Carbon dioxide and dry chemical fire extinguishers are two common fire extinguishing equipment, and they have obvious differences in fire extinguishing principles, usage scenarios and applicable objects.
First, let's take a look at CO2 fire extinguishers. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers mainly achieve the effect of extinguishing the fire by removing oxygen around the fire source. When a fire breaks out, the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher will release carbon dioxide gas, forming a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic mist that quickly spreads to the fire scene. Carbon dioxide gas is denser than air, so it can effectively remove oxygen from the fire source, limit the oxygen supply conditions for combustion, and thus extinguish the fire. CO2 fire extinguishers are suitable for electrical equipment, oil and grease fires as it does not have a corrosive effect on electrical equipment and leaves no residue.
Next, let's learn about dry powder fire extinguishers. Dry chemical fire extinguishers use a powder that consists of a chemical and physical mixture. Common dry powder ingredients include ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium bicarbonate. Dry chemical fire extinguishers extinguish fires by inhibiting the chemical reaction of the flame and lowering the temperature of the fire source. When dry powder is sprayed at the scene of a fire, the powder forms a protective layer that covers the surface of the combustible, preventing oxygen from reacting with the combustible, thus effectively extinguishing the fire. Dry chemical fire extinguishers are suitable for many types of fires, including solid, liquid, and gas fires, such as wood, paper, oil, grease, chemicals, and more.
When choosing which fire extinguisher to use, it is necessary to judge according to the nature and characteristics of the fire. In the case of electrical equipment or oil fires, a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is a more suitable choice, as it does not have a corrosive effect on electrical equipment and can quickly cover the entire fire scene. If it is an open space or multiple types of fires, a dry chemical fire extinguisher is a more suitable choice, as it can effectively cover a large area and has a good suppression effect on different types of fire sources.
It is worth mentioning that the dry chemical fire extinguisher also has the function of preventive fire extinguishing. Before a fire breaks out, the use of a dry chemical fire extinguisher can quickly stop the spread of small fires and buy people more time to escape.
In conclusion, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are suitable for electrical equipment and oil fires, and dry chemical fire extinguishers are suitable for many types of fires. When choosing to use a fire extinguisher, we need to make a judgment based on the nature and characteristics of the fire, and ensure correct operation and safe use. Fire extinguishers are an important safety device in our daily life, and understanding their differences and correct use methods is essential to protect personal safety and property safety.