The low toxicity of gaseous systems allow for discharge of the agents while people are still present within the protected area. The non-conductive and non-corrosive characteristics of gaseous agents make their application in areas containing sensitive electronic equipment ideal.

Clean Agents leave by no unpleasant residue or visible particulates. These agents are designed to interfere with the chemical combustion process of fire. The advantage with working on a molecular level is faster fire suppression, often within seconds, instead of minutes. Gaseous fire systems are designed with the intent of fire extinguishment as opposed to fire control normally provided by a traditional fire sprinkler system. The extinguishing process and characteristics give gaseous extinguishing systems real advantages over sprinkler systems in cases where water application may cause more damage than the fire itself.

Gaseous systems include a fixed amount of agent stored under pressure in containers that is discharged through a limited network of piping to nozzles located within the protected area. Total discharge and extinguishment is completed within seconds. Maintaining agent concentration levels for 10 minutes is important in preventing the recurrence of fire.