Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers are designed for use on electrical and flammable liquid fires.
With Carbon Dioxide, the extinguishing gas is expelled from the extinguisher under its own pressure of around 4000kPa to 5000kPa, depending on the temperature. The CO2 is discharged through a discharge horn designed to reduce the velocity of the gas and reduce the amount of air entrained into the stream. The horn reduces the force in which the extinguishing medium hits the fire, so reducing spread of fire and consequential damage to goods in the surrounding area.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers are constructed of a powder coated, steel or aluminium cylinder with a brass valve. The extinguishing medium is liquid CO2, under its own pressure.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers can be used on paper and wood fires, but, as the extinguishing medium does not have any cooling effect, when the CO2 dissipates as a gas, a re-ignition can occur.
If CO2 is the only extinguisher in the location, use it and get the correct extinguisher as soon as possible.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers must be recharged after use as the quantity of the extinguishing medium has been reduced. Also the valve may leak and the extinguisher will be empty when it is required again. CO2 extinguishers do not have a gauge and are filled by weight. If the seal is broken, then it may well be that the extinguisher has been used. Always get the extinguisher checked if the seal is broken.
