It sounds like your library has a halon system. We have this in our historic home. A few years ago halon was on the EPA's list of "don't use," but I've heard that has changed.
What happens is that the halon "consumes" the oxygen in the air to suffocate the fire. Unfortunately, if there are people in the house at the time the halon system is triggered, there is only a 10 second window to get out of the house before the oxygen is gone. Also, the halon leaves a powder residue behind which then has to be cleaned up. It is reportedly harmless to artifacts/objects. However, I do not know of anyone who has tested halon's affects on objects. Has anyone else?
Lana Newhart-Kellen
Conner Prairie
>>> [log in to unmask] 02/01/02 03:51PM >>>
Marilynn:
At the library where I am a graduate research assistant, the room containing
the rare books (Audubons, etc.) has a fire suppression system that, in case
of fire, would suck all the oxygen out of the room and leave the books and
paintings unharmed. However, this is just one room. I don't know how it
would work in a house and would have to ask my superiors about the details
and costs, but it's a thought.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marilynn Havelka" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2002 4:21 PM
Subject: fire suppression systems
> I am overseeing the restoration of a thirty-one room Greek Classical
> stone mansion in a rural setting. The interior is "unrestored" and not
> disturbed which makes it unique. I am contemplating whether to install
> a fire suppression system We do have smoke detectors and have had good
> response from the local fire department (for false alarms) . Having had
> experience with the installation of these systems I found them very
> invasive as far as altering or loosing original building materials goes.
> When I looked at the causes of fires - vandalism, faulty wiring and
> lightning - we have not had problems with the first, we are installing
> lightning rods and would rather spend funds on wiring (last updated in
> 1940's. ) I realize the building itself is an artifact etc. but would
> like other thoughts on the issue or direction of articles that might be
> useful (or has anyone had fires, what was the damage etc) . Thanks in
> advance!!!
>
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