Fire Trace SYSTEM - FM200
FM-200™, also commonly known as HFC-227ea, 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.
How Does FM-200™ Work?
FM-200™ suppresses fire by disrupting the 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 or less.
What is the Chemical Name for FM-200™ Gas?
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.
Is FM-200™ Gas Dangerous?
The gas is low in toxicity and does not pose acute or long-term dangers when handled per the manufacturers’ recommendations. The vapors from FM-200™ have little to no effect on the skin or eyes, but when in liquid form, on contact, it can freeze the skin or eyes, causing frostbite. In the case of inhaling high concentrations of FM-200™ vapors, over the recommended exposure limits, one may experience headache, dizziness, loss of coordination, confusion, and in a worst-case scenario, loss of consciousness. When following manufacturers' guidelines, FM-200™ is safe for use in fully occupied areas.
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.