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.

The cylinders that contain the carbon dioxide can be anywhere from five to over one hundred pounds. Larger extinguishers have long hoses that are attached to a hard horn. The larger cylinders remain stationary while the hose and the horn are extended to where the fire is located.

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.

However, these extinguishers do not work well on most common fires. When the fuel is wood, paper, rubber or plastic, the fuel may continue to smolder under the surface and can reignite in a very short time when the c02 has been dispersed and oxygen is allowed back into the area. You will need to use a type A extinguisher for these type fires.

In the US, carbon dioxide extinguishers are labeled as type BC. In the UK or Australia, they are labeled as type BCE. The B in the US stands for either liquid or gas fires. In the UK system these fires are further broken down into type B which is liquids and type C which is gases. Type C in the US stands for an electrical fire, but this fire is classified as a type E fire.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are often found in storage areas for liquid flammables, mechanical rooms, laboratories and kitchens. C02 extinguishers are easy to identify as they have no pressure gauge. If you are purchasing a fire extinguisher for home use, you will find that a type ABC is a better choice.

Water should never be used on the fires for which the c02 extinguisher is rated. With flammable liquids and gases, water can simply spread the flames. The heat can instantaneously vaporize the water and send up a plume of flames. If water is used on an electrical fire, the electricity can travel from the source of the fire through the water into the fire fighter’s body and cause electric shock or electrocution.

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

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