1-2
FM-200
®
ECS Series Engineered Fire Suppression Systems
90-FM200M-000 September 2004
1-2.1.1 OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE
LIMITATIONS
The operating temperature range for all components in
Kidde FM-200 engineered systems is 32°F to 130°F (0°C
to 54°C). The Kidde ECS Series FM-200 Flow Calculation
Program is designed for a temperature of 70°F (21°C).
Therefore, the container operating and storage tempera-
ture must be in the range of 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C)
for a single unbalanced system protecting two or more sepa-
rate hazards. If the container operating/storage tempera-
ture is outside this range, an insufficient quantity of agent
may be discharged from one or more discharge nozzles.
1-2.2 Extinguishing Agent
FM-200 (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane) is a compound
of carbon, fluorine and hydrogen (CF
3
CHFCF
3
). It is color-
less, odorless and electrically non-conductive. It suppresses
fire by a combination of chemical and physical mechanisms
with minimal affect on the available oxygen. This allows
people to see and breathe, permitting them to leave the fire
area safely.
FM-200 is acceptable for use in occupied spaces when used
in accordance with the United States Environmental Pro-
tection Agency (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy
(SNAP) program rules.
Although FM-200 is considered non-toxic to humans in
concentrations necessary to extinguish most fires, cer-
tain safety considerations should be observed when ap-
plying and handling the agent. The discharge of FM-200
may create a hazard to people from the undecomposed
agent itself and from the decomposition products which
result when the agent is exposed to fire or other hot sur-
faces. Exposure to the agent is generally of less con-
cern than is exposure to the decomposition products.
Unnecessary exposure to the agent or the decomposi-
tion products should be avoided.
1-2.2.1 TOXICITY
Unnecessary exposure to clean agents is to be avoided in
accordance with the requirements of NFPA-2001. As such,
upon operation of a system pre-discharge alarm, all per-
sonnel should immediately exit the protected space. In no
case shall personnel remain in a room in which there is a
fire. In the very unlikely instance where a clean agent sys-
tem should discharge unexpectedly into an occupied room,
all personnel should proceed in a calm and orderly manner
to an exit and leave the room.
FM-200 halocarbon clean agent has been evaluated for
cardiac sensitization in accordance with test protocols ap-
proved by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA). The EPAs SNAP Program classifies
FM-200 as acceptable for use as a total flooding agent in
occupied spaces with specific limitations. Refer to the SNAP
program rules or NFPA 2001 for more information. FM-200
halocarbon clean agent has been judged acceptable by the
U.S. EPA for use in occupied spaces when used in accor-
dance with the guidance of NFPA 2001. In accordance with
NFPA 2001, FM-200 halocarbon clean agent systems de-
signed for use with agent vapor concentrations up to nine
volume per cent in air are permitted. See NFPA 2001, Sect.
1-6, Safety. Although FM-200 has negligible toxicity in con-
centrations needed to suppress most fires, certain safety
considerations must be observed when applying and han-
dling the agent. The discharge of FM-200 halocarbon clean
agent has negligible toxicity in concentrations needed to
suppress most fires, certain safety considerations must be
observed when applying and handling the agent. For ex-
ample, HFC-227ea is a liquefied compressed gas. Upon
release to atmospheric pressure (e.g., from nozzles) the
liquid flash evaporates at a low temperature (2°F/-16°C).
Thus, nozzles must be located to avoid direct impingement
on personnel.
1-2.2.2 DECOMPOSITION
When FM-200 is exposed to temperatures over approxi-
mately 1300°F (700°C), products of decomposition (halo-
gen acids) are formed. If the FM-200 is discharged in 10
seconds or less, flames are rapidly extinguished and the
amount of by-products produced is minimal.
1-2.2.3 CLEANLINESS
FM-200 is clean and leaves no residue, thereby eliminat-
ing costly after-fire clean-up and keeping expensive down-
time to a minimum. Most materials such as steel, stainless
steel, aluminum, brass and other metals as well as plas-
tics, rubber and electronic components are unaffected by
exposure to FM-200.
1-2.2.4 OTHER SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
The high pressure discharge of FM-200 from a system
nozzle can create noise loud enough to be startling. The
high velocity discharge can be significant enough to dis-
lodge objects located directly in the discharge path. Enough
turbulence may be created in the enclosure to move unse-
cured paper and other light objects. Direct contact with the
vaporizing agent discharged from a nozzle will have a chill-
ing effect on objects, and can cause frostbite burns to the
skin. The liquid phase vaporizes rapidly when mixed with
air and limits the chilling hazard to the immediate vicinity of
a nozzle.
FM-200 itself is colorless. Discharge of FM-200 into a hu-
mid atmosphere may cause fog and reduce visibility for a
short time.
1-2.2.5 STORAGE
FM-200 is stored in steel containers at 360 PSIG at 70°F
(25 bar at 21°C) as a liquid with nitrogen added to improve
the discharge characteristics. The pressure of the stored
FM-200 varies substantially with temperature changes, as
illustrated in Figure 1-1. When discharged, the FM-200 liq-
uid vaporizes at the discharge nozzles and is uniformly dis-
tributed as it enters the fire area.
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