A system is disclosed for providing inerting gas to a protected space. The system includes an electrochemical cell including a cathode, an anode separated by a separator that includes an ion transfer medium, and an electrical connection to a power source or power sink. A cathode fluid flow path is in operative fluid communication with a catalyst at the cathode between a cathode fluid flow path inlet and a cathode fluid flow path outlet, and an anode fluid flow path is in operative fluid communication with a catalyst at the anode, and includes an anode fluid flow path outlet. A cathode supply fluid flow path is disposed between the protected space and the cathode fluid flow path inlet, and an inerting gas flow path is in operative fluid communication with the cathode flow path outlet and the protected space.