FM-200 Gas Fire Suppression Systems

What are FM-200 Gas Fire Suppression Systems?

The FM-200 gas fire suppression system is a clean gas fire suppression solution used specifically to protect areas containing critical electrical, electronic, and information technology equipment from fire. FM-200 is a suppression agent known as HFC-227ea, with the chemical formula CF₃CHFCF₃. Due to its colorless, odorless, and electrically non-conductive nature, it is one of the preferred fire suppression technologies in technical areas containing electronic equipment.

FM-200 systems are complete fire protection systems where fire detection, suppression control, gas storage, piping, nozzle distribution, alarms, and auxiliary safety equipment work together. The purpose of the system is to detect the fire at an early stage and, when the appropriate design criteria are met, to help control the fire by ensuring the suppression agent reaches the required concentration within the protected area.

FM-200 gas fire suppression systems can be considered in areas such as data centers, server rooms, UPS rooms, electrical rooms, telecommunication centers, control rooms, archives, museums, and laboratories, where the use of water or foam could cause secondary damage to sensitive equipment.

What are FM-200 and HFC-227ea?

FM-200 is the common trade name for the HFC-227ea-based clean suppression agent. HFC-227ea is a halocarbon-based gas suppression agent. Its low electrical conductivity and the fact that it leaves no solid or liquid residue after suppression are among the main reasons for its use in areas with electronic equipment.

FM-200 is among the clean gas technologies developed as an alternative to the ozone-depleting effects of Halon 1301. However, in modern fire suppression projects, not only the ozone effect but also environmental criteria, regulations, project specifications, product availability, and the long-term operating conditions of the facility must be evaluated.

How Does the FM-200 Fire Suppression System Work?

The FM-200 system operates on an automatic fire suppression scenario starting with fire detection and continuing with controlled gas discharge. When the fire detection detectors in the protected area detect signs of fire, they send a signal to the control panel. Depending on the project scenario, alarm and evacuation warnings are activated, and the suppression system is triggered when the necessary conditions are met.

FM-200 gas is stored in pressurized cylinders and transported to nozzles in the protected area via a piping system. The nozzles ensure the gas is distributed into the room volume as envisioned in the design. In system design, gas quantity, pipe diameters, pipe lengths, nozzle locations, and discharge characteristics are determined through engineering calculations.

The effectiveness of FM-200 is associated not only with discharging the gas into the room but also with achieving the designed concentration and maintaining the necessary suppression conditions. Therefore, all components of the system must be evaluated as a whole.

How Does FM-200 Suppress Fire?

FM-200 works through physical and chemical mechanisms that help reduce the heat energy necessary for the fire to continue and suppress the combustion reaction. When the suppression agent reaches the designed concentration within the protected area, it works to control and suppress the fire's development.

For the successful control of a fire, determining the correct design concentration, discharging the gas in the appropriate time, and maintaining the necessary conditions within the room are required. Therefore, engineering calculations and room integrity are of critical importance in FM-200 applications.

Operating Scenario of the FM-200 System

Detection of fire signs by fire detection detectors
Transmission of the fire signal to the suppression control panel
Activation of audible and visual alarm systems
Execution of the evacuation and delay process according to the project scenario
Generation of the FM-200 discharge command when necessary conditions are met
Activation of the cylinder assembly
Transportation of FM-200 gas to the nozzles via the piping system
Distribution of the gas in the protected area as designed
Controlling the fire and completing the suppression process
Monitoring the system status via the control panel

Advantages of FM-200 Gas Fire Suppression Systems

Uses an electrically non-conductive clean suppression agent.
Leaves no solid or liquid suppression residue.
Can be used in suitable areas containing sensitive electronic and electrical equipment.
Provides an alternative solution in areas where water and foam usage could cause secondary damage to equipment.
Reduces the need for post-fire cleanup.
Can work integrated with fire detection and control systems.
Helps protect critical equipment and operations against fire risk.
Can offer an effective clean gas solution in technical volumes with appropriate project design.

Key Components of the FM-200 System

FM-200 Gas Cylinders: Cylinders where the suppression agent is stored under pressure.
Cylinder Valves: Allows the suppression agent inside the cylinder to be used in a controlled manner by the system.
Suppression Control Panel: Manages fire detection, alarm, delay, suppression, and system monitoring functions.
Fire Detection Detectors: Ensures early detection of fire signs.
Piping System: Transports FM-200 gas from the cylinder assembly to the nozzles.
FM-200 Nozzles: Ensures the designed distribution of the gas within the protected area.
Manual Release Button: Allows the suppression process to be initiated manually when necessary.
Hold / Abort Button: Temporarily halts the suppression discharge according to the project scenario.
Audible and Visual Alarm Devices: Supports warning people in the area before suppression.
Pressure Relief Equipment: Helps manage room pressure changes that may occur during gas discharge.
System Monitoring Equipment: Allows tracking of system status, faults, and alarm information.

