FM200 in Singapore

HFC-277ea is a chemical gas comprises of Hydrogen, Fluorine & Carbon. A commonly known brand is FM200.

General Information on HFC-277ea (FM200):

How HFC-277ea (FM200) extinguishes a fire is through bringing down the temperature, so that the combustion reaction is unable to sustain itself.

HFC-277ea (FM200) is only suitable for total flooding applications where the protected area has the structural integrity to contain the chemical gas that has been discharged.

Although HFC-277ea (FM200) has a Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), it however has a Global Warming Potential of approximately 3800.

Upon discharge of HFC-277ea (FM200), a decrease in visibility in the protected room will occur as the chemical agent is stored in the form of liquid. Mist will therefore be generated when vaporisation occurs, causing condensation in the air.

Also, it is highly recommended that exposure to HFC-277ea (FM200) during its discharge should be kept to a minimum as Hydrogen Fluoride (HF), a by-product from the chemical reaction of halocarbon gas with heat will cause irritation to a body's tissue surfaces, and prolonged exposure with increasing concentrations could even prove to be lethal in the absence of medical intervention.

How it works:

Similar to NN100, HFC-277ea (FM200) is activated after two stages of fire protection field devices activation.

- First stage activation of HFC-277ea (FM200) system: 

When the first smoke detector is triggered, the alarm bell situated in the protected room will begin to ring.

The "Evacuate Area Immediately" signage situated inside the protected room will start to flash.

- Second stage activation of HFC-277ea (FM200) system:

Horn and strobe light situated inside the protected room will being to sound and flash respectively.

Upon the pre-determined 30 seconds countdown delay, HFC-277ea (FM200) will be discharged.

"Gas Discharged" signage situated outside protected room will begin to flash.

Other information:

Although HFC-277ea (FM200) is used in Singapore, it is banned in certain Scandinavian countries like Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. For an alternative to HFC-277ea (FM200) gas suppression system, another reliable gas suppression system will be NN100 (insert link to NN100 page).

Fire Protection Information

Fire Protection Information

Fire Protection Information

Passive Fire Protection (PFP) forms an integral component of the three components of structural fire protection and fire safety in a building. PFP attempts to control fires or slow the spread, through the use of fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors.

Active Fire Protection (AFP) is an integral part of fire protection. AFP is characterised by items and/or systems, which require a certain degree of motion and response in order to work, contrary to passive fire protection.

Passion Fire Protection

Passive Fire Protection measures are intended to contain a fire in the fire compartment of origin, thus limiting the spread of fire and smoke for a limited period of time. It thus provides more time to the building occupants for emergency evacuation or to reach a safe assembly point.  Passive fire protection measures, such as fire walls, and fire doors, are tested to determine the fire resistance rating of the final assembly, usually expressed in terms of hours of fire resistance.

Categories of Active Fire Protection

Fire suppression

Fire can be controlled or extinguished, either manually (fire fighting) or automatically. Manual includes the use of a fire extinguisher or a Standpipe system. Automatic means can include a fire sprinkler system, a gaseous clean agent, or fire fighting foam system.

Sprinkler systems

Fire sprinkler systems are installed in all types of buildings, commercial and residential. They are usually located at ceiling level and are connected to a water source. Sprinkler systems help to reduce the growth of a fire, thereby limiting structural damage and protecting human lives.

Fire detection

Fire is detected either by locating the smoke, flame or heat, and an alarm is sounded to enable emergency evacuation as well as to seek help from the fire department

Hypoxic air fire prevention

Unlike traditional fire suppression systems that usually extinguish fire after it is detected, hypoxic air is able to prevent fires. Hypoxic air fire prevention systems, also known as oxygen reduction systems are new automatic fire prevention systems that reduce permanently the oxygen concentration so that ignition or fire spreading cannot occur. At lower altitudes hypoxic air is safe to breathe for healthy individuals.