The 2kg CO2 fire extinguisher is among the most common used today. Its size and contents make it versatile for many different areas and small buildings. Here we will educate you on what types of fires can be extinguished with a 2kg CO2 fire extinguisher, as well as the ideal areas to keep one in order to prevent fires.
Where is a CO2 Extinguisher NOT Ideal?
One of the places a 2kg CO2 fire extinguisher should not be used is in a kitchen. Most kitchen fires are started with cooking oil-a substance that cannot be snuffed out by CO2. The reason for this is that oil fires can be easily asphyxiated by CO2 removing oxygen; however, it disperses quite quickly, which may cause popping and ultimate spreading of the fire.
Best Places for a 2kg CO2 Extinguisher
A 2kg CO2 fire extinguisher is the ideal size for a myriad of locations, the most popular of which are listed below:
- Offices: Because of their small spaces, offices are ideal candidates for 2kg CO2 fire extinguishers. Office fires predominantly fall into the category of electrical fires, making CO2 the best means of prevention.
- Workshops: Small workshops that use either motor oil or industrial spirits will benefit from a CO2 fire extinguisher. For larger working areas, a 5kg CO2 fire extinguisher is recommended.
- Homes: There’s no reason you can’t keep a 2kg CO2 fire extinguisher in your home. However, because so many home fires are started by cooking oil in the kitchen, it’s not a favourite among homeowners. That being said, a CO2 extinguisher can still be used in any other part of the house, including the garage.
- Small stores: Relatively small retail stores should keep a 2kg CO2 extinguisher on hand. Should an electrical fire occur, a CO2 extinguisher is the best means of putting it out.
What Types of Fires do CO2 Extinguishers Combat?
It’s important to recognize which types of fires the contents of a 2kg CO2 fire extinguisher can handle. The following four main categories of fire can be successfully extinguished with CO2:
- Fuel: Fires that are feeding on petroleum or diesel are no match for the contents of a CO2 fire extinguisher. The CO2 is specifically aimed at starving out the fire without spreading it further. It’s very important in the case of a fuel fire that the correct extinguisher is used, as the wrong extinguisher will likely cause the fire to spread.
- Electrical: Another fire where water just won’t do is an electrical fire. But here again CO2 will starve out the fire and prevent any further ignitions from any surrounding electrical equipment.
- Chemicals: Various types of chemicals should also be extinguished with a CO2 fire extinguisher. Water extinguishers will not put out many flammable chemicals because most are in some way or another water resistant. However, carbon dioxide will stop the fire from feeding on surrounding oxygen and snuff it out.