FM-200 Hydraulic Calculation and Engineering Design

In FM-200 gas fire suppression systems, piping and nozzle design should not be determined solely by looking at site dimensions. Gas quantity, design concentration, room volume, pipe diameters, pipe lengths, fittings, nozzle types, nozzle orifices, and discharge characteristics must be evaluated together.

Hydraulic calculations are performed to verify that the gas reaches the nozzles from the cylinder assembly as designed and that the system operates in accordance with the performance criteria set by the manufacturer. It is important that calculations are made using the relevant manufacturer's licensed and up-to-date engineering software.

The use of different manufacturers' calculation software or unlicensed software can lead to results inconsistent with the product's actual performance parameters. Therefore, project calculations must be verified in line with the system manufacturer's technical criteria.

FM-200 Room Integrity and Room Integrity Test

In FM-200 systems, the leak-tightness of the protected area is critical for the suppression agent to reach the required concentration and maintain the designed conditions. Door gaps, cable penetrations, pipe penetrations, ventilation ducts, and other openings must be evaluated within the scope of the system design.

In critical applications, appropriate leak-tightness tests such as a Room Integrity Test or Door Fan Test can be applied according to project and standard requirements. Test results help evaluate the suitability of the protected area for the gas suppression system.

FM-200 Pressure Relief

During the discharge of FM-200 gas into the room, a pressure change may occur in the protected volume. Especially in large-volume gas discharges, an appropriate pressure relief solution should be evaluated taking into account the structure of the room, doors, partitions, and ventilation systems.

Pressure relief design should be considered along with the system's other engineering calculations, and the suitability of the equipment used with the project criteria should be checked.

FM-200 Fire Detection and Suppression Control System

The FM-200 system is designed to work in conjunction with a fire detection system. Fire signals coming from the detectors are evaluated in the suppression control panel, and alarm, delay, evacuation, and suppression functions are managed according to the project scenario.

In critical applications, necessary integrations between the detection system, suppression system, HVAC control, dampers, access control, and other building systems can be planned according to project conditions.

Can FM-200 Be Used in Occupied Areas?

FM-200 systems can be designed for occupied areas by taking appropriate design criteria into account. In areas where people are present, design concentration, alarm and evacuation scenario, discharge time, warning systems, and other safety criteria must be evaluated according to relevant standards and manufacturer requirements.

Therefore, a general approach that FM-200 gas is risk-free at every concentration and under all conditions is not correct. System design for occupied areas must strictly be project-specific.

For Which Fires Is FM-200 Used?

FM-200 can be used to protect against various fire risks when appropriate design criteria are met. Prior to application, the characteristics of the protected equipment, combustible materials, fire class, purpose of room use, and human presence must be evaluated.

It stands out as a clean gas suppression solution, especially in critical areas containing electronic and electrical equipment.

Areas of Application

Data Processing Rooms

Server Rooms

UPS Rooms

Battery Charging Rooms

CCTV Camera Rooms

LV Electrical Rooms

MV Electrical Rooms

Transformer Centers

Electrical Distribution and Control Rooms

Electrical Distribution & Control Rooms

Industrial Control Rooms

Automation and PLC Rooms

Telecommunication Centers

GSM Link Stations and Cabinets

Art Galleries

FM-200 Data Center Fire Suppression

Data centers are critical facilities requiring a high level of fire protection due to their constantly running server, network, storage, and power infrastructures. FM-200 data center fire suppression systems can be considered to reduce the secondary risks that water-based suppression systems could create on sensitive electronic equipment.

In data center fire suppression projects, not only gas quantity but also early detection, room integrity, raised floor and suspended ceiling volumes, HVAC control, pressure relief, piping, and nozzle distribution must be handled together.

FM-200 Server Room Fire Suppression

Fire in server rooms can cause significant consequences not only in terms of equipment loss but also data access and operational continuity. FM-200 server room fire suppression systems help control fire risks using clean gas technology in areas containing critical IT equipment.

In server room applications, the protected volume, cable penetrations, raised floors, ceiling voids, and ventilation systems must be evaluated within the scope of the project.

