Carbon Dioxide based extinguishers are classified by the letters BC and ABC. They are primarily used in laboratories and should not be used in homes or businesses.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers can be used on Class B, C and E.
Both B and C
Class B fire extinguishers are used to flammable fires (such as those caused by gasoline and varnish). They come in several types, such as carbon dioxide (works by displacing the oxygen in the room) or dry chemical extinguishers.
Different types of fire equipment are designed for various fire classes. For instance, water extinguishers are effective for ordinary combustibles (Class A fires), while foam extinguishers can address flammable liquids (Class B fires). For electrical fires (Class C), carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are suitable, and dry chemical extinguishers can tackle multiple fire classes, including A, B, and C. Additionally, specialized equipment like Class D extinguishers is used for metal fires, and wet chemical extinguishers are ideal for cooking oil fires (Class K).
Water and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are ineffective on alkali metal fires because they can react violently with alkali metals, such as sodium or potassium, and actually make the fire worse. It is recommended to use a Class D fire extinguisher specifically designed for metal fires in this case.
Class B fire extinguishers are best suited for fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, grease, and solvents. These extinguishers typically use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide agents to effectively smother and extinguish the flames. They should not be used on fires involving ordinary combustibles (Class A) or electrical equipment (Class C) unless specifically rated for those classes as well. Always check the extinguisher label for specific applications.
A Class B fire extinguisher. Below is an article about the different types of fire extinguishers.
Class C is never seen alone, as it is not a fuel type. Rather it is a complicating factor in fighting a fire of another type, as it means that the fire contains energized electrical components. A fire extinguisher marked with class C simply means that the extinguishing agent will not carry electricity and shock you or others in the area. Dry chemical extinguishers are available in ABC and BC flavors. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are rated BC. Water mist extinguishers are rated AC, but are rather rare outside of hospitals.
A carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is typically rated as a Class B and Class C extinguisher. It is effective for fires involving flammable liquids and gases, as well as electrical equipment. CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen and cooling the fire, making them suitable for use in environments with sensitive electronic equipment. However, they are not suitable for Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood or paper.
For a small electrical enclosure, a Class C fire extinguisher is recommended, as it is specifically designed for fires involving electrical equipment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers and dry chemical extinguishers labeled for Class C fires are safe options, as they do not conduct electricity and can effectively suppress electrical fires. Always ensure that the extinguisher is easily accessible and regularly maintained.
Liquid (oil) fires.
Class A fires (paper, wood plastic, etc) can be put out by water, dry chem, or carbon dioxide extinguishers. Class B (flammable liquids like oils and natural gases) can be put out with dry chem and carbon dioxide. Class C (electrical fires) can be put out only by dry chem. Dry chem is the only extinguisher that does all three of them however it is not recommended on Class A fires because it is not useful in putting out sparks.