FM 200 Fire Fighting Agent
FM 200™
Fire Fighting Agent
What is FM 200 ?
The chemical name for FM-200 is 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane. It is also referred to as hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) 227ea and is manufactured by Chemours under the trademark FM-200 . The gas is a colorless, compressed liquefied gas used to extinguish fires and is a popular replacement for Halon fire suppression systems.
FM-200 fire suppression systems are pressurized with nitrogen, waterless, and upon activation, FM-200 discharges as a gas to suppress the fire.
FM-200 is a clean agent fire suppressant for Class A, B, and C fires and meets NFPA Standard 2001 Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. Clean agents are fast and effective in suppressing fires, are safe in occupied spaces, and do not leave a residue.
Basic Fire Triangle
The fire triangle is made up of heat, oxygen, and a fuel source, and by removing one of these elements, the fire is extinguished. FM-200 removes the heat or free radicals, which interferes with the fire triangle's chemical reaction to extinguish the fire.
Clean agent fire suppression systems, like ones using FM-200, can achieve fire extinguishing concentrations in 10 seconds making it one of the fastest and most effective. FM 200 fire suppression systems are electrically non conductive and safe for humans. FM 200 systems capable of stopping fires before they can cause significant damage equipment or properties.
Advantages and Disadvantage of FM200
Advantages FM200
FM-200™ is a clean agent that is safe around people; therefore, FM-200™ fire suppression systems are safe to install in occupied spaces.
When an FM-200™ fire suppression system activates to put out a fire, no residue is left behind, and it is safe for equipment, electronics, and machinery.
Compared to other clean agents like 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, FM-200™ is a slightly more cost-effective option.
Because of the small amount of FM-200™ required to suppress a fire, smaller or fewer cylinders are needed when compared to other agents like 3M Novec 1230 fluid.
Disadvantages FM200
When compared to other clean agents, FM-200™ has a slightly higher Global Warming Potential (GWP).
While the FM-200™ does not contain Halon gas, it still uses Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) to suppress fires, which is not as eco-friendly as other clean agents.
Frequent Ask Question about FM200
Why FM-200 is better than CO2 ?
FM 200 fire suppression system benefits include requiring little storage space for the fire extinguishing agent in comparison to a carbon dioxide system. Additionally, the system can be located in areas occupied by the facility's personnel.
What is the lifespan of FM-200 ?
The atmospheric lifetime of FM200® is between 31 and 42 years which along with its zero ODP presents a long-term solution to fire protection requirements. FM200® has been found to be less toxic than Halon 1301, which makes it safe for use in the fully automatic mode in occupied areas.
What are the hazards of FM-200 ?
Skin Contact with liquid or refrigerated gas can cause cold burns and frostbite. Eyes Contact with liquid or refrigerated gas can cause cold burns and frostbite. Inhalation Misuse or intentional inhalation abuse may cause death without warning symptoms, due to cardiac effects.
Is FM-200 safe for humans ?
FM200 is a non-flammable gas used for fire suppression. It doesn't damage electronic products, used correctly it's safe for people to breathe in and can be used in an enclosed space, making it ideal for colocation data centers.
FM-200 is non-corrosive, electrically non- conductive, free of residue, and characterized by low toxicity. It is ideally suited for protection of high-value assets such as those found in computer rooms, data control centers, telecommunication facilities, and museums.
FM200 Application to type of site
Common applications for FM200
DATA Centres.
Communications Equipment Rooms.
Telecommunication facilities.
UPS Rooms (Server Room).
Hospitals and medical facilities.
Electronics productions and manufacturing area
(For Reference only)
Source https://www.palcon.com.my/fire-suppression-system-server-room/
The picture are example of FM200 been installed in a typical IT room for server.