5LB Amerex 322 - CO2 Fire Extinguisher - OEM

The 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 5B:C, the Amerex 322 is specifically designed to tackle flammable liquid fires and energized electrical equipment. It is the primary specified unit for MRI suites and server rooms. 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 -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 480V panels or medical imaging equipment without the risk of an electrical "flashover."

Why the 5 lb Amerex 322 is the "Asset Protector"

• Zero-Residue Logistics: After a discharge, there is no powder to vacuum and no corrosive film to remediate. This avoids the messy cleanup often required by ABC fire extinguishers.
• Lightweight Maneuverability: The 5 lb aluminum cylinder is significantly lighter than steel-bodied units, making it the ideal weight for medical staff.
• Rust-Free Integrity: The aluminum body is naturally rust-resistant. Combined with a high-gloss finish, it maintains the sterile appearance required for clinical spaces.

The Amerex 322 is the primary specified choice for "Low-Contamination" zones:

• Hospitals & MRI Suites: The standard for protecting imaging equipment.
• 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 metric.

To maintain NFPA 10 compliance, the 322 must follow a strict protocol. Because it lacks a gauge, professional weighing is required:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the safety seal is intact and the large discharge horn is free of obstructions. Check that the fire extinguisher inspection stickers or labels are up to date.
• Annual Service: A certified technician must verify the unit's weight. Unlike gauge-style units, CO2 units are checked by "Gross Weight."
• 5-Year Hydrostatic Test: Because CO2 is stored at extremely high pressures, the cylinder must undergo a hydrostatic test every five years.
• Safety Training: Operators should be taught proper fire extinguisher use 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 tell if it is full is by weighing it and comparing it to the tare weight.

Where can I find CO2 fire extinguisher sales?
You can find these at specialized fire extinguisher companies or by searching for fire supply companies in your region.

Is this safe for wood fires?
Technically, no. It is not a Class A fire extinguisher. CO2 does not provide the deep-seated cooling or "soaking" required for wood. For those hazards, you should use water fire extinguishers or a standard ABC fire extinguisher.

What is the PASS method for CO2?
The PASS method for fire extinguisher use remains the same: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. However, users must be careful not to touch the black horn, as it becomes cold enough to cause frostbite instantly.