When to Use or Avoid Using a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?

Not all kinds of fires can be extinguished with water. Thus, different types of fire extinguishers are required to eliminate various types of fires. Depending on the nature of the business and cause of the potential fire threat, the fire extinguishers installed in the building may contain water, dry chemicals, wet chemicals, dry powder type extinguishing agent, foam, wet mist, CO2, or Halogenated agents. These different types of extinguishing agents are ideal for various fires while unsuitable to use for others. Thus, it is crucial to know which type of extinguishing agent is suitable for particular kinds of fire threats.

When is a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Ideal for Use?

CO2 is a commonly used extinguishing agent which is usually used to extinguish Class B and Class C fires involving burning liquids and electrical fires. As per the NFPA guidelines, commercial facilities at high risk of electrical, chemical, or combustible liquid fires need to install CO2 fire extinguishers in NYC. Such fires are highly challenging to extinguish as they may continue to burn until the fuel source is emptied. Thus, they result in millions of dollars of destruction every year. However, CO2 is a highly effective extinguishing agent when it comes to preventing fires caused by electric equipment at the initial stages.

How Does a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Work?

The CO2 fire extinguisher contains pressurized carbon dioxide in the liquid or foam form. Thus, when the fire extinguisher is used, the CO2 agent creates a foam blanket around the flames and smothers the ignition source. It completely engulfs the fire to eliminate any contact with oxygen to effectively prevent the fire from burning.

CO2 does not cause damage to electrical items, unlike water. Also, the CO2 is very cold, effectively cooling down the temperature. In addition, it leaves no harmful residue after the fire has been extinguished. Thus, CO2 fire extinguishers are ideal for commercial offices and other facilities with electric equipment.

Many offices nowadays also use a multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher in Brooklyn, NY, which contains a mix of dry chemicals to combat class A, B, and C types of fires. However, whether you install a CO2 extinguisher or ABC type of fire extinguisher, it is crucial to be trained in properly using the fire extinguisher for optimum fire protection.

When NOT to Use a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?

Although CO2 fire extinguishers are used for extinguishing fires with combustible liquids such as petroleum, sometimes people also try to use them for cooking fires. However, fires caused due to cooking oil or grease cannot be extinguished with a CO2 fire extinguisher. It is because once the CO2 dissipates, the cooking oil fire can reignite quickly. In that case, you will need a specialized Class K fire extinguisher specifically designed for eliminating kitchen fires. Thus, it is crucial to remember a CO2 fire extinguisher is not suitable for kitchen fires.

If you are looking for a reliable fire extinguisher service company for CO2 fire extinguisher installation or inspection and maintenance services, get in touch with our team for expert assistance!