Halon Houston fire suppression systems were incredibly common as a clean agent suppression option in the past. Many systems still exist today. However, since the EPA banned halon a few decades ago, it might be time to replace yours if you still have a halon system in your building.
For a new fire suppression system for your commercial building, get in touch with our experts for a free quote.
What Are Halon Houston Fire Suppression Systems?
Halon is a type of gas that is a really effective option for Houston fire suppression. Many systems between the 1960s and 1990s used halon 1301 for fire suppression. It was one of the most popular clean agents at the time.
Like clean agents of today, you could find halon systems in areas where water-based fire suppression would cause significant damage. For instance, museums, libraries, and surgical operating rooms. Because they were so popular, there are some older buildings still equipped with halon fire suppression systems.
Why Were Halon Fire Suppression Systems Banned?
The EPA banned halon manufacturing in 1994. The ban was due to research in the 1980s that showed that it was an ozone depleting chemical. As part of the ban, there’s been no new halon manufacturing since then.
However, this ban did not require building owners to remove or replace their halon suppression systems. In fact, some property owners still maintain their systems and even replace the halon after discharge with recycled halon. Recycled halon usually comes from left over halon from fire suppression systems and other sources that have been replaced.
Why Replace Old Halon Systems with Newer Houston Fire Suppression Systems
If you have a halon Houston fire suppression system in your building, it’s time to consider replacement. There are numerous reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade to a newer system with approved clean agents.
First, halon is bad for the environment. Ozone depletion is a serious issue. If your halon suppression system discharges, it releases the substance into the atmosphere and adds to the problem.
However, that isn’t the only reason. Another reason is the cost of maintenance for these systems. Like with any other mechanical system, fire suppression systems tend to deteriorate and experience more problems with age. Halon manufacturing was banned 28 years ago, so your system is quite old if it still runs on halon. This means that parts and technicians who work on these systems are increasingly hard to find and tend to be more expensive. It’s also more prone to issues that need repair. So, it can be a huge cost to maintain these systems.
Instead, upgrading to a newer Houston fire suppression system can help you avoid these issues. If you have sensitive equipment or materials in your building, there are several occupancy-safe, clean agent suppression systems that may work well for your property, such as FM-200, Ecaro-25, and Novec 1230. These life safety systems can help you address fire safety in your building with zero halon for a more environmentally-conscious and newer system.
Fire and Life Safety Systems from Wilson Fire Equipment
When you need fire safety equipment for your commercial building, our experts at Wilson Fire Equipment are here to help. We offer design and installation for a wide range of life safety systems, including fire suppression, fire alarm systems, and communication systems. Our goal is to improve safety for your property and we’ve been doing so since 1916. Contact us now to get a free, no obligation quote from our team.