Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher
Description
A fire extinguishing system that uses noncombustible Carbon dioxide to cover the flammable components; this displaces Oxygen and smothers the flames. A carbon dioxide compressed air system is a nonaqueous fire extinguishing system used in museum storage rooms and electrical areas because it can stop the fire without the use of Water. However, the gas is asphixiating to humans and may leave smoldering areas that can re-ignite when the room is vented. The carbon dioxide hand-carried extinguishers use a foam (snow) or liquid CO2 . The carbon dioxide is heavier than air and is very useful for fighting fires in low places. These extinguishers are used for fires that involve flammable liquids, oils, grease, or electrical equipment.
Synonyms and Related Terms
CO2 fire extinguisher; CO2-Feuerlöschanlage (Deut.); extincteur à neige carbonique (Fr.); extintor de CO2 (Port.)
Risks
- Noncombustible.
Resources and Citations
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971
- Dictionary of Building Preservation, Ward Bucher, ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York City, 1996
- Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976