User's Manual

General Information

P/N 81-CO2MAN-001 1-1 September 2013

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1-1 INTRODUCTION

The Kidde Fire Systems carbon dioxide fire suppression system is an engineered, special-

hazard system utilizing a fixed pipe and nozzle distribution network, hose reels, or a

combination of both. These systems provide fire protection, using carbon dioxide (CO

) as the

extinguishant, designed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 12,

"Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems", (latest edition). All components

referenced in this manual are listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and approved by Factory

Mutual (FM), unless as noted.

1-2 CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

The classification of fire is defined as the following:

• Class A: Surface Type Fires; wood or other cellulose-type material (ordinary combustibles)

• Class B: Flammable liquids

• Class C: Energized electrical equipment

• Class D: Combustible metals (such as magnesium, sodium, zirconium, potassium, and

titanium, or reactive metals, metal hydrides and chemicals containing their own oxygen

supply)

• Class K: Combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats)

Note: Kidde Fire Systems carbon dioxide fire suppression system is not suited for Class D type

of fires.

Carbon dioxide is an effective agent for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class K hazards. Carbon

dioxide must be applied with due consideration of the hazard being protected and its contents.

Carbon dioxide shall not be used on Class D hazards, such as magnesium, potassium, sodium,

and cellulose nitrate. These Class D hazards can only be controlled by special extinguishing

agents and procedures.

1-3 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SYSTEM

Carbon dioxide fire suppression systems are used for applications where the potential property

damage and business interruption from fire are high. Carbon dioxide can control and suppress

fires in easily ignitable fast-burning substances such as flammable liquids. It is also used on

fires involving electrically energized equipment and, in some instances, on fires in ordinary

combustibles such as paper, cloth, and other cellulose materials.

Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, electrically non-conductive gas with a density

approximately 50% greater than air. When applied to a fire, it provides a blanket of heavy gas

which reduces the oxygen content of the atmosphere to a point in which combustion can not

be sustained.