CO2 Extinguishers

CO2 fire extinguishers use compressed carbon dioxide gas as the extinguishing agent. Non-conductive, residue-free, and works by displacing oxygen at the fire. Rated B:C for electrical and flammable-liquid hazards. Portable CO2 extinguishers work alongside fixed clean-agent suppression systems under NFPA 2001. For IT equipment rooms specifically, see NFPA 75 fire protection guidance.

Primary use cases are server rooms, data centers, laboratories, machine shops, and any space with energized electronics where a water or dry-chemical discharge would ruin equipment. Never use water, ABC, or foam near energized electronics. Water shorts circuits. ABC dry chemical leaves corrosive residue that destroys boards, drives, and precision equipment.

One safety note: CO2 produces no lingering suppression. Once the gas disperses, fuel that stays above its autoignition temperature can reflash. And in confined spaces, a full discharge can displace enough oxygen to endanger occupants. Size the extinguisher to the space.