NFPA defined “clean agent” as an electrically non conductive, volatile, or gaseous fire extinguishing agent that does not leave a residue once evaporated. A clean agent fire suppression system will take either an inert gas or a chemical and discharge it to extinguish a fire in its earliest stages.
The three most commonly used clean agents in fire suppression systems are inert gases, Novec 1230, and FM-200. Inert gases used in fire suppression systems are stored as a gas and are a mixture of nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide gases. Novec 1230 is stored as a liquid and is a fluorinated ketone that contains carbon, fluorine, and oxygen. FM-200 is stored as a liquefied compressed gas and is a hydrofluorocarbon compound. These are typically used to protect assets, such as:
- Computer systems – including server rooms
- Laboratory and medical equipment
- Industrial paint lines
- Dip tanks
- Electrical switch rooms
- Record/file libraries – protected paper products
- Precious artifacts
- Cultural assets – historical buildings, museums, and artwork
- Custom applications
