Can I still use or buy a Halon 1211 extinguisher?

No, production and import for general use are banned. They are only permitted for 'essential' or 'critical' uses (like aviation) from recycled stocks, subject to strict regulation.

What class of fire is Halon 1211 used for?

It is highly effective for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (energized electrical equipment) fires, and also has some effect on Class A fires.

What is the colour code for a Halon extinguisher?

As per IS 2190, the extinguisher body is Post Office Red with a Canary Yellow colour band.

What has replaced Halon extinguishers?

Clean agent extinguishers using agents like HFCs (IS 16018), Novec 1230 (FK-5-1-12), and inert gases have replaced Halon in most applications.

IS 11108

: 1984

Specification for Portable Fire Extinguishers - Halon 1211 Type

CurrentSpecializedSpecificationFire Safety · Fire Fighting

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This standard provides specifications for the material, construction, performance, and testing of portable fire extinguishers using Halon 1211 (BCF). It covers various capacities from 0.6 kg to 5 kg. Due to the ozone-depleting nature of Halon, its use is now highly restricted, making this standard primarily for legacy reference in critical applications.

Specification for Portable Fire Extinguishers - Halon 1211 Type

Quick Reference Values

Purity of Halon 121199.0% minimum by mass

Hydrostatic Pressure Test3.0 MPa (or 30 kgf/cm²) held for 2.5 min

Minimum Effective Discharge Time (1.25 kg model)8 seconds

Minimum Percentage of Discharge95%

Body MaterialCold rolled mild steel sheet conforming to IS 513

Colour CodeCanary Yellow band on Post Office Red body (as per IS 2190)

Practical Notes

Halon 1211 is an ozone-depleting substance banned for new production and general use under the Montreal Protocol. This standard is not for new designs but for maintaining existing critical systems (e.g., aviation).

Modern, environmentally friendly alternatives are 'clean agent' extinguishers covered by standards like IS 16018 (HFC-236fa) or those using FK-5-1-12.

Discharging Halon in a confined, unventilated space is hazardous as it displaces oxygen and can produce toxic by-products when exposed to fire.