CO2 Fire Extinguishers

CO2 Fire Extinguishers for Clean, Residue-Free Fire Protection

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, commonly called CO2 fire extinguishers, are designed for Class B flammable-liquid fires and Class C hazards involving energized electrical equipment. Unlike dry chemical extinguishers, carbon dioxide leaves no powder or chemical residue behind after discharge.

This makes CO2 extinguishers particularly useful in areas containing electrical equipment, machinery and other equipment where dry chemical residue could create additional cleanup or contamination concerns.

What Types of Fires Can a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Handle?

For energized electrical equipment, the Class C designation identifies an extinguishing agent that is suitable for use where electrical conductivity is a concern. Once electrical equipment has been de-energized, the type of material actually burning determines the appropriate fire class and extinguishing agent.

Why Choose a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?

Leaves No Dry Chemical Residue

One of the primary advantages of carbon dioxide is that the extinguishing agent does not leave the dry chemical powder associated with ABC and many BC extinguishers. After discharge, the carbon dioxide dissipates rather than leaving a layer of extinguishing agent throughout the area.

Suitable for Energized Electrical Equipment

Carbon dioxide is electrically nonconductive, making CO2 extinguishers suitable for appropriately rated Class C hazards involving energized electrical equipment.

Effective for Class B Hazards

CO2 extinguishers are also rated for Class B hazards involving flammable liquids. Always compare the extinguisher's actual UL fire rating with the hazard being protected.

Where Are CO2 Fire Extinguishers Commonly Used?

CO2 extinguishers are commonly considered for locations where Class B or electrical hazards are present and residue from a dry chemical extinguisher would be undesirable.

• Electrical and mechanical rooms
• Electrical equipment areas
• Laboratories
• Manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Equipment and machinery areas
• Facilities with sensitive equipment or processes
• Commercial and institutional buildings
• Selected healthcare and medical-equipment environments
• Areas containing appropriate Class B flammable-liquid hazards

The correct extinguisher should always be selected according to the actual fire hazards present rather than simply according to the type of facility.

CO2 vs. ABC and BC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

An ABC extinguisher is often selected where ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and electrical hazards may all be present. A CO2 extinguisher may be preferred for appropriate Class B and C hazards when avoiding dry chemical residue is particularly important.

How to Choose a CO2 Fire Extinguisher

Choosing a carbon dioxide extinguisher involves more than selecting a cylinder by physical size. Consider the hazard, fire rating, capacity, placement and equipment being protected.

1. Identify the Fire Hazard

Confirm that the area primarily requires Class B and/or Class C protection. If significant Class A combustibles are also present, additional or different fire-extinguishing equipment may be required.

2. Compare the UL Fire Rating

Review the manufacturer's listed B:C rating rather than relying only on the extinguisher's CO2 capacity. Different extinguishers can provide different performance characteristics and ratings.

3. Consider Capacity and Application

Smaller portable units can be appropriate for localized hazards, while larger portable or wheeled CO2 extinguishers may be selected for larger industrial applications. Match the extinguisher to the hazard and applicable fire-protection requirements.

4. Review Discharge Range and Duration

Discharge range and duration vary by model. Review the manufacturer's specifications when comparing extinguishers for a particular application.

5. Consider Mounting and Accessibility

Select the appropriate wall bracket, vehicle bracket, cabinet or other mounting arrangement when required, and install the extinguisher so that it remains visible and readily accessible.

Portable and Wheeled CO2 Fire Extinguishers

Most facilities use hand-portable CO2 extinguishers, but larger wheeled carbon dioxide extinguishers are available for industrial applications requiring substantially greater agent capacity.

Wheeled CO2 extinguishers are available from major manufacturers for applications where hand-portable units may not provide sufficient capacity. Selection should be based on the specific hazard and the applicable fire-protection plan.

Understanding the CO2 Discharge Horn

CO2 extinguishers are easily recognized by their distinctive discharge horn or nozzle assembly. During operation, the rapid expansion of carbon dioxide causes discharge components to become extremely cold.

