FAQ's about Halon

What is Halon?
Halon is a liquefied, compressed gas that stops the spread of fire by chemically disrupting combustion. Halon 1211 (a liquid streaming agent) and Halon 1301 (a gaseous flooding agent) leave no residue and are remarkably safe for human exposure. Halon is most effective for flammable liquids and electrical fires (rated B:C) and is electrically non-conductive.

Why is Halon the right choice for my Ferrari?
Unlike other dry powder fire extinguishers, Halon leaves no residue whatsoever.  Used on the engine of your car, a standard extinguisher would coat the entire engine compartment -- in just about every crack, crevice, component, and connection with white powdery residue.  If you've been able to extinguish the fire, only half the battle is over.  Cleaning up after the mess would include water or other solvents, which are likely to wreak havoc with your Ferrari's electrical system.   Halon dissolves, has no negative impact on aluminum, rubber, or plastic.    In theory, you could use a Halon extinguisher at a backyard cook-out on a hamburger that started to flame-up -- and still enjoy a tasty burger (please don't try this).

If you drive a 3x8 or 355, you've probably heard plenty of stories of ruptured fuel lines and hot manifolds.  Put the two together, and you've got fire.  A 2.5 pound Halon extinguisher might be the difference between sending your car for minor repairs, and sending it to the salvage yard.

If you plan to drive your Ferrari in club events, be aware that "metal-to-metal" mounting is probably required.   Our Halon fire extinguishers come with metal brackets which can be mounted to several different locations in your car -- including the passenger seat rails in most 3x8 cars.

Is Halon Legal?
While the production of Halon ceased on January 1, 1994 under the Clean Air Act, it is still legal to purchase and use recycled Halon and Halon fire extinguishers. In fact, the FAA requires all commercial aircraft to exclusively use halon.

Is Halon an environmental concern?
Because Halon is a CFC, the production of new Halon ceased in 1994. There is no cost effective means of safely and effectively disposing of the Halon that has already been produced, therefore recycling and reusing the existing supply intelligently and responsibly to protect lives and property is the best solution.

Who Uses Halon?
From protecting computer and communication rooms throughout the electronics industry, to numerous military applications on ships, aircraft and tanks, to ensuring safety on all commercial aircraft, Halon is an integral and unparalleled fire-extinguishing agent. Halon 1211 fire extinguishers play a vital role in protecting peoples' lives as well as property including homes, autos, boats, and RV's.

Halon 1211 vs. Halon 1301.
Halon, which has been in use for several decades, is most commonly found in two forms: 1211, a liquid streaming agent found in hand-held extinguishers which gasifies under normal atmospheric conditions, and 1301, a gaseous flooding agent which is found in built-in flood systems.

What are the maintenance requirements of Halon Fire Extinguishers?
Halon 1211 fire extinguishers actually require less year-to-year maintenance than the more common dry-chemical fire extinguishers. Dry chemical fire extinguishers tend to settle and "brick up" over time due to moisture and gravity, and this in turn sets up a dangerous situation whereby much of the powder-extinguishing agent is unable to be propelled from the cylinder. Halon 1211, because of its liquid form, is free of such issues. Every year, the Halon extinguisher should be inspected: the pressure gauge should be visually checked to verify adequate pressure, the nozzle should be visually checked to be sure there are no obstructions, and the cylinder should be weighed to meet the manufacturer's weight requirement. Halon 1211 requires a six year maintenance and a 12 year hydrostatic test by a licensed fire service professional.

The 1211/1301 blend does not require a six year maintenance, hydrostatic testing, or recharging. The units should be visually inspected to ensure the extinguisher is fully charged and operable. Fullness is determined by weighing or "hefting" the unit. See name plate instructions for further details.