CO2 fire extinguisher is one of the most versatile types of fire extinguishers that you can use in your home or office. This type is the only extinguisher safe and recommended to use for electrical fires. Aside from that, it can also put out fires caused flammable liquids. If you are planning to buy this kind of fire extinguisher, here are five things you should know about it.

1.      CO2 fire extinguisher is red with black area – This type of fire extinguisher is painted red with a black area on the top of the label so that people can easily identify it during a fire outbreak. If you intend to buy a fire extinguisher, make sure you place it on a safe location that is at the same time easily accessible. This is crucial so that when an electrical or liquid gas fire breaks out, people in the area could easily locate this fire extinguisher.

2.      CO2 is a harmless material – One of the reasons why this type of extinguisher is recommended for electrical fires is because CO2 is a harmless substance that would not cause damage to electrical equipment such as computers, fax, television, radio, and so on. If you use other types of extinguisher for electrical fires or liquid gas fires, you do not only damage the equipment, you may also get injured or worsen the fire. For example, if you use water fire extinguishers on electrical fires, you may get electrocuted. If you use the wrong type for a liquid gas fire, a fire explosion might occur.

3.      CO2 fire extinguisher works by shutting off the air – CO2 inside this extinguisher, when released, replaces and shuts off the oxygen that supports the burning fire. This happens with the carbon dioxide expanding to a mist of tiny particles of dry ice that smothers the fire and suppresses the ignition. This vapour spreads throughout the fire to completely extinguish the flames.

4.      CO2 fire extinguisher cannot be used in some types of fires – One of the limitations of a CO2 fire extinguisher is that it cannot be used for some types of fires like Class A fires (paper, wood, fabric) or for Class D fires (combustible metals). Aside from this, CO2 fire extinguisher cannot also be used in confined places because the fumes are toxic when inhaled. Unless you have a reliable gas mask to use during fire extinguishing, the better option would be to flee the scene and call up the fire services immediately.

5.      CO2 fire extinguisher is easy to use – Using this type of extinguisher is similar to how other types are used. First, you pull the safety pin. Squeeze the lever to release gas and aim at the base of the fire. Spray CO2 from side to side using a sweeping motion. Repeat the process until the entire burning object or area is covered.

CO2 fire extinguishers are reliable firefighting equipment that should be installed in homes and offices. Since most homes and offices make use of electrical equipment, having at least one can provide utmost protection against some types of fires such as electrical and liquid gas fires.