Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers 101
The CO2 extinguisher is one of the most common fire extinguishers available. It is considered a “clean agent” fire extinguisher because it does not leave a messy residue after it has been discharged. But, CO2 extinguishers are not the best choice for all fires. It is vital to know what type of fire is burning so as to judge an extinguisher’s usefulness. Fires are classified in different categories: Class A: ordinary paper, wood or plastic Class B: flammable or combustible liquids Class C: electrical wiring and electronic equipment Class D: combustible metals
Different extinguishers each work best on different classifications of fires. Class B and C fires respond well to CO2 extinguishers. Class A fires, fueled by paper, plastic or wood, are less well-matched with CO2. Although it may initially extinguish the flames, once the CO2 dissipates, the fire may re-ignite. Fires involving combustible metals (Class D) are never treated with CO2; the chemical reactions present in that type of fire really may be accelerated.
Fire extinguishers are manufactured to hold their fire fighting agent in a pressurized state. The point of discharging the agent is to kill the flames by taking away one of the main ingredients of the fire’s existence: heat, fuel, or oxygen. CO2 extinguishers work on suffocating the flames by replacing the oxygen with carbon dioxide, a non-flammable gas.
The CO2 extinguisher contains carbon dioxide in liquid form. The extinguisher must be highly pressurized for that state to be maintained; therefore, the carbon dioxide is also extremely cold. When in use, the extinguisher emits a mist of CO2, but occasionally also sends out a few pieces of dry ice. The nozzle of the extinguisher should never touch bare skin because freeze burns may occur.
Discharging a CO2 extinguisher is loud and the mist is very forceful due to the extreme pressure inside the cylinder. When using it, the nozzle should be at a direct angle away from the body. You also need to have a very firm hold on the extinguisher. The level of force generated by the discharge may really be damaging to some computers or delicate electronic equipment. In those situations, other clean agent fire extinguishers should be used, if possible. General kitchen and appliance fires are well served by a CO2 extinguisher, but. Restaurants and chemical labs often use commercial CO2 extinguishers.
It is vital to keep your head when facing a fire situation. Assess its extent and your ability to face it. You are not required to fight it. Leave if needed and sound an alarm; then call in fire professionals. If the fire is small enough, you may want to use a fire extinguisher. Unlock the triggering device and discharge the agent at the base of the flames. Make sure your exit path is clear and do not walk toward the fire over an area you have just extinguished. Those areas may re-ignite.
Remember most extinguishers do not have a very long discharge time. If the fire is too large, a home extinguisher will not be able to counteract it. Once an extinguisher has been discharged, get it replaced or recharged immediately so it is ready for the next emergency.
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in home safety. If you would like further information about varieties of co2 extinguisher or are searching to buy a co2 extinguisher please visit http://www.adt.co.uk