Although wet pipe and pre action sprinkler systems are code approved to be used in telecommunication, electrical, and computer rooms, due to the sensitivity of this equipment to water damage, customers may want an alternate means of Fire Protection. For these and similar hazards, SimplexGrinnell offers a choice of several Clean Agent extinguishing systems as described below.

SimplexGrinnell's salespersons and designers and installers have been trained and certified to install each of these systems. In addition, because SimplexGrinnell is a Fire Alarm and Security company as well, we can provide a complete and turnkey project to include the Alarms and Detection, agent release, and interface to various Fire Alarm and Security Panels.

Definition
FM 200, Inergen, and Novec 1230 are all Clean Agent Gas Systems that are a replacement to Halon 1301. Each of these gas systems is a clean, non-corrosive gas, which is designed to extinguish fire. All are especially valuable where other extinguishing medias might damage stock or valuable equipment. These systems are used most often in computer, electrical, and telecommunication equipment rooms. A description of each and how they differ is as follows:

FM 200
Extinguishes Class A, B, and C fires by interrupting the chemical chain reaction. It also absorbs heat, thus accelerating the suppression process. This gas is safe to use in occupied spaces at concentrations up to 9% by volume. FM 200 will not deplete stratospheric ozone and it has a relatively short atmospheric life time of 31-42 years.

Inergen
Extinguishers Class A, B and C fires by removing enough oxygen from the air to break the fire chain, yet still allowing people to breathe comfortably. For Class A and B fires the speeds of extinguishment have occurred in as little as 22 and 17 seconds respectively. Inergen is completely environmentally friendly. It is composed of naturally occurring gases already found in the air we breathe. It has zero ozone depletion, global warming, and atmospheric lifetime potential.

Novec 1230
Novec 1230 fluid works as a gas yet it is a liquid at room temperature. Novec is used to extinguish Class A, B and C fires via its cooling effects. This agent extinguishes fires at concentrations of 4-6% by volume and thus it offers the largest safety margin of any chemical clean agents for occupied spaces.

Design
Each of these systems is stored in cylinders. Inergen and FM200 are shipped in pressurized cylinders where Novec 1230 is not. All systems are for total flooding application and must be contained in sealed rooms. These rooms must undergo a door fan test to be sure the required concentrations can be maintained. Each system has its own unique design criteria regarding number of cylinders and distance from the hazard parameters. Each has its own set of calculations for pipe sizing.

Auxiliary Equipment
Alarms indicating lights, detectors, nozzles, releasing panel, manual pull stations, and cylinders are required for all systems.

For more information on fire products, visit
www.tycosafetyproducts-us.com or www.tyco-fire.com