What type of material is Halon ineffective on?

• A. Metal
• B. Wood
• C. Self-Oxidizing
• D. Plastic

Answer: (C)

Halons extinguish by interrupting the flame’s chemical reactions and by displacing some of the surrounding oxygen. This works well for many common fires, including electrical equipment fires. But self-oxidizing materials release oxygen or otherwise sustain oxidation from within the fuel itself. When the fuel provides its own oxygen, reducing the ambient oxygen and scavenging flame radicals aren’t enough to stop the reaction—the flame can continue to burn regardless. For that reason, Halon is ineffective on self-oxidizing materials.