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CO2 Fire Extinguishers

Fully Accredited with Low Price Guarantee

Carbon Dioxide or CO2 fire extinguishers are the only type of fire extinguisher suitable for use on electrical fires. They leave no residue, are non-conducive, and can be used on electrical equipment without causing damage. CO2 fire extinguishers can also be used on Class B fires (flammable liquids). 

Our red CO2 fire extinguishers are BS EN3 Kitemarked and come with a minimum 5 year warranty. We carry small CO2 fire extinguishers that are equipped with a frost-free safety horn and wall hook for hanging, as well as larger 10kg and 30kg wheeled CO2 fire extinguishers suitable for premises with major electrical installations. Remember, it’s required by law that all non-domestic premises with electrical equipment have a CO2 fire extinguisher on-site at all times. 

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Why choose our CO2 Fire Extinguishers?

Fire Protection Online stock fully accredited, high-quality CO2 extinguishers with the following guarantees:

  • Minimum 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty

  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

  • Low Price Guarantee

  • 100-Day Free Returns

They’re suitable for offices, garages, factories, warehouses and other commercial premises. 

Furthermore, if you order your CO2 extinguisher before 2pm, it’ll be delivered to you the next working day. You qualify for free next day delivery when you spend over £60 + VAT. Read our delivery details to learn more.


What colour is a CO2 fire extinguisher?

CO2 fire extinguishers are usually bright red, with a thick black panel above the operating instructions. They are also available in a chrome finish (which is actually highly polished aluminium). 

Our chrome CO2 extinguishers are made alongside BS EN3 Kitemarked ones and with the same components. However, as they are not painted red, they cannot display a Kitemark or BAFE approval. They are still preferred in some settings for their unique and eye-catching design.

Read our explanation of UK fire extinguisher colour coding for more.


What is a CO2 fire extinguisher used for?

CO2 fire extinguishers are used predominantly for fires involving electrical equipment. They are the only extinguisher suitable for this purpose. View our guide on fire extinguisher types or the different fire extinguisher agents to decide which one is best for the types of fire your premises is most at risk of.

Carbon Dioxide or CO2 is a dry, inert gas that does not conduct electricity or leave residue. It can be used safely on live electrical devices without damaging them. Which explains why CO2 fire extinguishers are found alongside valuable electrical equipment in commercial settings.

CO2 fire extinguishers are also suitable for use on Class B fires (flammable liquid). They are often purchased alongside foam fire extinguishers because between them most fire types can be tackled safely, thereby meeting safety regulations.


How does a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher work?

Within a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, CO2 gas is kept under high enough pressure to become a liquid. When you use the extinguisher, the pressure is released and the liquid CO2 turns to gas and is discharged. 

As CO2 is heavier than oxygen, it displaces oxygen in the air surrounding the fire, thereby starving the fire.

The horn on a CO2 fire extinguisher can get extremely cold when the extinguisher is discharged. This is due to the difference in pressure between the inside and the outside of the extinguisher – the internal energy of the CO2 decreases when the pressure is changed, causing a sudden drop in temperature. This can make the horn of the extinguisher cold enough to cause frost burn, although many horns have been designed to prevent this happening. Our 2kg CO2 fire extinguishers - available in standard, chrome, and lightweight options - are all equipped with a special frost-free horn for safety.


How to use a CO2 fire extinguisher

It is important to know how to use a CO2 fire extinguisher, as it differs from other kinds of fire extinguishers

Here’s how to use a CO2 fire extinguisher:

  • Release the safety pin.

  • Squeeze the handle to discharge the carbon dioxide. Keep in mind that CO2 extinguishers have a short discharge time and can be loud. 

  • Aim the horn of the fire extinguisher towards the base of the fire. CO2 extinguishers should be used on flammable liquid fires and electrical fires. If the extinguisher is being used on a liquid fire, do not spread or splash the liquid with the stream of carbon dioxide.

  • CO2 extinguishers should only be used on small fires.

  • CO2 extinguishers should not be used in small rooms, as CO2 gas is poisonous and even fatal at a low concentration.

Everyone in a commercial premises should be trained in fire safety, what are the different types of firefighting equipment, and how to use an extinguisher and other safety equipment in case of emergency.

Who needs a CO2 extinguisher?

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are commonly used in various settings where fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment may occur. CO2 extinguishers are therefore commonly used in:

  • Commercial and industrial facilities such as factories, warehouses, laboratories, etc.

  • Offices where there is a risk of electrical fire

  • Hospitals

  • Server rooms and data centres where CO2 extinguishers are essential to addressing fires without causing damage to sensitive electronic equipment


Take care when selecting your fire extinguisher, as they may not be suitable for all fire hazards. For example, a CO2 extinguisher is not appropriate for a fire in a restaurant caused by cooking oil and fats (rather, you would want to use a Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher). Learn more about the types of fire extinguishers before ordering yours.

Which is better - ABC or CO2 fire extinguishers?

Powder fire extinguishers are also known as ABC extinguishers because they are suitable for Class A, Class B, and Class C fires. By contrast, CO2 extinguishers are suitable for Class B and Electrical fires. ABC extinguishers are therefore more versatile with a wider application. However, the advantage CO2 extinguishers holds over them is that CO2 is a clean agent, which means they leave no residue and will not damage sensitive equipment, unlike ABC extinguishers.

What sizes do CO2 extinguishers come in?

Our small CO2 extinguishers are lightweight and come in 2 kg and 5 kg options that are roughly 550 mm in height. We also carry large CO2 extinguishers ranging from 10 kg to 30 kg that are roughly 1100 mm in height. They come with wheeled fire extinguisher stands to make them easy to transport and use.




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