Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems
A clean agent fire suppression system is the superior, cost-effective choice for protecting electronics and high-value assets. Their quick extinguishment reduces the threat of costly downtime and business interruption.
Codes require sprinkler systems in almost all buildings. These systems are designed to protect people and structures. But when it comes to protecting high value equipment, electronics, and irreplaceable documents, water can be more damaging than the fire itself! Take a moment to view this video on protecting Mission Critical Facilities.
The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act) will affect the use of some clean agents.
In the AIM Act, the EPA has mandated a phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC). This phase down will begin January 1st, 2022, and will ultimately reduce HFC production in a step-down fashion to 15% of its baseline level by the year 2036.
View our short video on the AIM Act
What does this affect?
HFC gases are overwhelmingly comprised of mostly refrigerants, coolants, aerosol propellants, and foams to name a few, and there are many others. On a much smaller scale, two Clean Agent Fire suppression gases, FM-200 (HFC-227ea) and ECARO-25 (HFC-125), are also composed of HFC gases and will unfortunately be immediately affected by this overall phasedown schedule.
Will FM-200 & ECARO-25 be eliminated?
No. . While the production of new FM-200 and ECARO-25 is expected to decline sharply as of January 1, 2022, meaning the availability of new inventory will reduce substantially, the FM-200 and ECARO-25 are still available for purchase. Subsequently, FM-200 and ECARO-25 are still be available for purchase. Due to the decreased supply, the list price on FM-200 rose over 500% on January 1, 2022. ECARO-25 (HFC-125), is readily available and cost competitive with the next generation agents and does not have a lead time.
Are there other fire suppression options?
Yes. Fike ProInert2 Inert Gas Fire Suppression and Fike 3MTM Novec 1230TM Fire Suppression Fluid have been around for years and are not regulated by the AIM Act.
Fike ProInert2 is a natural occurring agent created from the air you breathe. This agent has Zero ODP and GWP ratings. This naturally occurring gas is readily available.
3MTM NovecTM 1230 Fire Protection Fluid is a man-made agent with Zero Ozone-Depletion Potential and a Global Warming Potential of less than 1. Due to the high demand for this man-made agent, manufacturers are experiencing supply chain shortages and are producing the agent as quickly as possible. Our close relationship with the manufacturers will ensure the quickest possible delivery of this agent. If your project has an expedited schedule, then we would recommend using ECARO-25 (HFC-125).
How can I learn more information?
We have a presentation that discusses the AIM Act in great detail. To schedule a virtual presentation, please Contact us.
For more on the different agents we provide, click on related logo below.
Fire protection is important to your business. Finding the solutions to your fire protection needs is something we have been doing since 1990. Our customers have found that they can trust the experience, knowledge, honesty, integrity and ethics of our team. We invite you to contact one of the members of this team to discuss how we can protect your employee’s life safety and your valuable assets for the continued operation and success of your company. Contact us or call (714) 257-2244 for a Systems and Design Consultant to assist you with your needs.