Quote Originally Posted by Randi

I went to have another look at my fire extinguisher, and here it is >>>
Randi's extinguisher is a CO2 (Carbon Di-Oxide) type ( Note the "CO2" stamping
on the upper neck of the heavy cylinder.)
There is NO pressure gauge, and it has a rigid, large diameter discharge opening.

In the USA, these extinguishers are required have a formal Hydrostatic Test
every FIVE years - an expensive test!

I pull the little thing out connected to the chain and simply press the “tricker”
and the foam - or whatever, will blast out on the opposite side.

I do wonder what will come out of it, but I could take it down in the yard and see.

On the other side of it, it has:
A (wood, paper, textiles) **A is crossed out**
B (burnable liquids) (gasses)
C Electrical installations

A is crossed out. Does that mean I shouldn't use it on those materials?
I think John said it would be good on computers.


1) You shouldn't "TEST" any type of extinguisher by *Pulling its Pin* and then
operating the "tricker" (or trigger) to "see if anything comes out"!
ALL extinguishers are intended for a ONE-Time application of their contents on
a SINGLE fire event ... THEN they must be cleaned and refilled with fresh agent.
NO extinguisher can be relied upon to Properly RE-seal and maintain its internal
operating pressure after a "short burst" operation ... a "quick squeeze" to
"see if it works" can result in a completely DE-pressurized extinguisher a few days later!

2) Randi's CO2 extinguisher discharges a COLD Gas - CO2 - that displaces the Oxygen
at the fire and cools the burning materials. Some say it looks like "snow".

3) The "crossed out A" means that the CO2 type extinguisher is NOT suitable
for use on "Class A" fires - fires in wood, paper and fabrics.
A CO2 extinguisher is used for Grease, Oil, and Gasoline (Class B) fires and fires
involving electrical equipment (Class C).

/s/ Phred