| A carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is a liquid | | | | fires because they may not be able to displace |
| substance contained in a cylinder extinguisher. | | | | enough oxygen to put the fire out. |
| Once sprayed into the air, the liquid converts to a | | | | Residential Use |
| dry mist that covers the fire. This material | | | | CO2 fire extinguishers can be used for |
| counteracts oxygen necessary for the fire to | | | | commercial or residential use. CO2 extinguishers |
| continue. | | | | are the better option for fires in the kitchen or |
| Categories | | | | areas of the home with electronics. CO2 is |
| There are 4 categories of fire extinguishers, | | | | harmless to electrical equipment and are valuable |
| based on the types of fires. The extinguishers are | | | | in the home office. The kitchen is the ideal location |
| rated according to how much fire that category | | | | for this type of extinguisher, because they are |
| can handle. The categories are as follows. | | | | most effective on fires caused by the |
| Class A – Extinguishers, which can be used on | | | | combustion of liquids like grease, oils and solvents. |
| ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood and | | | | |
| plastics. This rating represents the amount of | | | | Commercial Use |
| water the fire extinguisher holds and the amount | | | | CO2 fire extinguishers can be found in chemical |
| of fire it can handle. | | | | labs and restaurants to fight similar fires found in |
| Class B – Extinguishers, which can be used on | | | | the home kitchen, but on a larger scale. |
| flammable or combustible liquids such as gas, | | | | |
| kerosene or grease. This rating represents the | | | | Tips |
| amount of square footage the extinguisher can | | | | Dry chemical extinguishers leave a non-flammable |
| cover. | | | | substance on the extinguished material, preventing |
| Class C – Extinguishers, which can handle | | | | the possibility of reigniting the material. |
| electrical equipment such as appliances, wiring and | | | | By removing the oxygen from the fire, re-ignition |
| circuit breakers. This rating indicates the | | | | is unlikely. CO2 fire extinguishers should be |
| extinguisher is non-conductive. | | | | sprayed toward the base of the fire and side to |
| Class D – Extinguishers, which can handle | | | | side. The base is the target, to eliminate that main |
| combustible metals. | | | | component feeding the fire – the oxygen. If |
| How it Works | | | | the fire is sprayed at the top of the fire, the risk |
| CO2 fire extinguishers are used for class’ B | | | | is great that the fire will be spread. |
| & C fires. This type of fire extinguisher | | | | Ensure you do not hold the nozzle of the CO2 fire |
| contains a non-flammable gas, and is highly | | | | extinguisher. This will result in a cold burn. The |
| pressurized. The pressure is so intense, that bits | | | | carbon dioxide cloud cools the fire, while |
| of dry ice can shoot out the nozzle. CO2 fire | | | | extinguishing the flames. |
| extinguishers don't work very well on class A | | | | |
