HFC227ea

HFC-227ea, commonly known by the trade name FM-200, is a clean agent used in total flooding fire suppression systems. It is a halogenated hydrofluorocarbon with the chemical formula CF3-CHF-CF3 (also described as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane). The agent is designed to extinguish fires by absorbing heat; it cools the flame and disrupts the chemical reactions occurring in the flame zone, rather than displacing oxygen.

HFC-227ea is non-conductive and leaves little or no residue after discharge, allowing its use in occupied spaces and on sensitive equipment such as data centers, electrical rooms, communications facilities, museums, libraries, and archives. Because of its potential health effects at high concentrations, fire protection designs using FM-200 rely on established safety standards that limit the amount of agent released in occupied areas and require proper alarm, evacuation, and ventilation provisions.

In terms of environmental properties, HFC-227ea has zero ozone depletion potential, but it has a relatively high global warming potential compared with carbon dioxide, reflecting its long atmospheric lifetime and climate impact as a greenhouse gas. It is not a reactive or corrosive fire suppressant to most materials, and it does not leave a corrosive residue, making it suitable for protecting electrical and electronic equipment.

Regulatory and standards context typically associates HFC-227ea with recognized fire suppression standards and guidelines, including NFPA 2001 and ISO/IEC frameworks, which govern design, installation, testing, and maintenance of clean-agent fire suppression systems. Its use continues in installations where rapid, clean, and space-efficient fire protection is required, subject to appropriate safety and environmental considerations.