5LB Amerex 322 - CO2 Fire Extinguisher - OEM
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Wholesale PricingThe Amerex 322 is a professional-grade, 5 lb Carbon Dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher engineered for high-value environments where the collateral damage of traditional extinguishing agents is not an option. In modern hospitals, data centers, and research laboratories, a fire is only half the threat — the corrosive dust of a standard ABC fire extinguisher can destroy millions of dollars in circuitry even if the fire is small.
The Amerex 322 solves this by utilizing pure CO2 gas — a clean, non-contaminating agent that vanishes instantly after discharge, leaving zero residue. Rated 5-B:C, the Amerex 322 is specifically designed to tackle flammable liquid fires and energized electrical equipment. Built with a rust-free aluminum cylinder and a heavy-duty all-metal valve assembly, the 322 is a lightweight, durable, and rechargeable safety asset that meets the most stringent requirements of healthcare and industrial fire protection.
The Physics of Cold Suppression: Oxygen Displacement
1. Atmospheric Oxygen Displacement
Fires require approximately 16% oxygen to sustain combustion. When the Amerex 322 is discharged, it floods the area with a concentrated cloud of CO2, dropping the oxygen level below the threshold of combustion. Because CO2 is 1.5 times heavier than air, it sinks into electrical cabinets and machinery, providing deep-seated suppression.
2. The Snow and Thermal Shock
As the liquid CO2 exits the specialized discharge horn, it undergoes a rapid pressure drop, turning into a mixture of gas and dry ice snow at approximately -110°F. While the primary extinguishing method is smothering, this extreme cold provides a secondary cooling effect on sensitive electrical components.
3. Non-Conductive Dielectric Strength
Carbon dioxide is naturally non-conductive. This allows an operator to safely engage fires in live electrical panels or medical imaging equipment without the risk of an electrical flashover.
Why the Amerex 322 is the Asset Protector
- Zero-Residue Logistics: After a discharge, there is no powder to vacuum and no corrosive film to remediate, avoiding the costly cleanup required by ABC dry chemical extinguishers.
- Lightweight Maneuverability: The 5 lb aluminum cylinder is significantly lighter than steel-bodied units, making it the ideal weight for medical staff and laboratory personnel.
- Rust-Free Integrity: The aluminum body is naturally rust-resistant and maintains the clean, sterile appearance required for clinical spaces.
The Amerex 322 is the primary specified choice for low-contamination zones:
- Hospitals and MRI Suites: The standard for protecting imaging equipment and sensitive medical electronics.
- Data Centers: Providing immediate protection for server racks and network switches.
- Research Laboratories: Protecting delicate experiments from the cloud of dry chemical agents.
- Telecommunications: Essential for protecting switching gear where continuity of service is the primary concern.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Amerex Corporation |
| Model | 322 |
| Agent Type | Carbon Dioxide (CO2) |
| UL Rating | 5-B:C |
| Capacity | 5 lbs (2.27 kg) |
| Discharge Time | 10 Seconds |
| Cylinder Material | Rust-Free Aluminum |
| Certifications | UL Listed, NFPA 10 Compliant |
To maintain NFPA 10 compliance, the 322 must follow a strict maintenance protocol. Because it lacks a pressure gauge, professional weighing is required to verify the charge:
- Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the safety seal is intact and the discharge horn is free of obstructions. Confirm inspection tags and labels are current.
- Annual Service: A certified technician must verify the unit's weight. Unlike gauge-style units, CO2 extinguishers are checked by gross weight to confirm they are fully charged.
- 5-Year Hydrostatic Test: Because CO2 is stored at extremely high pressure, the cylinder must undergo a hydrostatic test every five years.
- Safety Training: Operators should be taught proper technique and reminded to ventilate the area immediately after suppressing the fire to avoid asphyxiation.
Why doesn't this extinguisher have a pressure gauge?
The internal pressure of a CO2 unit remains constant regardless of how much liquid is left. The only way to confirm it is fully charged is by weighing it and comparing it to the tare weight stamped on the cylinder.
Where can I find CO2 fire extinguisher sales and service?
You can find these at specialized fire extinguisher companies or by contacting fire supply companies in your region.
Is this safe for wood fires?
No. The Amerex 322 is not rated for Class A fires. CO2 does not provide the deep-seated cooling or soaking required to fully extinguish fires in wood, paper, and similar materials. For those hazards, use a water or ABC dry chemical extinguisher.
What is the PASS method for CO2 extinguishers?
The PASS method remains the same: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. However, users must not touch the discharge horn during operation — it reaches temperatures cold enough to cause frostbite on contact.
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