1. CO₂ Fire Extinguisher (Carbon Dioxide)
✅ Identification Features:
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Color: Usually black or dark red, often labeled with white or yellow text.
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Nozzle: Equipped with a horn-shaped nozzle, typically metal or hard plastic. No pressure gauge.
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Size: Common sizes include 3kg, 5kg, and 24kg.
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Fire agent: Contains compressed carbon dioxide gas (CO₂). When discharged, it emits a cold white fog at around -78°C.
🔥 Suitable For:
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Fires caused by electrical equipment, server rooms, and electronics.
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Leaves no residue – safe for electrical use.
⚠️ Usage Warnings:
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Not suitable for enclosed spaces – risk of asphyxiation.
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Always hold by the insulated handle to avoid cold burns.
2. Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher (MFZ Type)
✅ Identification Features:
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Color: Typically bright red, easy to spot.
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Nozzle: Comes with a rubber hose and usually has a pressure gauge on the body.
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Size: Common sizes include 1kg, 2kg, 4kg, and 8kg.
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Fire agent: Contains dry chemical powder (usually NaHCO₃ or KHCO₃), expelled by compressed gas.
🔥 Suitable For:
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Fire caused by flammable liquids (gasoline, oil), gas, or solid materials like paper, wood, and plastic.
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It can also be used for electrical fires, but may leave residue.
⚠️ Usage Warnings:
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Do not spray on people or food – powder can be irritating.
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Check the pressure gauge regularly. If the needle is outside the green zone, maintenance is needed.
✅ Quick Comparison
| Feature | CO₂ Extinguisher | Dry Powder Extinguisher |
| Color | Dark red / Black (Or labelled with CO₂) | Bright red |
| Nozzle Type | Hard, horn-shaped | Flexible rubber hose |
| Pressure Gauge | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Leaves Residue | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Best Use Case | Electrical equipment | Flammable liquids, solid fires |
| Risk of Suffocation | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Identifying CO₂ and dry powder fire extinguishers helps ensure proper selection and safe usage in fire emergencies. Regularly inspect your extinguishers to make sure they’re always ready for action when needed.
