What You Need to Know for 15 Lb. CO2 Fire Extinguishers

As a 15 lb. CO2 fire extinguisher is the most common carbon dioxide portable fire extinguisher used, you should know how to use one and in what type of fire situation a CO2 extinguisher is applicable.  A carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher works by emitting a very cold discharge that puts out a fire by removing heat and also by removing the element of oxygen from the fire triangle.  

Types of Fires for CO2 Fire Extinguishers

A CO2 fire extinguisher will only be effective on Class B and Class C fires, they will typically be ineffective for Class A fires.  You should never try to use a CO2 fire extinguisher on a Class A fire, which is a fire that is caused from ordinary combustible material like paper, wood or plastics.  

A fire is classified as a Class B fire if it originates from flammable liquids which would be petroleum oil, gasoline, and paint, or from flammable gases which include butane and propane.  (Cooking oils and grease are not included in Class B fire descriptions, these types of fires are designated as Class K fires, and would be common in restaurants).

Class C fires are caused from energized electrical equipment which would be appliances, transformers and motors.  Without the power, the Class C fire becomes another class of fire.

NFPA 10 covers the requirements for all portable fire extinguishers, while NFPA12 details the guidelines on portable carbon dioxide equipment.  For guidelines on using carbon dioxide as an inerting agent see NFPA 69.  

Inerting is the process of minimizing the level and amount of oxygen in a defined space, or preventing oxygen or moisture from contacting with absorptive or reactive products. Carbon dioxide is used for this purpose occasion, but the gas most commonly used for inerting is Nitrogen.  

NFPA 10 covers only the minimum requirements and necessary essential guidelines for proper performance from those trained on the use of a portable a CO2 fire extinguisher.  

High Rise Security Systems is a leader among professional fire and safety companies, providing full comprehensive services including system design, equipment, testing, inspection, and monitoring.  Our services include all fire extinguisher inspection requirements performed by licensed technicians.  Contact us today for professional fire extinguisher service, including CO2 fire extinguishers.