End Flammable Liquids, Gases And Electrical Fires With A C02 Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers that are filled with c02 or carbon dioxide are classified for extinguishing fires that are electrical in nature or caused by burning liquids or gases. The carbon dioxide is under extremely high pressure and the rapid release of that pressure may cause bits of dry ice to shoot out of the c02 extinguisher.

Cylinders used for c02 extinguishers may be as small as five pounds. They sometimes are over 100 pounds in weight. These larger extinguishers will have a very long hose which has a hard horn attached at the end. In the case of the larger extinguishers, the cylinder will remain stationary while the hose is pulled to the fire.

For a fire to burn, there are three necessary elements. These are heat, fuel and oxygen. If you can remove one or more of the elements for the fire will stop burning. C02 extinguishers work to remove two of the elements. The carbon dioxide removes the available oxygen and also cools the blaze. For many fires this is an effective way to stop the fire.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers do not work well for Class A fires. These are fires where wood, rubber or plastic is the fuel for the fire. A c02 extinguisher simply cannot displace enough oxygen or cool the fuel enough to effectively put out these fires. The flames may die down, but there is the possibility, that they can continue to smolder and eventually re-ignite.

In the US, flammable gas or liquid fires are classified as Class B. In the UK, flammable liquids are classified as Class B, while gas fires are class C. In the US electrical fires are class C fires and in the UK, they are class E fires.

You will often find carbon dioxide extinguishers in flammable storage areas, kitchens, mechanical rooms and laboratories. CO2 extinguishers can be distinguished easily from other fire extinguishers because they do not have a pressure gauge attached. For most home use, a type ABC extinguisher is preferred.

Never use water on these fires. C02 is the safest way to put them out. On liquid or gas fires, water can spread the flames while electrical fires pose the hazard of an electrical shock or even electrocution. For the safety of personnel or fire fighters, the extinguisher is the safest way to put out these fires.

Matthew Kerridge is an expert in fire alarms. If you want more information about varieties of CO2 extinguisher or are looking for a reputable fire extinguisher company please visit http://www.adt.co.uk