Halon is primarily effective on what types of fires?

Halon is primarily effective on Class B and C fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and paints, while Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. Halon works by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire, making it particularly effective for these types of fires.

For Class B fires, Halon can suppress flames without leaving a residue that could further damage sensitive materials or equipment, which is critical in environments where such items may be present. When it comes to Class C fires, Halon does not conduct electricity, which allows it to be used safely on electrical fires without the risk of shock or additional complications.

While it can be tempting to consider Halon for other fire classes, such as Class A (ordinary combustibles like wood and paper) or Class D (combustible metals), those categories have different flame behavior and suppression needs that Halon does not address effectively. As a result, Halon's specialized chemical properties make it a suitable choice mainly for Class B and C fires.