What is the weight of a standard CO2 extinguisher?

The standard weight of a CO2 extinguisher commonly used aboard vessels is indeed 15 lbs. This weight strikes a balance between sufficient extinguishing agent capacity and manageability, allowing personnel to effectively maneuver and operate the extinguisher in emergency situations.

CO2 extinguishers are preferred for certain types of fires, such as those involving electrical equipment and flammable liquids, due to their ability to displace oxygen and effectively smother the flames without leaving residue. Being a frequently recognized size for portable units, having a 15 lb extinguisher ensures that it holds a sufficient amount of CO2 to be effective while still being compact enough for easy handling.

Understanding the specifics of equipment like this is vital for safety and firefighting readiness, particularly in environments like those encountered by the Coast Guard. The other weights listed, such as 10 lbs, 12 lbs, and 20 lbs, may refer to different models or types of extinguishers, but the 15 lb CO2 extinguisher is the standard for typical applications.