CO2 Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
What is a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Used For?
A CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) fire extinguisher is the preferred choice for protecting environments with sensitive electronics. It is primarily effective against:
-
Class E Fires (Electrical): Ideal for fires involving live electrical equipment such as computers, servers, switchboards, and photocopiers because the CO2 gas is non-conductive and leaves no residue .
-
Class B Fires (Flammable Liquids): Effective on small fires involving flammable liquids like petrol, diesel, oils, greases, solvents, and paints .
Important: CO2 extinguishers are not effective on Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles), cooking oils, or flammable metals .
How a CO2 Extinguisher Works
CO2 extinguishers work by removing two key elements a fire needs to burn:
-
Oxygen Displacement: The discharged carbon dioxide forms a dense cloud that displaces the oxygen around the fire, starving it of the element it needs to sustain combustion .
-
Cooling Effect: As the liquid CO2 is released, it expands rapidly into a gas, creating an intense cooling effect that helps lower the temperature of the burning fuel
Key Advantages of CO2 Fire Extinguishers
-
No Residue, No Damage: CO2 gas dissipates completely into the atmosphere, leaving behind no messy powder or corrosive chemicals. This prevents secondary damage and costly downtime for sensitive equipment .
-
Safe for Live Electricity: CO2 is non-conductive, making it safe for use on live electrical equipmen
Choosing the Right Size
-
Select the appropriate size based on the fire risk and area you need to protect .
-
2kg CO2 Extinguisher: A compact and lightweight option, ideal for protecting small areas like vehicles, small server cabinets, or beside individual high-value electronic equipment. Suitable for low-risk areas .
-
3.5kg CO2 Extinguisher: The most versatile and popular size for commercial use. Perfect for general office areas, workshops, and medium-sized server rooms. Suitable for medium-risk areas .
-
5kg CO2 Extinguisher: Offers extended discharge time and greater firefighting capability. Recommended for larger server rooms, data centers, and industrial settings with significant electrical or liquid fuel risks. Suitable for high-risk areas
Service & Maintenance Requirements
-
To ensure your CO2 extinguisher is ready for use and compliant with Australian Standards:
-
6-Monthly Service: All CO2 extinguishers in a business environment must be serviced every six months by a competent person .
-
5-Yearly Overhaul: CO2 extinguishers must undergo a pressure test (hydrostatic test) and be recharged every five years .
-
After Use: Once an extinguisher has been discharged, it must be pressure tested and recharged, or replaced .
-
Safety Warning: The discharged CO2 is extremely cold (as low as -79°C). Never touch the discharge horn, as it can cause severe frostbite. Always hold the extinguisher by the insulated handle and horn grip
Compliant with Australian Standards
-
All our CO2 fire extinguishers are designed, manufactured, and tested to meet the rigorous safety and performance requirements of Australian and New Zealand Standards.
-
Our extinguishers comply with the following key standards:
-
AS/NZS 1841.6:2007 – This is the specific standard for portable, rechargeable carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, which was reconfirmed in 2021 . It sets out the specific requirements for their construction, performance, and testing .
-
AS/NZS 1841.1:2007 – This is the general standard for portable fire extinguishers, providing the overarching framework for design and performance .
-
Mandatory Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers: Our products comply with the Australian Government's mandatory safety standard for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers . This standard is based on the voluntary AS/NZS 1841 standards and ensures products are safe for use
Relevant Installation & Maintenance Standards
-
To help you ensure your extinguishers are correctly installed and maintained, here are the relevant standards:
-
AS 2444: Portable Fire Extinguishers – Selection and Location: This standard provides requirements for the selection, location, and installation of portable fire extinguishers . For example, CO2 extinguishers should be mounted between 2 and 20 meters of the electrical equipment they are meant to protect .
-
AS 1851: Routine Service of Fire Protection Equipment: This standard sets out the maintenance and servicing requirements, which includes the 6-monthly inspections and 5-yearly pressure testing mentioned above
Why Choose Our CO2 Extinguishers?
-
By choosing our CO2 fire extinguishers, you are selecting a high-quality, Australian Standard-compliant product that will protect your staff, customers, and valuable assets. All units are supplied with the necessary service tags and are ready for installation by a qualified professional.
Get more for less