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A c02 extinguisher is filled with carbon dioxide gas and is classified for use on fires which are caused by flammable gases or liquids or fires which are electrical in nature. Carbon dioxide is stored under extremely high pressure and when it is released rapidly, that pressure may cause so much chilling that pieces of dry ice may shoot from the hose of the 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, for the most common fires, those that involve paper, wood or rubber, carbon dioxide extinguishers are not effective. While they can cause the flames to die down momentarily, the carbon dioxide is quickly dissipated and these fires are known to have embers underneath the surface that continue to smolder even when the flames have died down. The smoldering embers can build up enough heat that the fire is ignited again.

The US and the UK/Australia use different letters in classifying fires. In the US, all flammable gas or liquid fires are called Class B fires, but in the UK/Australia system these fires are further divided into Class B fires which are flammable liquids and Class C fires which are flammable gases. In the US, Class C fires are electrical fires and in the UK/Australia, electrical fires are Class E fires.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are used in flammable storage areas, laboratories, kitchens or mechanical rooms. These extinguishers are easily distinguished from others by their lack of a pressure gauge. If you need a multi-purpose extinguisher for home use, you will prefer a type ABC fire extinguisher.

Never use water on fires that call for a c02 extinguisher. Water on a flammable liquid or liquid or gas fire often vaporizes immediately and causes the fire to blow up and spread. On electrical fires, the power of the electricity can travel through the water and hose to the fire fighter’s body causing electrical shock or electrocution.

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