Halon extinguishers are based on Halon agent which is a non-conducting extinguishing gas. They have a high extinguishing effectiveness and also don't leave residue after discharge. Halon works mainly by interrupting the chemical reaction side of the fire triangle (square). They could be a perfect extinguisher, but unfortunately halons are not environmentally friendly and damage the ozone layer. They also have another weakness, and that is the toxicity of fumes.
Today, their production and use is banned worldwide. Clean agent based and water mist systems are currently being introduced as alternatives.
Halon extinguishers were available in both below types:
- Portable extinguisher (hand held, wheeled)
- Fixed extinguisher
There are two types of Halons which used in extinguishing systems:
- Halon 1211: CBrClF2 (BCF: Bromochlorodifluoromethane)
This type is used in portable extinguisher (streaming agent with low toxicity and low pressure)
- Halon 1301: CBrF3 (Bromotrifluoromethane)
This type is used in fixed extinguisher.
Related standards:
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