What class of fires are halogenated agents effective on?

Halogenated agents, also known as halon extinguishing agents, are particularly effective on Class B and Class C fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases, such as oil, gasoline, and solvents, where halogenated agents effectively interrupt the chemical reaction of combustion. Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment where the use of halogenated agents is advantageous because they do not conduct electricity, making them safe to use on live electrical systems.

The effectiveness of halogenated agents on these fire classes stems from their ability to inhibit the fire's chemical chain reaction, which is vital for extinguishing the flames. Their non-conductive nature also makes them suitable for electrical fires. While halogenated agents are not typically effective on Class A fires (which involve ordinary combustibles like wood and paper), they play a crucial role in tackling specific fire scenarios that involve flammable liquids and electrical equipment.