What Are Halotron Fire Extinguishes?

As halo carbon-based clean agent, halotron fire extinguishers are ideal for handling fires in the corporate and industrial settings. They inhibit the chemical reaction of fire but do not leave any unsightly solid residue when used, so preventing damage to documents and other valuable sensitive electronics like computers, monitors and other office peripherals.

Halotron fire extinguishers were first introduced into the market in 1992 to replace the use of Halon-1211 or bromochlorodifluoro-methane (BCF), which was found to have ozone-depleting properties. The Montreal Protocol in 1987 restricted the use of both Halon-1211 and Halon-1301 because of the perceived environmental damage they caused. Although Halon continues to be used in the US, Middle East and Asia to date, using or even owning it is deemed illegal in Australia.

There are a number of replacements for Halon fire extinguishers available today like Halotron I, Halotron II, FE-36, and FM-200. These gaseous agents are dispensed in the form of quickly evaporating liquid, and also have no solid passages. These halocarbon-based alternatives have no ozone-depleting properties, and their atmospheric lifetimes have been significantly reduced. These can be used where Halon was specified and used before, although they may not be as effective.

The Halotron I is a chemical blend based on the raw material HCFC-123 and has a higher throw length compared to the other clean agents, owed to its reliably high boiling point. In comparison, this makes it more effective and easier to dispense even for the inexperienced user, as it can reach up to 45feet.

The Halotron-I has been approved for use in aircraft in Australia, replacing Halon-1121. And there's the FE-36, which is based on HFC-236fa. Like the Halotron-I, this is also an alternative to Halon-1121 fire extinguishers . And as it uses a clean agent, this is also ideal for office settings.

To replace Halon 1301 is Halotron II, which is a three-component total flooding agent based primarily on HFC-134a. This agent, however, discharges in gas form.

Another one that also discharges in gas form is the FM-200. The main advantage perceived for this is that the gas can reach all areas of the facility protected, and allows for minimal disruption in an office setting. Also an alternative to Halon 1301, these types of fire extinguishers poses no breathing problems for those exposed and does not block vision, allowing people to get to safety in cases of fire emergency. This type would usually require periodic servicing and maintenance. Monitoring is usually done electronically or by qualified installers / companies.