Synthetic Extinguishant Fire Suppression Systems

There are two main synthetic extinguishant agents, FM200 (HFC227ea) and Novec 1230. 

Both of these synthetic extinguishants work by removing the heat element from fires. They reach extinguishing levels in under 10 seconds, thus preventing ordinary combustible, electrical, and flammable liquid fires before they can cause any significant damage.

FM200 and Novec 1230 are classed as clean agents which means that they are safe to use within occupied spaces. The typical concentration of an FM200 system is normally between 7.9% to 8.5% and the typical concentration of an Novec 1230 system is normally between 5.3% to 5.6% of the volume of the target area to be protected. Due to these low concentration levels a major advantage is the reduced number of cylinders required, therefore a lot less wasted space in the building for cylinder storage.

Both extinguishant agents leave no residue following discharge, therefore no major clean-up is required. Refilling cylinders is simple and cost effective, therefore shorter business downtime and disruption. 

Example System Layout:

Both agents are highly efficient extinguishants that:

• Are non-corrosive
• Leave no residue
• Are electrically non-conductive
• Rapidly vaporise to gas during discharge
• Do not damage electronics, electronic media and delicate mechanical devices
• Can be safely used on energised equipment, helping to ensure continuity of operations during a fire emergency

Novec 1230 also has the major advantage of being ‘Non-Ozone Depleting’, thus making it environmentally friendly with a Global Warming potential of just 1.

FM200 and Novec 1230 fire suppression systems are commonly used in:

• DATA Centres
• Comms Rooms
• Telecommunication facilities
• UPS Rooms
• Medical facilities