What Are Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers, and Do I Need One?

Most Americans don’t know how to operate a classic ABC fire extinguisher, let alone that there are different kinds of different classes of fire. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are used for specific types of fire—unlike classic ABC fire extinguishers, they’re distinguishable by a hard horn and absence of a pressure gauge.

When you need your own carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers in Longview, TX, be sure to stop by Anchor Safety Inc. We offer a variety of fire prevention and suppression supplies, and can show you how to operate them properly.

What kind of fires are CO2 extinguishers used for?

There are five different types of fire: Classes A, B, C, D and K. The most common types are Classes A, B and C, and the classic red fire extinguisher (ABC dry chemical) that you’ve probably seen in most commercial and retail businesses can handle all three types.

CO2 extinguishers work primarily for Class B fires, but can also fight Class C fires. Class B fires are powered by flammable gases and liquids, like paint and fuel. To put out Class B fires, a CO2 extinguisher deploys gusts of pressurized CO2 to displace the oxygen and put out the fire. Since they essentially emit a cloud of gas, CO2 extinguishers do not work as well outside. Never try to put out a Class B fire with water, as it can cause the fire to spread even further.

Class C fires are energized electrical fires, which can also be extinguished by large gusts of CO2. Water can’t be used on electrical fires, since it also conducts electricity. Oxygen, heat and fuel are the three sources that power a fire, so by eliminating oxygen, you’ll quickly remove the fire’s power source.

Using a CO2 extinguisher

When operating a CO2 fire extinguisher in Longview, TX, be sure to use the PASS method:

• Pull the pin from the handle
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever
• Sweep back and forth, from side to side

Be careful to keep your bare skin away from the fire extinguisher’s discharge. The CO2 inside becomes dry ice upon discharge, and if you touch it, you may suffer from frostbite.

It’s also important to note that the discharge range is only three to 10 feet. If it’s not safe for you to get that close to the fire, run and call 911.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers in Longview, TX

When you need fire safety equipment from a team of experts, come to Anchor Safety Inc. For three decades, we’ve been providing the Longview area with the highest quality extinguishers, fire suppression systems, fire and exit signs, clean agent systems and more. We’re dedicated to keeping you and your property safe, which is why we also offer fire safety consultation services. We’ll come to your building and identify potential issues, then help you come up with solutions. From residences to industrial facilities, we can help with any type of building. Call us today to get started.

Categorised in: Fire Extinguishers

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