Are Fire Extinguishers Carbon Dioxide?

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are filled with non-flammable carbon dioxide gas. The CO2 fire extinguisher can be easily identified by its hard horn and lack of pressure gauge. The pressure in the extinguisher is so extreme that bits of dry ice may shoot out of the horn when discharged.

Why is carbon dioxide used in fire extinguishers?

Carbon dioxide extinguishes work by displacing oxygen, or taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle. The carbon dioxide is also very cold as it comes out of the extinguisher, so it cools the fuel as well.

How much CO2 is in a fire extinguisher?

An average of 5 pounds of fire extinguishing agent is contained in the carbon dioxide extinguisher.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.