fires, like solid combustibles such as wood, paper, and fabrics. 

Using the Extinguisher: 

Using a CO2 fire extinguishing device is very easy. All you need to do is to remove the safety pin. This would break the anti-tamper seal. However, care should be taken to avoid holding the extinguisher by the horn. 

The horn should be aimed towards the base of the fire. Then, the jet of CO2 must be moved backward and forward. However, before you plan to use a CO2 extinguisher system on an electrical fire, make sure to switch off the electrical items. For electrical fires, you should ensure that the burning liquid doesn’t spread to adjoining areas. 

If you are planning to use a CO2 Fire Extinguisher for your office space or commercial establishment, talk to an expert. They can guide you with the basic Fire Safety requirements and also with the proper way of using the system. Proper use of the system can fight the fire from its start and prevent it from spreading fast.