Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are primarily used for extinguishing electrical fires (sometimes classified as Class E or Class C) and fires involving flammable liquids (Class B), such as gasoline, oil, and solvents. They work by displacing oxygen to suffocate the fire and also have a cooling effect on the fuel. CO2 extinguishers leave no residue, making them ideal for protecting sensitive electrical equipment like computers, server rooms, and machinery without causing damage. Specifically, CO2 extinguishers are useful for:
- Electrical fires involving live electrical equipment (computers, generators, switchboards)
- Flammable liquid fires (gasoline, paint, diesel)
- Situations requiring no damage to electronics or sensitive equipment
- Small confined spaces where suffocation of the fire is effective
They should not be used for cooking oil or grease fires (Class F) and caution is needed in confined spaces due to oxygen displacement risks. In summary, CO2 extinguishers are best suited for electrical and flammable liquid fires, providing effective fire suppression without residue or electrical conductivity risks.
