FM200 (also known as HFC-227ea) is a clean agent fire suppression system that has been used for decades to protect valuable assets and critical infrastructure from fire damage. However, there has been a recent trend towards phasing out FM200 due to concerns over its environmental impact and safety risks.
One of the main concerns with FM200 is its impact on global warming . FM200 is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), which is a type of synthetic gas that has a high global warming potential. When released into the atmosphere, HFCs can contribute to climate change.
In addition to environmental concerns, there are also safety risks associated with FM200. While FM200 is a highly effective fire suppressant, it can be hazardous to human health in high concentrations. Exposure to FM200 can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other health issues.
As a result of these concerns, many countries and organizations are phasing down the use of FM200 and other HFC-based fire suppression systems. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also announced plans to phase down the use of HFCs in various applications, including fire suppression.
While the phase-down of FM200 may be concerning for those who rely on this technology to protect their assets, there are alternative fire suppression systems available that are more environmentally friendly and safer for human health. For example, some companies are switching to water mist systems or inert gas systems, which use non-toxic gases like nitrogen or argon to suppress fires.
FM-200 Fire Suppression Systems Article_5:
Clean Agent Standards:
The most common standard that we have come across when using a Clean Agent Gas for Fire Suppression is the NFPA 2001 – Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing.
The standard covers the requirements for designing, installing, testing, inspecting, approving, operating, and maintaining the systems.
Is FM200™ banned?
No, FM200 is not banned, there is sometimes confusion with Halon, which during the start of 1992, it was instructed that no manufacturing of new Halon was allowed from 1994, under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This was due to its environmental impact on the Ozone Layer.
FM200 became one of the world’s leading replacements of Halon for Fire Suppressant and Clean Agent Gases.
Is FM200™ Safe?
Upon exposure to people, it is safe but should be noted one of the Hazards noted is ‘May displace oxygen and cause rapid suffocation’, due to the way it works, being heavier than air.
What other suppression gases are available?
Although the most common, FM-200™ it is not the only option when it comes to using a Clean Agent for Fire Suppression. Other gases available are:
·Novec™ 1230 [Halocarbon]
·Inergen [Inert Gas]
·Nitrogen [Inert Gas]
·Argonite [Inert Gas]
Room Integrity Testing:
Prior to the space being put into operation, that is being protected, there will need to be a ‘Room Integrity’ test carried out to test it for leakage, and thus ensure the gases holding time can be met.
5 Different Fire Classes A, B, C, D & K:
To understand the Fire Classes [A, B & C] that the FM200™ gas is applicable for, refer to the below table:
