What is a key characteristic of CO2 when used in fire suppression?

When considering the use of CO2 in fire suppression, an important characteristic is its ability to displace oxygen. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and can effectively lower the percentage of oxygen in the air surrounding a fire. Since most fires require oxygen to sustain combustion, reducing the availability of oxygen helps to extinguish the flames. This property makes CO2 particularly effective in enclosed spaces where traditional water-based suppression methods might not be ideal, as CO2 can put out fires without causing water damage.

While other options may reference concepts related to fire suppression or safety, they do not accurately describe the primary functioning mechanism of CO2 in this context. For instance, CO2 is not known for being corrosive, it does not require specific distance regulations like being 50 feet from potential charlie fires, and it does not need to be heated before use, as it is effective at room temperature. Understanding these dynamics highlights why the displacement of oxygen is the key characteristic leveraged in using CO2 for fire suppression.