Why do fire extinguishers have carbon dioxide

Higher pressure — When discharged, the carbon dioxide in the extinguisher turns from liquid into gas. The working pressure is roughly 55 BAR compared to 12 BAR in a water-based unit , this means that if someone were to attempt to use the extinguisher without the proper hose and horn fitted, there is a good chance the kick from the unit could cause injuries. This includes wrist strains, or at worst, a broken wrist.

This means that anyone using this extinguisher type should be certain they can put out the fire fully before trying to tackle it as it will quickly spend the contents once started. Frost burn is a real risk if the user does not hold the unit in the right way or if the extinguisher is not provided with a frost-free horn.

We use carbon dioxide in fire extinguishers because it displaces or reduces the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere around the fire. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are mainly used for two specific fire classes: Class B and electrical fires Electrical risks.

A Class B fire usually involves some sort of flammable liquid such as petrol or oil not cooking oils or fats. Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers. Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are filled with non-flammable carbon dioxide gas under extreme pressure. You can recognize a CO2 extinguisher by its hard horn and lack of pressure gauge. The pressure in the cylinder is so great that when you use one of these extinguishers, bits of dry ice may shoot out the horn.

Being harmless to electrical equipment these extinguishers are ideal for offices ,workshops or any premises that uses electrical equipment. It is vital that any CO2 Extinguisher you buy has a frost free horn. CO2 Gas, when released from an extinguisher, is ice cold. If holding the horn of a non-frost free horn, when using a CO2 extinguisher your horn and your hand will become frozen causing serious injury.

Frost Free horns are designed to withstand the freezing gas, and can be held by the user. It is recommended that you do not hold the horn of any CO2 extinguisher in case it is not frost free. There main body should be Red, to conform with British Standards, and they should have a Large Black Banner across the top on the front of the extinguisher with White writing stating "Carbon Dioxide".