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C02 extinguishers are filled with carbon dioxide. They are made for putting out fires which are electrical or involve burning liquids or gases. The C02 is under very high pressure and when it releases rapidly, it may even shoot out bits of dry ice which is frozen carbon dioxide.

Cylinders used for c02 extinguishers may be as small as five pounds. They sometimes are over 100 pounds in weight. These larger extinguishers will have a very long hose which has a hard horn attached at the end. In the case of the larger extinguishers, the cylinder will remain stationary while the hose is pulled to the fire.

For a fire to burn, there are three necessary elements. These are heat, fuel and oxygen. If you can remove one or more of the elements for the fire will stop burning. C02 extinguishers work to remove two of the elements. The carbon dioxide removes the available oxygen and also cools the blaze. For many fires this is an effective way to stop the fire.

However, these extinguishers do not work well on most common fires. When the fuel is wood, paper, rubber or plastic, the fuel may continue to smolder under the surface and can reignite in a very short time when the c02 has been dispersed and oxygen is allowed back into the area. You will need to use a type A extinguisher for these type fires.

In the US, carbon dioxide extinguishers are labeled as type BC. In the UK or Australia, they are labeled as type BCE. The B in the US stands for either liquid or gas fires. In the UK system these fires are further broken down into type B which is liquids and type C which is gases. Type C in the US stands for an electrical fire, but this fire is classified as a type E fire.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are used in flammable storage areas, laboratories, kitchens or mechanical rooms. These extinguishers are easily distinguished from others by their lack of a pressure gauge. If you need a multi-purpose extinguisher for home use, you will prefer a type ABC fire extinguisher.

Never use water on these fires. C02 is the safest way to put them out. On liquid or gas fires, water can spread the flames while electrical fires pose the hazard of an electrical shock or even electrocution. For the safety of personnel or fire fighters, the extinguisher is the safest way to put out these fires.

Matthew Kerridge is an expert in home systems. If you want further information about varieties of CO2 extinguisher or are searching for a reputable fire extinguisher company please visit http://www.adt.co.uk