Which of the following works as the best fire extinguisher?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

DSSSB PGT Chemistry (Female) Official Paper (Held On: 06 Jul, 2018 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is CO2.

Key Points

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is considered one of the best fire extinguishers, especially for electrical and oil fires, as it does not conduct electricity and does not leave residue.
CO2 extinguishes fire by displacing oxygen in the surrounding area and suffocating the flames.
CO2 is a non-flammable and inert gas, making it an ideal choice for extinguishing fires without causing damage to sensitive equipment.
It is widely used in fire extinguishers and fixed fire suppression systems, particularly in areas like server rooms, laboratories, and industrial facilities.
CO2 extinguishers are highly effective for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires.

Additional Information

Types of Fire Classes:
- Class A: Fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth.
- Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and paints.
- Class C: Fires involving electrical equipment.
- Class D: Fires involving combustible metals like magnesium and sodium.
- Class K: Fires involving cooking oils and fats.
Fire Extinguishing Methods:
- Cooling: Reducing the temperature to below ignition point (e.g., water).
- Smothering: Cutting off the oxygen supply (e.g., CO2).
- Starvation: Removing the fuel source.
Limitations of CO2 Extinguishers:
- Not suitable for Class A fires involving solid combustibles.
- Can pose a risk of asphyxiation in enclosed spaces due to oxygen displacement.
Other Types of Extinguishing Agents:
- Water: Effective for Class A fires but not for electrical fires.
- Foam: Effective for Class B fires but can damage equipment.
- Dry Chemical Powder: Versatile and effective for Class A, B, and C fires.