Water-based fire suppression systems are the most famous and common, but they are not the only or necessarily the best fire suppression systems. In some cases, other fire suppression systems are needed to completely and effectively extinguish fires.
FM-200™ (heptafluoropropane, HFC-227ea) holds an important place with its unique properties and wide range of applications, suitable for many different business applications where downtime is not an option. They are particularly useful in data centers, generator enclosures, telecommunications facilities, switchgear rooms, control rooms, and any other mission-critical facilities that need to operate 24/7. So, what exactly is FM-200?
What is FM 200？
FM200 is a highly effective clean agent fire suppressant, whose main component is heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), which is the commercial name given to it by its manufacturer, DuPont. Its technical name is “heptafluoropropane,” a colorless and odorless halogenated hydrocarbon.
The FM200 fire suppression system, also known as the HFC227ea fire suppression system, is one of the most effective clean agent fire suppression systems that can replace automatic sprinkler systems. It not only protects rooms from fire damage or spread but, most importantly, ensures that high-value equipment critical to business operations and continuity can remain undamaged and operational even in the event of a fire.
How does FM200 gas work?
FM200 achieves fire extinguishing by disrupting the components of the “fire triangle,” halting the chemical reactions that lead to flame combustion. When the FM 200 agent comes into contact with heat, a localized chemical reaction occurs that reduces the temperature of the fire environment, preventing the combustible material from reaching the ignition point and causing the fire to extinguish automatically. After the fire is extinguished, the FM200 clean agent dissipates automatically without leaving any residue, is gentle on electronic equipment, and does not damage any electronic devices.
What are the significant advantages of FM200?
As a clean agent fire suppressant, FM200 (heptafluoropropane) has many notable advantages:
- Leaves no residue after extinguishing
- Non-damaging to equipment
- Rapid and efficient fire suppression
- Effective against various types of fires
- Insulating and non-conductive
- Cost-effective
Is FM200 dangerous?
FM200 (heptafluoropropane) is relatively safe when used properly. It has low toxicity, and under normal fire suppression concentrations and conditions, people have a certain amount of time to evacuate from an environment where FM200 is released without immediate threat to life due to the toxicity of the suppressant itself. Because of its non-conductive nature, it is commonly used in areas with dense electrical equipment to avoid electrocution accidents caused by conductive fire suppressants, ensuring electrical safety.
However, there are dangerous situations. At high concentrations, it may cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. For example, in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces where it is released in large quantities, and people are exposed to such high concentrations for extended periods, there are health risks, so ventilation and hazard prevention must be considered when designing and installing the system.
FM200 is typically stored in high-pressure containers in a liquid state. If the containers or pressure equipment fail and cause uncontrolled release, it can not only affect the effectiveness of fire suppression but also potentially cause physical harm to surrounding personnel and the environment, so regular maintenance and inspection of the equipment are necessary.
Under high temperatures or the action of flames, FM200 can decompose to produce toxic and corrosive substances such as hydrogen fluoride. Although the decomposition products usually do not reach dangerous levels during normal fire suppression, in some special circumstances, such as large-scale fires or prolonged burning times, the accumulation of decomposition products could pose certain risks.
What are the alternative options to FM200?
Nevertheless, if your facility currently has FM-200 clean agent fire suppressant, it might be time to consider other alternative options. Fortunately, there are many such choices available on the market.
At FlareNix, we offer all of the following services:
While all of these are effective clean agent fire suppression solutions, there may be one that is more suitable for your facility and application. So please consult our FlareNix fire protection experts to ensure you make the right choice.
Our experts are knowledgeable about the latest phase-out regulations and can help you find the most appropriate clean agent alternative for your facility. Contact us online to get started.
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