what replaced Halon in closed electrical areas for fire provention?

Answer 1

As a total flood suppression agent, Halon-1301 can still be used if it's an existing system. You can even get it recharged with reclaimed agent. Halon is no longer manufactured, but it's still out there. (Manufactured ceased in late 93 due to the Montreal Protocol.)

As far as alternatives to Halon-1301, you have FM-200 (or FE-227), FE-13, FE-25, Novec-1230, and inert gas systems like Argonite or Inergen. CO2 can also be used, but CO2 can kill in suppression concentrations, so be careful with that one.

As far as streaming agents in portable fire extinguishers, again, Halon can still be recharged, although it's Halon-1211 in portables. Other agents that work good in a hand-portable are CO2, Halotron (I'd be careful with this one though, it does leave a residue!), and FE-36. FE-36 is probably your best bet, but be warned, it's pricey! Novec-1230 shows promise as a streaming agent, but to the best of my knowledge, has not been made available in a portable unit.

Answer 2

Carbon Dioxide is a good system for fighting fires in closed electrical areas.
Recently several nearly saturated fluorocarbons under the trademarks FE-13, FE-25, FE-36, FE-227, and FE-241. These materials are claimed to have all the advantageous properties of halons, but lower toxicity, and zero ozone depletion potential.

Answer 3

CO2 (Carbon dioxide) is the primary choice in most applications. Other alternatives have been developed, but are not well received.

"So far only three agents have been developed which display the necessary qualities. These are Halotron, FM-200 and FE­36, all manufactured in the USA. All three have been intro­duced with some success in the USA but Halotron is an HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) and therefore not permissible in the UK and other EU countries. FE-36 and FM-200 are HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) and therefore not subject to the same restrictions in Europe as Halotron.

However, although both have been tested and listed by Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL), the case for economic and viable use of these in portable extinguishers still remains to be proved, based on test results and ratings so far achieved. It is unlikely that customers will be willing to pay a premium for a product that performs only as well as the one it replaces."

(SEE: http://www.firesafe.org.uk/html/fsequip/halon2.htm )

Answer 4

halon wasn't replaced by ANYTHING . they just use cables etc that wouldn't be flammable nowadays. And provide hand held CO2.

CO2 is still widely used for fixed systems. But it is an asphyxiant , don't forget.

Some old installations still use halon though.

Answer 5

I think our system uses HFC - although it is still marked up as 'Halon system'