What is the duration of Halon extinguisher discharge?

• A. 8-10 seconds
• B. 12-14 seconds
• C. 15-20 seconds
• D. 20-25 seconds

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that the time a Halon extinguisher releases its agent depends on the bottle size and the discharge rate. For the portable Halon extinguishers commonly used by aircraft crew, the design and charge result in the entire content being discharged in roughly 12 to 14 seconds. This duration provides a sustained stream long enough to blanket a small to moderate fire without wasting agent or starving the extinguisher of pressure too quickly.

The shorter times (around 8–10 seconds) would imply a smaller bottle or higher discharge rate, which isn’t typical for standard aviation extinguishers. Longer times (15–20 seconds or more) would require a larger bottle or slower discharge, which again isn’t standard for the common onboard portable units.