What is a CO2 fire extinguisher?
A CO2 fire extinguisher also is known as a Carbon Dioxide extinguisher is primarily used for electrical fires and is identified with the black label written ‘CO2’ on it and black ‘horn’ nozzle.
What is a CO2 fire extinguisher used for?
CO2 fire extinguishers combat fires involving equipment such as computers, or generators (‘electrical’ fires) and some flammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel, and paint (‘class B’ fires). Do not use CO2 extinguishers for cooking fires involving oil and grease, such as chip pan fires (‘class F’ fires).
Below is the specification of the CO2 extinguisher :
| Capacity | 2.0kg | 5.0kg |
| Material | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Working Pressure, Bar | 70 Bar at 27˚C | 70 Bar at 27˚C |
| Overall height, mm | 530 | 770 |
| Overall diameter, mm | 113 | 140 |
| Cylinder test pressure, Bar | 250 | 250 |
| Discharge time, sec | 8-12 | 9-12 |
| Standard | Manufactured and approved to MS1539 Part 1 | Manufactured and approved to MS1539 Part 1 |
| Full weight, Kg | 7.7 | 17.5 |
| Paint Finish | Red | Red |
| Fire Rating | 21B | 55B |
| Temperature range | -20˚C to 60˚C | -20˚C to 60˚C |
| Discharge range | 3 meter | 3 meter |
| Carton size | 180 X 195 X 665 | 230 X 230 X 715 |
| Operating head | Brass | Brass |
| Type of extinguishant | Carbon Dioxide | Carbon Dioxide |
| Class of Fire | B, E | B, E |
How do CO2 fire extinguishers work?
CO2 extinguishers discharge carbon dioxide gas and the gas is formed from the liquid that will be under pressure when the handle of the extinguisher is squeezed and causes the CO2 gas to rapidly emerge. CO2 extinguishers are not recommended for chip pan fires because they could literally blast the flames into surrounding areas. CO2 extinguishers do not cool the fire so it is not effective on fires involving flammable solids. CO2 extinguishers smother the fire by displacing oxygen in the air yet does not leave any residue unlike the other fire extinguishers but the fire may re-ignite if the source is not removed.
Who should use a CO2 fire extinguisher?
CO2 extinguishers are normally used for premises with live electrical fire risks such as offices, shops, schools, and hospitals.
Read on how to use a CO2 fire extinguisher?
Read more about the types of fire extinguishers and their uses.
