What is a disadvantage of CO2 extinguishers?

• A. Leaves residue
• B. Short discharge range (8 ft)
• C. Requires training
• D. Heavy and bulky

Answer: (B)

CO2 extinguishers are clean and easy to use, but their main drawback is the short discharge range. The gas cloud spreads quickly and blankets the fire, but you have to be fairly close to deliver enough extinguishing agent to the base of the flames—around eight feet in common sizes. That limited reach makes CO2 less effective for larger fires or fires that you can’t reach easily, because the extinguisher can be emptied before the flames are fully controlled. While CO2 has advantages like leaving no messy residue, the distance you must stay from the fire is the key factor that reduces its practicality in many real-world situations.