Janus FM-200 Sv Series - 1.2 Extinguishing Agent; 1.3 Safety Considerations

Page: 2
FM-200® OPERATION, DESIGN, & SERVICE MANUAL
Revision F
Document # DOC102
Issued: February 1, 2009
Revised: 11-Nov-2011
40YE
Section 1 General Information
1.1 Listings and Approvals
When designed and installed according to the information contained in this manual, the Janus Fire Systems®
Sv, Mv, and Lv Series FM-200® Fire Extinguishing Systems are Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) listed
and Factory Mutual (FM) approved for engineered systems. System equipment has been veried through
testing to function at ambient temperatures ranging from 32°F (0°C) to 130°F (54°C). Flow calculations
have been veried at ambient temperatures of 70°F ±10° (21.1°C ±5.5°). Storage outside of the range of
70°F ±10° (21.1°C ±5.5°) may result in inaccurate ow calculations and may cause one or more nozzles to
not discharge the calculated quantity of FM-200®.
1.2 Extinguishing Agent
FM-200® (HFC-227ea) is a colorless, non-toxic gas
and a clean, eective, environmentally acceptable,
electrically non-conductive re suppression agent.
It is formed from the elements carbon, uorine and
hydrogen (CF3CHFCF3 - heptauoropropane). e
primary extinguishing mechanism of FM-200® is heat
absorption, with a secondary chemical contribution from
the thermal decomposition of FM-200® in the ame.
Most metals, such as aluminum, brass, steel, and
stainless steel, as well as plastics, rubber, and electronic
components, are not aected by exposure to FM-200®.
In the Janus Fire Systems® FM-200® Fire Suppression
Systems, FM-200® is stored as a liquid in steel cylinders
and superpressurized with nitrogen to 360 psig (24.8
bar) at 70°F (21.1°C) to improve its ow characteristics.
When discharged, FM-200® vaporizes at the discharge
nozzles and becomes thoroughly mixed with the air
throughout the protected area reaching a predetermined
design concentration.
1.3 Safety Considerations
e United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Signicant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP)
Program lists FM-200® (HFC-227ea) as acceptable for occupied spaces.
FM-200® must be used in accordance with the NFPA Standard 2001, specically as follows:
Unnecessary exposure to FM-200® — including exposure at and below the no observable adverse
eects level (NOAEL)¹ concentrations of 9% or below — and FM-200® decomposition products
shall be avoided. Means shall be provided to limit exposure to no longer than 5 minutes. Unprotected
personnel shall not enter a protected space during or after agent discharge. e following additional
provisions shall apply:
1 NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) - The highest concentration at which no adverse toxicological or physiological effect has been
observed.
Table 1.3 - Time for Safe Human
Exposure at Stated Concentrations
for FM-200® (HFC-221ea)
FM-200®
Concentration
Maximum Human
Exposure Time
(Minutes)
% v/v ppm
9.0 90,000 5.00
9.5 95,000 5.00
10.0 100,000 5.00
10.5 105,000 5.00
11.0 110,000 1.13
11.5 115,000 0.60
12.0 120,000 0.49
Notes:
1. Data derived from the EPA-approved
and peer-reviewed PBPK model or its
equivalent.
2. Based on LOAEL of 10.5% in dogs.