Water Fire Extinguisher

Whenever there is an electrical fire in your home or car where you need to get the flames out quickly a CO2 fire extinguisher is a good choice. Co2 works to extinguish a fire by removing the oxygen from the air and effectively suffocating the fire. They are also used in the film stunt world to put out people on fire because of their quick action. Co2 extinguishers are some of the first modern designs invented and are still in use today.

Older designs depended on mixtures of different chemicals to produce CO2 in large quantities harnessed in a metal body with a nozzle. This typically involved a canister filled with one substance and an inner container with another. The extinguisher was activated by breaching the inner container so that the contents would react with those in the canister producing CO2.

Through its history as a firefighting tool, it has shown its many advantages and disadvantages with use. Some of these advantages include quick fire suppression, non conductive and proven effectiveness. Its disadvantages stem from it’s primary firefighting ability which is to remove the oxygen from the air and attaining temperatures well below freezing.

CO2 fire extinguishers suppress fire quickly and effectively except metals and fires that have their own oxygen source. They do not leave behind a residue which makes it perfect for electrical appliances such as a stereo or TV. It is used extensively in the stunt world where spot electrical fires and sometimes human fires happen. It displaces oxygen as a gaseous agent under pressure effectively neutralizing the fire’s oxygen source. CO2 also cools the fuel to prevent it from reigniting in effect by flash freezing it although in some cases this may not make a difference.

If an unprotected body part is hit with a blast from CO2 extinguisher frostbite most likely will occur. These canisters can expel the Co2 at high velocities under pressure at very low temperatures to fight fires but can freeze body parts easily. This gas also can kill a person if they are exposed to it long in a confined space. It does not take long to suffocate from lack of oxygen due to exposure to CO2. Care should be taken to use these types of extinguishers for what they are intended for.

Co2 extinguishers are subject to safety regulation due to their high operating pressure. Every ten years they must be pressure tested hydraulically, internally and externally inspected and date stamped. The extinguisher loses its fire rating if parts from one brand manufacturer are used on a different brand of extinguisher. Incorrect or inadequate servicing will also invalidate its rating.

Choosing a CO2 fire extinguisher should be done with these pros and cons in mind. It is useful for most applications especially electrical fires and fixed burning materials. For loose material and liquid it can be problematic because the high velocity of the stream can scatter these fuels.