These agents are electrically non-conductive, colourless and odourless and leave no residue after discharge. They are stored as liquid, thus requiring minimal storage space and discharge as a gas at room temperature. Once discharged, chemical agents extinguish the fire rapidly (typically within 10 seconds) thus minimising damage to property and valuable equipment, and also providing personnel with immediate protection from risk. Chemical agents are effective on risks containing live electrical equipment such as computer rooms. They are suitable for use on both Class A fires that involve combustibles such as wood, paper and plastics, and Class B fires where liquids or liquifiable solids are present.

One of the most effective chemical agents are HFC-227ea this is known as hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs. HFCs are similar to halon 1301 in their properties but do not deplete the ozone layer and are thus exempt from the restrictions imposed by the Montreal Protocol.

HFCs utilise a different mechanism to extinguish a fire. Halon 1301 extinguishes fires by both physically absorbing heat and chemically removing free radicals. HFCs act primarily by absorbing heat from a fire at the molecular level.

Firepro Systems Ltd can provide Novec 1230TM Fire Protection fluid systems. Novec 1230TM fluid is a fluorinated ketone that is stored as a liquid and discharges as a gas. Novec 1230TM distributes throughout the hazard zone and suppresses fire by a combination of heat absorption and chemical interface with the fire. Novec 1230TM has a zero ozone depletion (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of just one. Novec 1230TM has an atmospheric lifetime of just 5 days.