Fenwal FM-200

FM-200® (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane) is a compound of carbon, fluorine and hydrogen (CF3CHFCF3). It is colorless, odorless and electrically non-conductive. It suppresses fire by a combination of chemical and physical mechanisms without affecting the available oxygen. This allows personnel to see and breathe, permitting them to leave the fire area safely. FM-200 has acceptable toxicity for use in occupied spaces when used as specified in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) program rules. Although FM-200 is considered non-toxic to humans in concentrations necessary to extinguish most fires, certain safety considerations should be observed when applying and handling the agent. The discharge of FM-200 may create a hazard to personnel from the undecomposed agent itself and from the decomposition products which result when the agent is exposed to fire and other hot surfaces. Exposure to the agent is generally of less concern than is exposure to the decomposition products. Unnecessary exposure to the agent or the decomposition products should be avoided. Toxicity: In tests, the acute toxicity of FM-200 was shown to be equivalent to that of Halon 1301. FM-200 has been evaluated for cardiac sensitization through test protocols approved by the US EPA. The EPA's SNAP Program classifies FM-200 as acceptable for use as a total flooding agent in occupied spaces. Refer to the SNAP program rules for more information.

FM-200 is clean, leaves no residue, thereby eliminating 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 plastics, rubber, and electronic components are unaffected by exposure to FM-200.