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What is the difference between Clean Agent and CO2 systems?

What is the difference between Clean Agent and CO2 systems?

Comparison graphic of Clean Agent versus CO2 fire extinguishers

When choosing a fire extinguisher to protect electrical equipment such as Server Rooms, Data Centers, electrical rooms, MDB cabinets, or Control Panels, most people often compare Clean Agent fire extinguishers with Carbon Dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers because both share a key feature: "leaving no residue" after discharge.

However, leaving no residue does not mean that both types of fire extinguishers have identical properties. Clean Agent and CO2 differ in their fire suppression mechanisms, precautions, suitability for enclosed spaces, and levels of safety for operators.

What is a Clean Agent?

Clean Agent is a non-conductive, highly volatile fire extinguishing agent that leaves no mess or residue after use. It is widely used in enclosed areas to protect electronic equipment or critical documents without harming the environment and is safe for humans.

PAF GLOBAL offers solutions such as PAF-222 Clean Agent [FK-5-1-12], which is a clean agent fire extinguishing product for critical areas. For specific details, you can read [What is PAF-222], [What is FK5112 / What is FK-5-1-12], and [What is Perfluorohexanone].

What is a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?

A CO2 fire extinguisher is an extinguisher that uses carbon dioxide gas to suppress fires. Its key advantage is that it leaves no residue after use, making it popular for areas with electrical equipment risks or areas requiring high cleanliness standards.

CO2 is a common choice in industrial plants, commercial buildings, and laboratories. However, there are extremely important precautions for its use in enclosed spaces, confined spaces, or areas where people are working, as CO2 gas displaces oxygen in the air, which can be life-threatening.

What is the difference between Clean Agent and CO2?

Clean Agent fire extinguishing agents are safe for people and can be discharged in areas where operators are present without reducing oxygen levels to a dangerous degree. This is different from CO2, which is life-threatening and strictly prohibited from being discharged while people are present. This is because CO2 suppresses fire by diluting and displacing oxygen in the room, which can quickly suffocate anyone in the area. In contrast, Clean Agents extinguish fire by absorbing heat and interrupting the chemical reaction, thereby requiring a lower concentration for discharge. 

Comparison Table: Clean Agent vs CO2

Comparison Criteria

Clean Agent

CO2

Residue after discharge

Leaves no residue

Leaves no residue

Use with electrical equipment

Ideal for electrical and electronic equipment

Can be used with electrical and electronic equipment

User safety

Safe for users as it does not block oxygen

Requires caution in use due to oxygen displacement, especially in enclosed spaces

Data Center / Server Room

Primarily preferred because it leaves no residue and does not damage equipment

Can be used in some cases, but risks to operators and enclosed spaces must be assessed

What kind of areas is CO2 suitable for?

CO2 remains a suitable choice in many cases. It should not be viewed as a bad or unusable option; one simply needs to understand its limitations and safety requirements for proper use.

CO2 is suitable for:

  • Points with various levels of electrical risk that require a residue-free fire extinguisher

  • Areas with good ventilation and easy airflow

  • Areas where operators are properly trained in the safe use of CO2 extinguishers

  • General risk points in industrial plants or commercial buildings that have undergone a risk assessment

  • Areas where dry chemical residue must be avoided, but not enclosed rooms where people work continuously

Important: You should not choose a CO2 extinguisher solely because it "leaves no residue." You must always consider whether the area is an enclosed room, whether operators are permanently stationed there, and what the ventilation measures or plans are after use.

What kind of areas is Clean Agent suitable for?

Clean Agent is suitable for areas installed with critical, high-value equipment or where residue must be avoided after use to prevent equipment damage and ensure user safety, such as:

  • Data Centers, Server Rooms, UPS Rooms, Network Rooms

  • Electrical rooms, MDB cabinets, Control Rooms, and Control Panels

  • Communication equipment rooms

  • Storage areas for critical documents or assets

  • Offices with essential IT or electronic equipment

In these areas, using dry chemical or foam extinguishers can damage electronic systems, requiring system downtime for cleaning or even complete equipment replacement. Read more at [Residue-free Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers] and [Fire Extinguishers for Data Centers / Server Rooms / Electrical Rooms]

Why should areas with operating personnel or critical equipment undergo a detailed safety assessment?

Areas with operating personnel and critical equipment involve two risk aspects that must be considered together: human life safety and system operational continuity.

Choosing a fire suppression system or extinguisher based solely on whether it "extinguishes the fire" or "leaves no residue" can lead to overlooking other critical factors, such as ventilation systems, access to the fire origin, equipment value, and the impact of damage when the system goes offline (Downtime).

For CO2: It is critical to strictly assess the presence of operators in the area, the volume of gas in enclosed spaces, and the efficiency of the ventilation system (due to the risk of oxygen deprivation).

What to know before choosing between Clean Agent and CO2

Before choosing a Clean Agent or CO2 fire extinguisher, verify the following:

  • SDS (Safety Data Sheet) to check chemical information, precautions, and proper storage guidelines

  • Datasheet to check product models, key specifications, and usage instructions

  • Certificate of standards related to the actual product

  • Test Report showing laboratory test results 

  • Technical specifications documents specifying fire extinguisher size, clean agent fill volume, and total weight

What to read next after understanding Clean Agent vs CO2

After understanding the differences between Clean Agent and CO2 fire extinguishers, you should read the following topics related to selecting fire extinguishing agents for electrical equipment and critical areas:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between Clean Agent and CO2?

Both are fire extinguishing agents that leave no residue after discharge. However, they differ in chemical type, extinguishing mechanism, safety for operators, and restrictions in enclosed spaces. Clean Agents are suitable for areas containing critical equipment and occupied by personnel, while CO2 is suitable for localized electrical hazards but requires extreme caution in enclosed spaces due to suffocation risks.

2. Can CO2 be used on electrical equipment?

Yes, in some cases, particularly for electrical tasks where residue must be avoided. However, it should not be assumed appropriate for all electrical areas, as you must assess whether the space is enclosed, whether personnel are present, and whether users have been trained in its safe operation.

3. Why is CO2 not suitable for use in occupied areas?

CO2 does not just make breathing difficult; it can cause oxygen deprivation, instant loss of consciousness, and death upon discharge.