FM-200 UPS and Electrical Room Fire Suppression

Due to the density of electrical equipment, there may be a fire risk in UPS rooms, power electronics rooms, LV and MV electrical rooms, and control panels. FM-200 systems can be used to protect such critical technical areas with appropriate risk analysis and engineering design.

In electrical room fire suppression projects, energy sources, equipment layout, cable density, and room ventilation must be taken into account.

FM-200 Telecommunications and Communication Systems

The continuity of electronic equipment is crucial in telecommunication centers, GSM stations, communication rooms, and network infrastructures. FM-200 clean gas fire suppression systems can help protect these areas against fire risks under appropriate design conditions.

FM-200 Museums, Archives, and Libraries

Museums, archives, libraries, and art galleries are areas containing assets that are physically unique and hold high cultural or economic value. When choosing a fire suppression system for these areas, the potential secondary effects of the suppression method on the assets alongside the fire itself must also be evaluated.

Clean gas suppression systems can be considered for areas containing sensitive collections and documents under appropriate project conditions.

FM-200 Ships and Marine Applications

Fire risks in engine rooms, energy systems, control rooms, and other technical areas on ships have special conditions. The suppression system to be used in marine applications should be determined according to the ship's design, relevant maritime rules, and project specifications.

In FM-200 applications, the ship's volumes, equipment layout, ventilation systems, and human presence conditions must be taken into account.

FM-200 and NFPA 2001

NFPA 2001 is an important reference in the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of clean gas fire suppression systems. In FM-200 applications, NFPA 2001 requirements, manufacturer technical documents, current legislation, project specifications, and insurance criteria (if any) should be evaluated together.

Standard compliance is not limited solely to product selection. Design, hydraulic calculation, installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance processes must all be carried out according to the relevant criteria.

FM-200 Installation and Commissioning

During the installation of FM-200 systems, piping, nozzles, cylinders, control panel, detection equipment, alarm devices, and auxiliary equipment must be applied in accordance with project documents.

After installation, system function tests, alarm scenarios, manual controls, electrical connections, cylinder and valve checks, nozzle layouts, and other project requirements must be verified. System commissioning procedures should be carried out by competent technical teams.

FM-200 Periodic Maintenance and Inspection

Fire suppression systems are safety systems that must be kept constantly ready for operation. In FM-200 maintenance works, cylinders, pressure gauges, valves, piping, nozzles, control panel, detectors, alarm equipment, manual buttons, and auxiliary systems must be checked.

Maintenance periods and inspection scopes should be determined according to the manufacturer instructions of the equipment used, relevant standards, the facility's operating conditions, and project requirements.

Difference Between FM-200 and CO₂ Fire Suppression Systems

FM-200 and CO₂ are gas fire suppression technologies with different suppression agents. In system selection, fire risk, protected equipment, purpose of room use, human presence, design criteria, and project standards must be evaluated.

While CO₂ systems are preferred in some special industrial risks, FM-200 can be evaluated as a clean gas solution specifically in suitable areas containing electronic and critical technical equipment.

Difference Between FM-200 and FK-5-1-12

FM-200 and FK-5-1-12 are different clean suppression agents. The design features, physical properties, environmental criteria, gas quantities, and equipment requirements of the two systems can differ.

Proper agent selection must be made by evaluating room volume, fire risk, equipment, human presence, environmental goals, project standards, product procurement, and long-term operating conditions together.

Limitations and Considerations of the FM-200 System

FM-200 should not automatically be chosen for every fire risk.
The leak-tightness of the protected area is critical for system performance.
Gas quantity and piping must be determined by the manufacturer's engineering calculation.
Special safety and design criteria must be applied in occupied areas.
Room pressure changes during gas discharge must be evaluated.
Hot surfaces resulting from combustion or reignition risks must be additionally evaluated.
The system must be regularly inspected not only after installation but throughout its service life.
Product and system selection must be made in line with relevant standards and manufacturer technical specifications.

FM-200 Gas Fire Suppression System Prices

FM-200 fire suppression system prices cannot be determined solely by square meters. For each project, the required suppression agent quantity, cylinder capacity, piping length, number of nozzles, detection and control equipment, pressure relief system, engineering calculations, installation, testing, and commissioning work can vary.

For accurate pricing, the dimensions and volumes of the protected areas, intended use, existing fire detection system, raised floor or suspended ceiling information, ventilation system, and, if possible, architectural/technical plans should be examined.

