Gas under the brand name FM-200 (HFC227ea) is heptafluoropropane of the structural formula CF3CHFCF3. This gas suppresses a fire by inhibiting the chemical reaction of the combustible material and oxygen. It is used as a safe and efficient agent to suppress Class A fires (solid materials), Class B fires (flammable liquids) and Higher Hazard Class A fires (solid materials energized during the extinguishment period).
A fire suppression system using this gas is especially suitable on account of the following:
- design concentrations of atmospheric gas (8.5% for server rooms) are not harmful to human health,
- high fire extinguishing efficiency,
- very rapid action,
- minimum reduction of the visual range during fire fighting,
- maximum dispersion of gas in the protected room,
- good mixing of gas and air with no risk of air stratification,
- the gas is noncorrosive, electrically non-conductive and does not cause cold shocks to electronic devices,
- does not deplete the ozone layer (ODP = 0 / Montreal Protocol)
- atmospheric lifetime is relatively short (33 years),
Properties of FM-200 gas:
- ISO code: HFC-227ea
- Name: heptafluoropropane
- ODP (Ozone depletion potential) 0
- ODP (Ozone deplation potential) 0
- Atmospheric lifetime: 33 years
- NOAEL 9.5%
- LOAEL 10.5%
- GWP (Global warming potential) 3500
- Safety level (Class A fire) 13.9%