Hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) have been used to replace Halons in fire extinguishing systems since the early 1990s. In particular, HFC-227ea, HFC-125, and HFC-23 have been used where clean, dry, electrically non-conductive extinguishing agents are needed. Common applications are fire protection in data centers, telecommunication facilities, call centers, and industrial control rooms.
These HFCs have relatively high Global Warming Potentials (GWP). The Kilgali ammendment to the Montreal Protocol calls for the phase-down of production of HFCs. Likewise, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, passed by the US Congress and signed by President Trump on December 27, 2020, calls for a phase-down of production of HFCs.
The AIM Act authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address HFCs in three main ways:
(1) Phasing down HFC production and consumption through an allowance allocation program;
(2) Maximizing reclamation and minimizing releases of HFCs from equipment and ensuring the safety of technicians and consumers; and
(3) Facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies by restricting the use of HFCs in the sectors or subsectors in which they are used.
Clean agent fire extinguishing systems which use HFCs such as HFC-227ea, HFC-125, and HFC-23 are affected by the AIM act. The EPA has published a NEW FACT SHEET on Fire Suppression Requirements for HFCs. The fact sheet reviews the regulations affecting HFC fire suppression agents.
Owners/operators, manufacturers, installers, and maintainers of fire suppression systems which use HFCs may be affected by these regulations. The latest regulations went into effect January 1, 2026. The fact sheet may be accessed on the EPA website via this link.