Required Information for an FM-200 Project

Room length, width, and height
Total protected volume
Suspended ceiling and raised floor information
Purpose of room use
Type of equipment to be protected
Human presence conditions
Ventilation system
Cable and pipe penetrations
Door and window information
Existing fire detection system
Existing fire alarm panel
Room layout plan
Existing fire suppression systems
Project standards and special specifications

FM-200 Gas Fire Suppression System FAQ

In which areas is FM-200 used?

FM-200 can be used in data centers, server rooms, UPS rooms, electrical rooms, telecommunication centers, control rooms, archives, museums, laboratories, and other suitable critical areas.

Does FM-200 gas damage electrical equipment?

FM-200 is an electrically non-conductive suppression agent. Under appropriate design conditions, it can be used in areas containing electrical and electronic equipment.

Can the FM-200 fire suppression system be set up entirely automatically?

Yes. When designed together with a fire detection and suppression control system, the system can operate on an automatic fire detection and suppression scenario.

Does the FM-200 suppression system work during a power outage?

The system's power outage scenario is designed based on the control panel, power supply, and backup structure. Energy continuity must be additionally evaluated in the system design.

How is FM-200 gas stored?

FM-200 is stored in pressurized cylinders with appropriate specifications. Cylinder capacity and quantity are determined by engineering calculations.

How is the number of FM-200 cylinders determined?

The number of cylinders is determined taking into account the protected volume, required suppression agent quantity, cylinder capacity, and manufacturer system design.

How are FM-200 nozzles selected?

Nozzle type, orifice, and placement are determined according to manufacturer engineering software and project design criteria.

How are FM-200 pipe diameters determined?

Pipe diameters and the pipe network are determined as a result of hydraulic calculation. Selecting the pipe diameter solely based on the room size is not a correct application.

Why is a Door Fan Test conducted in an FM-200 system?

The Door Fan Test is a testing method that helps evaluate the leak-tightness of the protected area and its suitability for the gas suppression system.

Is a pressure relief system necessary in an FM-200 system?

Whether it is necessary and at what capacity it should be evaluated based on the room volume, gas discharge conditions, and project design.

Does the FM-200 system require maintenance?

Yes. System equipment needs to undergo regular inspection and maintenance according to manufacturer instructions and relevant standards.

Which equipment is checked during FM-200 maintenance?

Cylinders, pressure gauges, valves, piping, nozzles, control panel, detectors, alarm devices, manual buttons, and other auxiliary equipment of the system are checked.

What is done before the FM-200 system is commissioned?

Installation checks, electrical checks, alarm and suppression scenarios, equipment checks, and necessary function tests within the scope of the project are performed.

What is the difference between FM-200 and water-based suppression?

FM-200 uses clean gas technology and does not leave liquid residue like water after suppression. This feature can provide an advantage in suitable areas containing sensitive electronic equipment.

Why is FM-200 preferred in data centers?

In data centers containing electronic equipment, clean gas suppression systems can be considered to reduce the risk of secondary damage that water could cause.

Can FM-200 be used in occupied rooms?

It can be designed for occupied areas by providing appropriate design concentration, alarm, evacuation, and safety criteria. Relevant standard and manufacturer criteria must be applied specifically to the project.

Does FM-200 leave a trace after a fire?

FM-200 is a clean gas suppression agent and leaves no solid or liquid suppression material residue after a proper discharge.

Why does the FM-200 price vary from project to project?

Gas quantity, number of cylinders, piping, nozzles, detection system, control panel, pressure relief equipment, engineering, installation, and testing scope vary by project.

Is an on-site discovery/survey required for FM-200?

For accurate system design and pricing, it is recommended to examine the volumes of the protected areas, their equipment, and existing infrastructure.

According to which standards is the FM-200 system designed?

In the design, primarily NFPA 2001, project specifications, current legislation, manufacturer technical documents, and other applicable standards are evaluated together.

Can another clean gas be used instead of FM-200?

Yes. Alongside FM-200, different clean suppression agents can also be considered in projects. Agent selection should be made based on fire risk, equipment, area, and project criteria.

Is the discharge time of FM-200 gas constant?

No. Discharge characteristics depend on system design, manufacturer criteria, piping, and nozzle arrangement. It must be verified through project calculation.

Is the FM-200 system designed the same way in every data center?

No. The volume, equipment layout, raised floors, ventilation, and leak-tightness conditions of each data center can be different.

Should suspended ceilings and raised floors be protected in the FM-200 system?

Whether concealed volumes such as suspended ceilings and raised floors need to be protected should be evaluated based on the fire risk and project design.