If you need fire protection for your building and fire sprinklers will not provide adequate protection, you will need to install a fire suppression system. Many fire suppression systems can protect your building, assets, and people using an agent other than water. However, there are many types of fire suppression systems to choose from so it can be difficult to decide which is right for you. Two of the most common fire suppression systems are the Novec 1230 and FM200 systems.
What is Novec 1230?
The Novec 1230 fire suppression system developed by 3M is a clean agent system. The Novec 1230 system uses a fluid fluoroketone to extinguish a fire. This system reacts quickly to a fire, leaves behind no residue, and is electrically non-conductive.
Some applications for Novec 1230 Systems include:
- Data Centers
- Telecommunication Facilities
- Archives, Museums and Historical artifacts
- Marine, Oil and Gas Applications
- Aerospace, Aviation and Military Structures
What is FM200?
FM200 is a hydrofluorocarbon, a replacement for the ozone depleting Halon fire suppression systems. FM200 is a fast acting, clean agent system that leaves behind no residue. There is minimal clean-up required after the system discharge and less downtime after a fire.
FM200 systems are typically used in areas such as:
- Data centers
- Telecommunication facilities
- Military applications
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Novec 1230 and FM200 are both fast acting, clean agent fire suppression systems that can be used in a wide variety of facilities. It can be difficult to decide between the two systems. Here are some factors you may want to consider when choosing a fire suppression system:
1.Environmental Impact
The two systems differ when it comes to impact on the environment. Both agents cause no ozone depletion. FM200 has a global warming potential of 3500 while Novec 1230 has a global warming potential of 1, making Novec more environmentally friendly.
2. Storage
Both FM200 and Novec 1230 are stored in cylinders in liquid form. Novec 1230 may require slightly more cylinders than FM200, depending on the size of the building.
3. Agent Efficiency
FM 200 may be slightly more efficient than Novec 1230 when comparing the amount of agent needed to extinguish a fire. FM 200 requires less agent than Novec 1230 and can protect a larger area.
4. Cost
It may be more cost effective to install one fire suppression system compared to another. Talk to your fire protection contractor to find out which system is more cost effective for your application. Typically, the Novec 1230 costs more than the FM200 system.
3S Installs Fire Suppression Systems
If you are interested in having either a Novec 1230 or FM200 fire suppression system installed in your facility, 3S Inc. can help you out. We have a team of technicians who can design a system that fits the needs of your facility and install it with minimal disruption. We can also service your system after installation with regular inspections that meet NFPA requirements. 3S Incorporated provides fire protection services to many industries including the automotive, commercial, steel, and power industries. If you are interested in a fire suppression system from 3S Inc., contact us today.