Electrical Fire Extinguisher

The Electrical Fire Extinguisher - Choking the Modern Flame

In my past experiences as a property manager of commercial establishments, I found that the trend of companies is to go digital. As I write on this blog, I begin to remember the "old days" in which the most efficient machine in the office is the photocopier. Nowadays, every office needs internet access. Every office has a good amount of electronic equipment. Now speaking of recent happenings, the Fire Safety Order (FSO) Law 2005 ratified a few years back requires the right safety measure for the different kinds of business establishments. But one thing in common for certain is that every establishment will have a good number of electronic equipment. This is where the electrical fire extinguisher comes in - choking the modern flame.

This is also known as the C02 fire extinguisher. If you still know your basic chemistry, you know that C02 or carbon dioxide chokes out oxygen - which aside from supporting life is also the main fuel of fires. Thus, what cannot be extinguished by a fire hose reel and other water based extinguishers effectively needs this. Electrically sparked flames as we now, can cause even more serious damage to equipment or even the residents in the area if water is used to douse it as water conducts electricity. In effect, some of the water used actually feeds the flame and thus doesn't take out the computer's fire fast enough.

The electrical fire extinguisher in my opinion, should be recommended for any office. Whether it is for the bank, a restaurant's online cash register, an electronics shop or a travel agency one should keep one stored in the area. A good advantage of this actually, is that it does minimal damage to the equipment while taking out the flame. Powder based extinguishers such as ones used for taking out cooking oil fires will corrode the sensitive metal circuitry in any equipment, while water based extinguishers such as a fire hose reel will short circuit it.

Now since C02 is designed to choke out oxygen, one must remember to keep the safety points in mind. NEVER, ever let your hand be exposed to the extremely cold foam spewing from the nozzle - it is so cold it can actually cause frostbite! Also, do not mistake an electrical fire extinguisher for other kinds - because it will always have a black strip at the type with the letters "C02" printed on it for safety reasons. Always keep sensitive equipment stored safely and tucked away from meddling while accessible enough in the case of an emergency.

While water based fire extinguishers such as a fire hose reel are still important for a good number of cases such as a burning carpet or clothing, the C02 variety is indispensable. Of course, there are many other fire safety measures but that's another story. To know if one would be good for your area and it probably would, contact your local fire station or a reputable dealer of fire safety equipment to know what best options are available for you.