What is a Halon System?
A halon system uses an extinguishing gas to break the chemical chain reaction that keeps a fire burning.
Definition
Purpose
Equipment rooms were a common setting for halon systems. The agent does not conduct electricity and evaporates without leaving powder, liquid, or oily deposits on equipment. A total-flooding system distributes gas throughout an enclosure within seconds under its design conditions. It can reach behind equipment, though concealed spaces need to be accounted for in the layout. Halon's damage to the ozone layer led to production restrictions.
Examples of Use
- Computer Rooms: Older installations may still have Halon 1301 protection.
- Telecommunications Facilities: Systems protect switching equipment and other electronics.
- Industrial Control Rooms: Halon protects controls needed to keep a plant running.
- Aviation: Portable Halon 1211 extinguishers remain in specialist use.
Notes
- U.S. production and import of newly made halons ended in 1994. Continuing uses rely on recovered and recycled supplies.
- That phaseout was not a blanket ban on existing systems.
- Moving a partition or changing ventilation can affect gas coverage. Have a fire protection specialist review changes to the protected room.
- Discharge procedures must account for occupants' exposure. During decommissioning, recover the halon instead of releasing it into the air.
SHARE TO
Get a Step-by-Step Beam AI Walkthrough
Fill out this form and see how easy it is to set up takeoffs, export reports, and get ready-to-use quantities.
