Halon systems can be divided into several generic system types and configurations. System types are based on the discharge actuation type and single-cylinder or manifold (multiple cylinder) configurations. A generic diagram of a computer room halon system configuration is presented in Figure 1.
Two basic actuation mechanisms exist:
Automatic actuation consisting of an electric, pneumatic, or cable tension operation initiated through some sort of fire detection mechanism.
Manual actuation requiring some form of manual activation or other physical action to initiate discharge of the halon system.
Cylinder discharge operations can be divided into several categories depending on whether the actuation is manual or automatic. Table 1 summarizes the most common system types.