CO2 Fire Extinguisher Placement

Extinguisher placement depends on the type and severity of the hazards present as well as applicable fire codes and workplace requirements. Under OSHA requirements for covered workplaces, portable extinguishers provided for Class B hazards must be distributed so that travel distance from the Class B hazard area to an extinguisher is no more than 50 feet.

For Class C hazards involving energized electrical equipment, OSHA bases extinguisher distribution on the appropriate pattern for the underlying Class A or Class B hazard.

Local fire codes, the authority having jurisdiction and the facility's specific hazard assessment may establish additional requirements.

Inspection, Maintenance and Hydrostatic Testing

Fire extinguishers must remain accessible and in serviceable condition. For workplaces covered by OSHA's portable fire extinguisher requirements, employers are responsible for inspection, maintenance and testing.

• Monthly: Portable fire extinguishers must be visually inspected.
• Annually: Portable fire extinguishers must receive a maintenance check.
• After use: A discharged extinguisher should be removed from service and properly serviced or recharged as applicable.
• Hydrostatic testing: OSHA lists a five-year hydrostatic test interval for carbon dioxide extinguishers.

Always follow the extinguisher manufacturer's instructions and applicable fire codes for inspection, servicing, recharging and testing.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers from Leading Manufacturers

Select Safety Sales offers carbon dioxide fire extinguishers from leading fire-protection manufacturers including Kidde, Badger, Amerex and Buckeye. Offering multiple manufacturers gives commercial and industrial buyers the ability to compare capacities, ratings, construction and configurations for their particular application.

Available products may include hand-portable and larger-capacity configurations. Product availability, ratings and specifications vary by manufacturer and model, so review the individual product page and manufacturer specifications before ordering.

Bulk & Commercial CO2 Fire Extinguisher Orders

Select Safety Sales supplies CO2 fire extinguishers for commercial, industrial, institutional and government applications. We can assist customers purchasing multiple extinguishers for facility upgrades, equipment installations, replacement programs and other larger requirements.

For larger quantities, contact us to discuss the models, quantities and delivery requirements for your project.

CO2 Fire Extinguisher FAQs

What is a CO2 fire extinguisher used for?

CO2 fire extinguishers are designed for Class B flammable-liquid fires and Class C hazards involving energized electrical equipment. They are particularly useful where avoiding dry chemical residue is important.

Does a CO2 fire extinguisher leave a residue?

Carbon dioxide does not leave the dry chemical powder associated with conventional dry chemical extinguishers. This is one of the primary reasons CO2 is selected for appropriate hazards involving electrical or other sensitive equipment.

Can a CO2 extinguisher be used on electrical equipment?

Yes. CO2 is electrically nonconductive and CO2 extinguishers are commonly rated for Class C hazards involving energized electrical equipment. Once equipment is de-energized, the material actually burning determines the applicable fire class.

Can a CO2 extinguisher be used on Class A fires?

CO2 extinguishers generally do not carry a Class A rating. Ordinary combustible materials can continue to smolder and may reignite after the carbon dioxide dissipates. Use an extinguisher appropriate for the actual Class A hazard.

What is the difference between CO2 and ABC extinguishers?

ABC dry chemical extinguishers provide multipurpose protection for Class A, B and C hazards but leave dry chemical residue after discharge. CO2 extinguishers are intended for appropriate Class B and C hazards and leave no dry chemical residue.

Are larger wheeled CO2 extinguishers available?

Yes. Wheeled CO2 extinguishers are available for larger-capacity commercial and industrial applications. Compare agent capacity, fire rating, discharge characteristics and manufacturer specifications when selecting a wheeled unit.

How often should a CO2 fire extinguisher be inspected?

For workplaces covered by OSHA's portable fire extinguisher requirements, extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly and receive an annual maintenance check. Additional servicing and testing requirements also apply.

How often does a CO2 extinguisher require hydrostatic testing?

OSHA lists a five-year hydrostatic test interval for carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. Follow applicable regulations and manufacturer servicing instructions.