Choose Clean Agent Extinguishers to Protect High-Value Electronics
Most buildings today are protected with multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers. They are not only inexpensive to purchase, they are also extremely effective on small early-stage fires. But they are not a match for high-value electronics that are mission critical for many businesses. The main reason—dry chemical leaves a residue that is not only difficult to clean up, but it causes a shutdown of operations, with major disruptions, resulting in huge losses in revenue. The National Fire Protection Association recognizes this danger. According to NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, dry chemical extinguishers shall not be installed for the protection of delicate electronic equipment.
The right choice for protecting high-cost electronics is clean agent extinguishers. From computer rooms and medical facilities to robotics manufacturing, laboratories, and even the NY Stock Exchange, relying on clean agent extinguishers for protecting sensitive electronics is the right decision.
There are two important clean agents tested for use in fire extinguishers—Halon 1211 and halocarbons, including Halotron I. Although these extinguishers are more expensive than dry chemical units, they are the best option for protecting missioncritical electronic equipment.
Side Note: Halon 1211 is approved for use in portable fire extinguishers and is in compliance with the Montreal Protocol. However, it should only be used on fires, never for training.
Small and lightweight, Halotron® I and Halon 1211 extinguishers use a liquid stream discharge, so operators can keep a safe distance while fighting a fire. They are not only highly effective, the clean agent evaporates quickly and leaves no residue, which is destructive and almost impossible to clean when applied to electronics. These agents do not conduct electricity either, making them an excellent match for protecting electronics.
So, the next time you are faced with protecting expensive and mission-critical electronic equipment, be sure to choose clean agent extinguishers. They may cost more than dry chemical extinguishers, but they are nowhere near the cost of covering lost revenue, due to downtime for cleanup or damaged equipment from prolonged exposure to dry chemical.