Halon systems were introduced for use in aircraft fire suppression and for protecting highly valuable materials and in places such as museums, mainframe rooms and telecommunication switching centers where a sprinkler system cannot be used. It is advantageous, as a fire extinguishing agent, to protect these areas or buildings because it is electrically non-conductive, dissipates rapidly without residue, is safe for limited human exposure, and extremely effective in extinguishing most types of fires.
Clean Air Act
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the U.S. banned the production and import of virgin halons 1211, 1301, and 2402 beginning January 1, 1994 in compliance with the Montreal Protocol On Substances That Deplete The Ozone Layer. The halons that are already in existence are now the only sources of supply.
If you currently have a Halon 1301 suppression system, it is legal to continue to use your system. Most service contractors can inspect the system and recharge it using recycled Halon.
Halogenated extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 12A and their listing.