Understanding The Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
by Norman Holden on 11/13/14
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are gaining a name for themselves simply because they are proven effective against many flammable liquids like solvents, petrol, butane and propane. Additionally, they are also good in putting off fire that has been caused by electrical equipment. Apart from knowing these things, there is yet more to know in order to understand what CO2 fire extinguishers really are.
There are different size varieties for CO2 fire extinguishers
You can get CO2 fire extinguishers in portable and heavier varieties. The portable type is available in a wide range of sizes from 2 to 5 kilograms. You can also have the trolley-type extinguisher with a weight of over 5 kilograms. For offshore and airport needs however, you can obtain the double cylinder extinguisher that weighs 45 kilograms.
There are also many uses for CO2 fire extinguishers
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are popular choices when putting up either electrical or Class B fires. This gas is favoured by many simply because it poses no harm to any type of electrical equipment. They can be used in offices, night clubs, workshops and all other business premises that rely much on using electrical components. You can also use them if you have a welding shop. CO2 fire extinguishers work without leaving any mess behind thus making them a clean option.
What makes CO2 fire extinguishers work?
This type of fire extinguishers works through the help of liquid pressurised carbon dioxide. Once the extinguisher is let off, the pressurised container will then release the carbon dioxide. The gas released from the container will now stop oxygen from causing fire. Oxygen is noted to be one of the elements that cause fire to burn and with the CO2 fire extinguisher's capability to reduce oxygen, you can definitely rely on it whilst you put out fire. Thanks to the ice cold temperature possessed by CO2. You now have an efficient and effective way to fight fire.
It operates well with the so-called frost-free horn
You should get CO2 fire extinguishers with frost-free horns. The frost-free horn will prevent you from cold burns or any other serious injury that results from touching a non-frost free surface. These horns are noted to work by withstanding CO2's freezing effects and make it easier for you to hold the extinguisher container.
Never use fire extinguishers if you find no horns in them. You can rely on these components when you want to reduce the force that comes with the release of CO2. Any fire extinguisher that has no horn will cause you to break your wrists whilst operating them.
They do not have pressure gauges
Once you have seen CO2 fire extinguishers, you will certainly notice that it does not have a pressure gauge unlike the usual fire extinguishers you see. The only thing you can do to determine whether the container is low on pressure is by weighing it. You can also look at the overall weight that is stamped typically at the shoulder of the CO2 fire extinguisher.
They should never be used in confined spaces
We all know that carbon dioxide is always present in the air we breathe in every day. This makes it safe to inhale. However, you have to note too that when the exposure to carbon dioxide increases, the chances of suffering from carbon dioxide intoxication increase as well. This is why it is important not to place CO2 fire extinguishers inside confined spaces.
Now that you have come to know about CO2 fire extinguishers, you may be ready to use one for your home or for your commercial establishment. You may also want to know more about the different types of fire extinguishers you can avail. Simply browse our catalogue for more information on these fire-fighting tools.