What Is a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Used For?

Fire extinguishers are significant safety tools that must be readily available at all times. Knowing the types of fire extinguishers is a must to ensure proper handling and use. The uses of carbon dioxide (CO2) types of fire extinguishers are listed below.

About CO2 Fire Extinguisher

It is a stable gas that neither burns nor sustains combustion. Liquid CO2 can be subjected to high pressure and it is fairly soluble with water. These properties make the CO2 types of fire extinguisher compatible with Class B and C fires.

Class B Fires

These pertain to flammable liquids and gas such as petroleum, paint and lighter fluids.

What to Do?

Eliminate class B fires by smothering it with the vaporizing air that binds with oxygen gases. Direct the extinguisher nozzle towards the source of fire.

Class C Fires

These pertain to electrical equipments such as appliances, fuse boxes and switchboards.

What to Do?

Eliminate class C fires by turning off nearby electric supply first, and do it as quickly as possible. Then, by using CO2 fire extinguisher, which acts as a non-conducting extinguishing agent, you cut off the support of combustion.

Resources

• Fire Extinguisher 101