Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher Information

A common extinguisher at home and in the work place, carbon dioxide (C02) fire extinguishers are meant for class B and C fires. The extinguisher is composed of pressurized CO2 gas held in a metal canister with a nozzle and lever at the top, as well as a safety pin.

How it Works

• When you pull the safety pin and depress the lever, pressurized CO2 is released from the nozzle in a downward direction. The CO2 displaces the oxygen that fuels the fire, thereby extinguishing the flames.

How to Use It

• First, pull the pin and aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, where the flames are fueled. Next, slowly pull the lever, releasing the gas and sweep from side to side to cover the entire base of the fire.

Benefits

• CO2 extinguishers are great for class B and C fires, which describe flammable liquids and electrical fires, respectively. Unlike dry chemical extinguishers, they leave a nontoxic residue, increasing the chances of salvaging the object(s) of a fire. Water extinguishers must never be used in class B or C fires--they often will only fuel the fire, and in the case of class C fires, can give you an electrical shock.

Drawbacks

• For class A fires (nonchemical, nonelectrical combustible material such as wood), CO2 extinguishers do not work as well as water extinguishers, which are more effective for displacing oxygen. In the event of larger, more serious fires, other dry chemical extinguishers work better to permanently extinguish flames, shooting a nonflammable residue that prevents re-ignition.

Warnings

• Always operate at a safe distance, approaching closer as the flames are being extinguished. Always check the label on your fire extinguisher because there are many types.