Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher

The Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher

Buy Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers (UK Only)

If you are interested in purchasing Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers or any other type of fire fighting equipment, please visit the 'Buy Fire Extinguishers' page. There you will find a range of equipment provided by recommended supplier, Screwfix, who offer a wide range of equipment at very competitive prices, with next day delivery.

They have over thirty years experience and are one of the largest and most reliable suppliers in the UK. You can find details of their 2 kg Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher here, or view their full range of extinguishers on their workplace safety page.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher - Introduction

The Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher is the obvious replacement for the banned Halon fire extinguisher. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are designed for use primarily on electrical fires but can also be used on class A, B & C fires (US classes A, B and C). Class B fires include flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, diesel, (excluding cooking oil), and some solid fuels like wax.

Fires involving electrical equipment are one of the commonest causes of fire and involve equipment, such as portable appliances, and any electrical wiring or circuitry. Electrical fires do not have an official classification in the UK, but are known as Class C in the US. Being rated as safe on electrical fires (and rated C in the US) signifies that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive. It is because carbon dioxide in non-conductive that it is so suitable for use on electrical equipment, and it doesn't leave a residue behind like powder or foam extinguisher would, which would be a problem for the delicate workings of an electronic appliance.

These properties make carbon dioxide fire extinguishers particularly suitable for office environments and other areas with a significant amount of electronic or electrical equipment. They should not be used on cooking oil fires as the high pressure discharge could splash the burning fat around and spread the fire further.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers come in various standard sizes, including 1kg, 2kg, 5kg, 10kg, 20kg and 45kg. You can expect the 10kg and above types to be on wheeled trolleys as they are otherwise too heavy to be easily portable. They are usually red in colour with a black panel over the operating instructions. The extinguishers that are 5kg or larger will have a hose attached as well as the horn-shaped nozzle.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher - Things to watch out for

The carbon dioxide fire extinguisher does not cool the fire down particularly well, so be aware of the danger of the fire starting up again after you think it is out. The carbon dioxide is kept liquidised inside the extinguisher by keeping it under great pressure, and it is not unusual for bits of dry ice to come shooting out of the nozzle because of this high pressure.

CO2 fire extinguishers are not that great for use on things like paper and loose materials as the high pressure can scatter the burning matter creating further hazards, and the carbon dioxide may not be able to displace enough oxygen to properly extinguish the fire. The nature of carbon dioxide extinguishers also means that they are not really suitable for dealing with fires outside, so are generally restricted to indoor use.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher - How To Use It

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers work by producing vaporised CO2 gas from liquidised carbon dioxide. This smothers the fire and starves it of oxygen, preventing combustion. They come with a 'horn' that is used to direct the gas. Direct the horn at the base of the flames and move it steadily back and forth across the area of the fire.

Carbon Dioxide can lead to asphyxiation if found in quantity in confined spaces, so take care to ventilate the area as soon as the fire is under control.

In a work environment, no-one should use a fire extinguisher unless they have received the appropriate training. Basic instructions are printed on the operating instruction panel. An identification sign should be mounted above each carbon dioxide extinguisher to aid easy identification in an emergency.

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Buy Fire Extinguishers – Carbon Dioxide 2kg

Fire Rating 34B

This extinguisher uses carbon dioxide recovered as an industrial by-product, thereby reducing the impact of carbon dioxide contributing to the Greenhouse Effect.

This is the safest extinguisher for us on electrical equipment and can also be used on flammable liquids such as oil and petrol. The estinguisher is rechargeable and should not be used in confined areas, to prevent the build up of CO2.

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Information On The CO2 Fire Extinguisher