What is FM200?

Every area or building has a different set of requirements when it comes to fire protection systems and fire extinguishers. Some places request for the most advanced fire protection system and extinguishers in Singapore while others may opt for something basic. They may range from sprinkler systems to fire alarm systems to fire extinguishers. There is another system known as the FM200 fire suppression. 

The FM200 fire suppression system is a waterless fire protection system. The FM200 is discharged into the fire within a matter of seconds and suppresses it immediately. Fire suppression is found as an active component that can also be found in medical inhalers. Showing that this FM200gas is safe for the human body.

There is a fire triangle that is made up of three components: heat, oxygen, and a fuel source. The fire triangle illustrates the three elements that a fire needs to ignite. Fire naturally occurs when all three elements are present and combined. The fire can be extinguished by removing any of the three elements. In this case, the FM200 removes the heating element which extinguishes the fire.

Many people tend to get confused between the FM200 and Novec 1230. The reason why is because both systems are safe to the human body, do not damage sensitive equipment in a work environment and space, do not leave any residue and no clean-up is required. However, the Novec 1230’s chemical compound is fluoroketone. It is stored as a liquid and then discharged as a gas substance. It may also require more storage space as compared to the FM200 fire protection system. .

Well, the FM200 has many advantages over traditional fire suppression systems like:

• Clean and colorless
• Environmentally friendly
• It is electronically non-conductive 
• Safe to use in occupied areas
• Leaves no residue
• Minimises system downtime

How is the FM200 gas safe for humans? Because it is environmentally friendly it does not contribute to the destruction of the vital ozone layer of the earth’s atmosphere.

FM200 is chemically known as Heptafluoropropane. With a boiling point of -16.4 degrees, it is a gas at room temperature. At high temperatures, heptafluoropropane will decompose and produce hydrogen fluoride. It has a sharp and pungent smell. The heptafluoropropane fire suppression agent is the first non-ozone depleting replacement for Halon 1301.

Halon 1301 is chemically known as Bromotrifluoromethane. It is also used for fire suppression. The Halon 1301 was introduced in the 1960s and used mostly around valuable materials like aircrafts, telecommunications centers and mainframe computers. It was also used in the maritime business for when the main fire pumps were ineffective. The Halon 1301 was never widely used outside of the military and spacecrafts.

It was considered a good practice to avoid any possible exposure to Halon 1301. This is due to the fact that being exposed to it may produce a slight effect on the human body. Effects like dizziness and tingling sensations in the extremities have been reported by people who were in contact with the chemical substance.

The production of Halon came to a stop in 1994. Singapore shared worldwide concern in trying to reduce the consumption of ozone depleting substances and help preserve the ozone layer. Thus, Singapore prohibited the importation of both Halon 1211 and Halon 1301. The leftover Halon 1211 and 1301 were recycled and reused smartly to protect lives and land properties. It is believed that recycling was the most efficient way to dispose of the leftover Halon gases.

Other than fire suppression systems, you can get fire extinguishers to place in your home or office in case of an emergency. It is easy to look for fire extinguishers to buy online and one can research which fire extinguisher would best suit them. Different classes of fire require different types of fire extinguishers to kill an element on the fire triangle.

The classes of fires and their fire extinguishers: 

• Class A extinguishers are used to put out fires made from wood, paper and textiles.
• Class B extinguishers are used for flammable liquids like gasoline, oil and diesel.
• Class C extinguishers are suitable for fires caused by electrical appliances.
• Class D extinguishers are to put out fire caused by flammable metals

There are companies who have created multipurpose extinguishers that can be used on more than one type of fire and will be labeled as two or more classes. 

Other than that, it is also good to have a fire sprinkler system and/or fire alarm system. A fire sprinkler system discharges water when a fire has been detected. Like when it surpassed its normal temperature. While a fire alarm system is designed to alert us in case of a fire. The alarm system warns people when it detects smoke by sounding an alarm through the speaker.

Even though it is a good thing to know which type of extinguisher or fire suppression system is good for your home, it is equally important to go out of our way to prevent fires from starting. Here are some ways to prevent house fires: 

• Inspect all heating sources – if heating sources such as stoves are not working properly, they could trigger a fire to start. 
• Do not leave your kitchen – when preparing a meal, always make sure that you do not leave cooking food unattended. 
• Proper storage of flammable products – household cleaners and cosmetic products like hairspray should be kept far away from a heat source.
• Maintaining plugs and cords – always make sure that your plus or cord has not been frayed. Any damage to the wires should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent a huge fire. 

Overall, there are many equipment, systems and fire extinguishers to help stop or prevent a fire. The FM200 being one of them. With it being environmentally friendly and safe to humans, many people recommend purchasing the FM200 suppression system as it is one of the best in the market. However, it is also important to evaluate the equipment and get the one that is most suitable for your office and/ or home. It is all about finding the right equipment.