Options Besides a FM-200 System

Clean agent fire suppression systems are commonly used in areas with heavy use of electronics, such as data centers, power plants, IT centers, record keeping, and office buildings. The main advantages of these systems are their ability to react quickly and extinguish fires before they get a chance to spread. Certain clean agents tackle a fire by taking away a fire’s fuel through the reduction of oxygen while others are meant to absorb and bring down the level of heat in the room. Clean agents are known for their ability to drastically reduce post-incident cleanup as no residue remains once the agent has dissipated. One such clean agent is in the process of being phased out due to being classified as a hydrocarbon.

FM-200 was actually introduced for fire suppression to phase out ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and bromine-containing fluorocarbons (Halons).

FM-200 agent is classified as a hydrocarbon under the environmental legislation, AIM Act. This has caused a rapid escalation in FM-200 pricing in an effort to limit its use and production. It is anticipated this cost will continue to rise during the phasedown cycle as illustrated below.

Recharging of an FM-200 system is expected to increase in cost as this phasedown continues.

Graphic source: EPA.gov

Novec-1230 is not classified as a hydrocarbon and is not part of the AIM Act production and consumption phasedown legislation. Ahern, as a company, has chosen to install Novec-1230 in high-value assets such as those found in computer rooms, data control centers, telecommunication facilities, and museums due to FM-200’s potential environmental impacts. Contact us for more information.