What class of fire can Halon be used for?

Halon is one of the most effective fire suppression agents available today. It can be used for Class A, B and C fires with great effect. When it comes to Class D fires however; Halon should never be used.

Why Halon fire extinguisher is banned?

While Halon is considered a clean agent by The National Fire Protection Association because it’s electrically non-conducting and does not leave a residue, Halon has an extremely high potential for ozone depletion and contributes to global warming potential.

Can Halon fire extinguishers still be used?

It is strictly illegal to just dump Halon fire extinguishers or to discharge them into the atmosphere. There are only three main exceptions for Halon fire extinguisher usage; in aircraft, military use including vehicles and fuel installations, and in the Channel Tunnel.

How long is a Halon extinguisher useful?

Halon fire extinguishers require the same six year maintenance and 12 year hydro test that other fire extinguishers require.

How do Halon fire extinguishers work?

Halons are electrically non-conducting and have been acknowledged as the most effective universal extinguishing agent for aircraft use. They work mainly by chemically interrupting the reaction described as the ‘Fire Triangle’ (Fuel-Oxygen-Heat) which must be sustained for a fire to continue.

Does halon deplete oxygen?

Contrary to popular belief, Halon does not remove oxygen from the air, but rather reacts with all elements of a fire. When Halon is discharged, it breaks the chemical chain reaction. This accounts for most of its fire fighting properties. The other properties come from the cooling effect of the expanding gas.

What extinguishing agents are used in a fire extinguisher?

What Extinguishing Agents are used in a Fire Extinguisher? Dry Chemical. This agent is made up of very small particles of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or ammonium phosphate with additives to help enhance flow and prevent packing and caking. Wet Chemical. Clean Agent. Dry Powder.

How does Halon extingushfire fire?

The Halon fire extinguisher uses a compressed gas that is liquefied to function. To stop the fire from spreading, this liquid form of compressed gas will disrupt the combustion chemical process. Unlike other types of fire extinguishers, the material coming out of this type does not put humans at risk as it is very safe for human exposure.

Is Halon safe?

Halon is clean (i.e., leaves no residue) and is remarkably safe for human exposure. Halon is a highly effective agent for firefighting in closed passenger carrying areas. Due to its effectiveness and relatively low toxicity, the FAA continues to recommend or require Halon extinguishers for use on commercial aircraft.

What is a halogenated fire extinguisher?

Halon is a liquefied, compressed gas that stops the spread of fire by chemically disrupting combustion and does not leave a residue upon evaporation. Halon 1211 is used only in portable extinguishers and is a streaming agent. A halon fire extinguisher has a limited range, usually 4 to 6 feet.