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What is Halon?

Updated: 12/23/2022
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9y ago

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Halon is a general term for any of several compounds composed of carbon, possibly hydrogen, and halogens. The number tells which: halon 1301 is trifluorobromomethane, CF3Br.

Halons are extremely unreactive and used in built-in fire suppression systems where water would probably cause more damage than the fire itself, such as computer rooms. The halon "smothers" the fire, preventing oxygen from reaching the burning materials. Most halons (that are used in fire extinguishers, anyway) are heavy gases, or low-boiling liquids.

One of the benefits of halon is that since it's nearly inert it doesn't cause any damage on its own; it excludes oxygen, puts out the fire, and then dissipates into the atmosphere. The drawback is that halon systems are quite expensive, and while they're not actually toxic, they'll suffocate people just as well as they suffocate fire (which is why locations with halon systems have warning signs to tell people to get out if the alarm goes off... this is a good idea with fires in general, but with halon systems it's even more important).

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Related questions

Why is halon illegal?

Halon is harmful to the ozone layer as it contains chlorine and bromine atoms, which deplete ozone molecules. Due to its significant ozone depleting potential, halon has been banned by the Montreal Protocol to protect the Earth's ozone layer. Its production and use are restricted to specific critical applications such as aviation and military where no suitable alternative exists.


How do you translate the Hebrew word 'halon' into English?

"Halon" (חלון) in Hebrew is "window."


Why halon gas can't use in Malaysia?

halon is use in a fire fighting system. The problem is that the bromine content in Halon media is giving potential to ozone depletion.


Why is halon illegle?

Before we start, let's clear something up: The storage, use and sale of RECYCLED Halon is not illegal. In fact, it is encouraged, and many professional fire protection services companies specialize in Halon recycling and recharge. That said, the production of NEW Halon was outlawed in 1994 under the Clean Air Act. Halon is a potent CFC and is very damaging to the atmosphere. However, since their is no known method of disposing of existing Halon supplies (and since it is such a powerful fire suppressant), recycled Halon is still a popular means of controlling fires in many commercial applications. Fun fact: the FAA requires Halon use on all commercial airlines!


What are side affects of halon systems?

To date (2013) there are no known long term effects associated with halon exposure.


How do you pronounce halon?

The word "halon" is pronounced as "hā-lon", with the emphasis on the first syllable "hā".


Can Halon fire extinguishers be used on electrical equipment?

Yes, Halon fire extinguishers can be used on electrical equipment- and in fact are often recommended.


What was Malorie Blackman's maiden name?

Halon


Which fire suppression system uses Halon?

Halon is typically used in clean agent fire suppression systems. These systems use Halon gas to extinguish fires by interrupting the chemical reaction or removing oxygen from the fire. However, the use of Halon is being phased out due to its harmful impact on the environment and is being replaced with more environmentally friendly alternatives.


What type of fire extinguisher is being phased out?

halon


Which file suppresion system uses halon?

Gas Discharge


What fire extingusiher is used for electronics?

In some situations, halon gas systems are used. The halon removes all the oxygen from the air. It suffocates the fire without destroying the machinery. Unfortunately Halon is a halogenated hydrocarbon and production is now banned by the Greenies, and both the computer and the aviation industries are trying to find good alternatives, so next time you find yourself in an airliner with an engine on fire, reflect on the undesireability of using Halon to put the fire out.