1-1
FM-200
®
ECS Series Engineered Fire Suppression Systems
September 2004 90-FM200M-000
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1 INTRODUCTION
Kidde FM-200
®
ECS Series Engineered Fire Suppression
Systems are Listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
and Approved by Factory Mutual (FM). These systems are
designed for total flooding in accordance with NFPA 2001
Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems.
These systems have been tested to the limits established
jointly by UL and FM. In any situation not specifically cov-
ered by this manual, the application and installation of the
system must meet the requirements of the standards as
stated. In any case, all installations must meet the require-
ments of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
The complexity of two-phase flow does not allow for any
simple method of manual FM-200 calculation. For this rea-
son, the flow calculations and design criteria described in
this manual have been incorporated into a computer soft-
ware program. The calculations are based on conserving
mass, energy and momentum in the pipe network. The rou-
tine calculates the flow in quasi-steady state steps from
the initiation of the discharge to the final gas blowdown.
This is a significantly more rigorous treatment then the tra-
ditional Halon NFPA 12A method.
The system designer must become thoroughly familiar with
the User's Manual for FM-200 Flow Calculation Program
(P/N 90-FM200M-100) in order to learn the proper proce-
dures for applying the input parameters to the FM-200 Flow
Program. There are a number of limitations to these input
parameters which must be observed if accurate results are
to be obtained.
Kidde FM-200 ECS Series Engineered Fire Suppression
Systems combine an environmentally safe fire suppres-
sion agent, highly effective detection devices and spe-
cially developed components for fast agent discharge.
The resulting rapid suppression of a fire reduces prop-
erty damage and products of combustion to the lowest
possible level. These systems are electrically, pressure
and/or cable operated, with a normal design discharge
time of less than ten seconds. Agent storage containers
can be strategically located throughout a protected zone,
eliminating expensive piping.
1-2 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
1-2.1 General
Kidde FM-200 systems are used to suppress fires in spe-
cific hazards or equipment located where an electrically non-
conductive agent is required, where agent cleanup creates
a problem, where extinguishing capability with low weight
is a factor and where the hazard is normally occupied by
personnel. Kidde FM-200 systems are intended to protect
the following:
Data processing facilities
Telecommunications facilities
Process control rooms
High value medical facilities
High value industrial equipment areas
Libraries, museums, art galleries
Anechoic chambers
Flammable liquid storage areas
FM-200 systems are designed for the following classes
of fire:
Class A Surface Type Fires; Wood or other cellulose-
type material
Class B; Flammable liquids (see Table 4-1)
Class C; Energized electrical equipment
For hazards beyond the scope described above, the de-
signer must consult with Kidde and NFPA 2001 on the
suitability of FM-200 for the protection, necessary de-
sign concentration and personnel exposure effects from
that concentration.
FM-200 shall not be used on fires involving the following
materials, unless they have been tested to the satisfaction
of the Authority Having Jurisdiction:
1. Certain chemicals or mixtures of chemicals, such as
cellulose nitrate and gunpowder, that are capable of
rapid oxidation in the absence of air.
2. Reactive metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium,
magnesium, titanium, zirconium, uranium and plutonium.
3. Metal hydrides.
4. Chemicals capable of undergoing autothermal
decomposition, such as certain organic peroxides
and hydrazine.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
