59 rating for aircraft with an interior volume of up to 200 cubic feet of interior volume , and a 5B : C rating for aircraft larger than that .
Clean Agent Benefits Summary
• No corrosive mess
• Does not obscure vision
• Gaseous so it gets around objects
• Does not conduct electricity
AC20-42D Hand Fire Extinguishers for Use in Aircraft
• Interiors > 200 ft3 require a min . 5B : C UL rating
• Interiors < 200 ft3 require a min . 2B : C UL rating
• Agent weight is not relevant
• UL rating is what ’ s important
Halon – Still the King of Clean Agents
Halon 1211 is the original clean agent . Since the 1970 ’ s , its effectiveness and clean agent properties made it extremely popular for aviation , military , commercial and even residential use . However , production was banned in 1994 under the Montreal Protocol of Ozone Depleting Substances . Since then , and to this day , new halon fire extinguishers contain recycled halon .
There are three commercially available halon alternatives : Halotron 1 , FE-36 , and Halotron BrX . The first two have environmental issues of their own , and they are about half as effective , and twice as big and heavy as a like-rated halon extinguisher . They are also more expensive .
The newest halon alternative , Halotron BrX , comes in an extinguisher that is about 30 % bigger and heavier than a halon extinguisher . It is also about 5 times as costly .
2B : C Rated Extinguishers : Halon vs . and Halon Alternatives It is true that halon will eventually be phased out . Current estimates are recharging a halon extinguisher will still be possible well into the 2030 ’ s . Given the size , weight and cost advantages over the clean agent halon alternatives , halon fire extinguishers have the most to offer the pilot looking for peace of mind .
Mounting , Inspection and Maintenance Whatever extinguisher you choose , you will want to be confident that it will be at hand , and work when you need it to .
The first step is to securely mount the extinguisher where you can reach it . Common locations are under or next to your seat , or on the pilot ’ s door . If a location is not specified in the owner ’ s manual , securely mount the extinguisher with its bracket and strong fasteners .
Halotron 1 FE-36
Halon
Halotron BrX
E3AVIATION . COM