How does a carbon dioxide extinguisher extinguish flames?

A carbon dioxide extinguisher extinguishes flames primarily by smothering the flames, which effectively cuts off the oxygen supply to the fire. When carbon dioxide is discharged from the extinguisher, it envelops the flames and replaces the oxygen in the surrounding area. Fires require three elements to burn: heat, fuel, and oxygen (commonly referred to as the fire triangle). By removing one of these elements—in this case, oxygen—the fire is effectively stifled and cannot continue to burn.

This process is particularly effective for flammable liquids and electrical fires, where the introduction of water or other extinguishing agents could pose additional hazards or may not be effective. Furthermore, carbon dioxide does not leave any residue, making it ideal for use in environments such as offices or data centers where materials may be sensitive to water or foam.