In simplest terms inert gases are natural gases found in the atmosphere and work by lowering the oxygen content of the protected area so that fire cannot be sustained. You can see how a fire is sustained if you refer back to How a fire is suppressed. Our atmosphere is made of Nitrogen 78.0%, Oxygen 21.0%, Argon 1.0%, Carbon Dioxide 0.03%. A combination or selection of these inert substances are utilised in inert fire extinguishing systems.

Halo-Carbons are ozone friendly gases that work by cooling the fire to a temperature that cannot sustain fire. Another simple comparison is that Halo-Carbon protection systems use agent stored as a liquid within the container whereas Inert Gas protection systems are stored as a gas within the containers. This results in Inert Gas systems needing much more storage space and also much higher pressure storage cylinders.

Halo Carbons have a very efficient molecular structure that enables very rapid cooling thus removing the heat element from the fire.