What is the difference between ABC fire extinguisher and CO₂ fire extinguisher?

What is the difference between ABC fire extinguisher and CO₂ fire extinguisher?

In daily life, fire extinguishers are indispensable fire fighting tools, and ABC fire extinguishers and CO₂ fire extinguishers are two common types. There are significant differences in their working principles, scope of application and methods of use. This article will analyze the differences between the two fire extinguishers in detail to help you better choose and use the right fire extinguisher.

1. Working principle

ABC Fire Extinguisher ABC fire extinguisher is a general-purpose dry powder fire extinguisher, its core component is dry chemical powder. This powder is made by mixing a variety of chemicals, usually including sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO) or other similar ingredients. When the fire extinguisher is activated, the dry powder is sprayed out through high-pressure gas (usually nitrogen) and covers the flame to form a barrier to prevent oxygen from contacting the flame, thereby achieving the effect of extinguishing the fire. The dry powder can also chemically react with the flame to further inhibit combustion.

CO₂ fire extinguisher CO₂ fire extinguishers use carbon dioxide as an extinguishing agent. Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic gas with a higher density than air. When the fire extinguisher is released, the liquid carbon dioxide is quickly converted into a gaseous state, ejecting a powerful airflow, diluting the oxygen concentration in the air, isolating the oxygen supply from the fire source, thereby extinguishing the flame. Since carbon dioxide is non-conductive and does not damage equipment, it is particularly suitable for extinguishing electrical fires.

2. Applicable scope

ABC Fire Extinguisher ABC fire extinguishers are suitable for many types of fires, including Class A (ordinary solid material fires, such as wood, paper, etc.), Class B (flammable liquid fires, such as gasoline, diesel, etc.) and Class C (electrical equipment fires). Therefore, ABC fire extinguisher is called "universal" fire extinguisher, suitable for home, office, shopping malls and other places to use. Because dry powder may cause secondary damage to precision equipment, it may not be suitable for use in places such as libraries and archives.

CO₂ fire extinguisher CO₂ fire extinguishers are mainly suitable for Class B and Class C fires, namely liquid fires and electrical equipment fires. Due to its non-conductive nature, CO₂ fire extinguishers are particularly suitable for use in fighting fires involving electrical appliances, electrical circuits or precision instruments. CO₂ fire extinguishers are also widely used in laboratories, data centers and gas stations. It should be noted that CO₂ fire extinguishers are less effective for Class A fires (solid matter fires), so care should be taken when using them.

3. Usage

ABC Fire Extinguisher When using ABC fire extinguisher, the operator should stand upwind of the fire source, about 1.5 meters away from the fire source. Then, remove the safety pin, hold the nozzle tightly, press the handle, and spray the dry powder to the root of the flame. As the dry powder may produce a certain amount of dust, try to avoid inhalation after use, and clean up the site in time.

CO₂ fire extinguisher When using CO₂ extinguishers, the operator also needs to stand upwind of the fire source, about 1.5 meters away from the fire source. After removing the safety pin, hold the nozzle tightly and press the handle to direct the carbon dioxide flow at the root of the flame. Because the carbon dioxide flow is very cold, avoid direct contact with the nozzle when using it to avoid frostbite. The CO₂ fire extinguisher may re-ignite after use, so continuous observation is required to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished.

4. Maintenance and Maintenance

ABC Fire Extinguisher The ABC fire extinguisher needs to check the pressure gauge regularly to ensure that the pressure is within the normal range. If the pressure gauge shows lower than the green area, the fire extinguisher should be replaced in time. Dry powder fire extinguishers should be stored in a ventilated and dry place, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment, so as not to affect its performance.

CO₂ fire extinguisher The maintenance of the CO₂ fire extinguisher is relatively simple, mainly to check whether its weight meets the requirements. Since the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is filled with liquid carbon dioxide, if the weight is significantly reduced, the gas leaks and needs to be filled in time. CO₂ fire extinguishers should be stored in a well-ventilated place to avoid exposure to the sun or high temperatures to prevent excessive internal pressure.

5. Advantages and disadvantages comparison

Advantages of ABC fire extinguisher

• Applicable to a wide range, can put out A, B, C fire.
• Cost-effective, suitable for general families and small and medium-sized places to use.
• Use simple, easy to operate.

Disadvantages of ABC fire extinguisher

• Dry powder may cause secondary damage to precision equipment.
• Use after cleaning more trouble.

The advantages of CO₂ fire extinguishers

• No pollution to the environment, will not cause secondary damage to the equipment.
• Suitable for electrical fire, will not conduct electricity.
• Light weight and easy to carry.

Disadvantages of CO₂ fire extinguishers

• Only applicable to Class B and C fires.
• Use may cause frostbite, need to pay attention to the operation method.

Summary

ABC fire extinguishers and CO₂ fire extinguishers have their own unique advantages and applicable scenarios. ABC fire extinguishers are suitable for extinguishing many types of fires and are a universal fire extinguisher, while CO₂ fire extinguishers are more suitable for extinguishing liquid fires and electrical fires. When choosing a fire extinguisher, it should be decided according to the specific use environment and needs. If your premises may be involved in many types of fires, ABC fire extinguishers may be a better choice; if it is mainly electrical equipment or liquid fires, CO₂ fire extinguishers are more suitable. No matter what kind of fire extinguisher it is, regular maintenance and inspection are the key to ensuring its effectiveness.