A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher uses pressurized gas to limit the oxygen supply of Class B and C fires, but is not safe for Class A fires. It leaves no residue and should be regularly inspected.
A carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is a fire extinguishing tool charged with pressurized carbon dioxide gas. This gas expands very rapidly when a person uses the device to smother a fire, limiting the oxygen supply of the fire. Many hardware and home improvement stores sell carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, and it is also possible to install a CO2 fire extinguishing system in a structure where it might be useful.
This type of extinguisher is suitable for use on Class B and C fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as kerosene, and Class C fires include electrical equipment. In a fire involving a flammable liquid, the gas can limit the oxygen supply to the fire as it expands, extinguishing the fire. For electrical fires, it does the same thing, and because it’s electrically non-conductive, there’s a low risk of shock.
Class A fires involving combustible materials are not safe for a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. The high pressure gas can effectively disperse materials and increase the size of the fire. Also, it may not suppress the oxygen supply long enough to put out the fire. The materials may burn and when the gas dissipates, the fire may flare up again. Fire extinguishers should have rating markings to indicate the types of fires they can be used on and it may be helpful for a person to become familiar with the ratings in preparation for a fire.
A typical carbon dioxide fire extinguisher has a hard, horn-shaped nozzle to direct the flow of gas. The operator must be careful, as this gas is extremely cold when it comes out of the fire extinguisher. Pieces of dry ice can form around the edge and people could be injured if they handle the nozzle. It is also potentially dangerous to use such devices in areas that do not have an oxygen supply for the operator, because the operator could suffocate while putting out the fire.
One advantage of the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is that it leaves no residue. The gas evaporates and clears the area. This can be important in a location that has expensive electronic equipment, as other suppression devices could damage the equipment. It can also be useful for other types of fires, after which cleanup may be a problem. A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher should be regularly inspected to make sure it works and can be refilled after use.
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