Fire Engineering Technology

UL-Approved FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230) is a clean agent fire suppression gas that is commonly used in fire protection systems. It's manufactured by 3M under the brand name Novec 1230, and is highly regarded for its effectiveness in protecting sensitive equipment, such as in data centers, server rooms, and electrical panels.

FK-5-1-12, also known as Novec 1230, is a fluoroketone-based clean agent that is used for fire suppression. It is part of the family of clean agents, which are non-conductive, electrically non-damaging gases that are safe to use around electronic and electrical equipment, and can be discharged to extinguish fires without causing harm to people or equipment.

• UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a global safety certification organization that approves and certifies products for safety, effectiveness, and environmental standards.

• Novec 1230 (FK-5-1-12) has been UL-approved for use in fire suppression systems, meaning that it meets rigorous safety and performance standards. Specifically, Novec 1230 is listed for its fire suppression performance and is classified for use in areas where traditional fire suppression agents, like water, could cause damage to sensitive equipment.

• UL approval means that Novec 1230 is safe, reliable, and meets required standards for commercial, industrial, and residential applications.

1. Data Centers:

   • Protects servers and IT infrastructure where water or foam-based suppression systems could cause electrical damage.

2. Telecommunications:

   • Used in telecommunication rooms and equipment spaces to prevent damage from traditional suppression agents.

3. Museums and Archives:

   • Protects irreplaceable artifacts, historical records, and artwork, where conventional suppression systems could cause irreparable damage.

4. Electrical Rooms:

   • Safeguards electrical panels, switchgear, and control rooms in industrial or commercial facilities.

5. Marine Applications:

   • Used on ships or vessels, protecting critical spaces like engine rooms and electrical rooms.

6. Industrial Applications:

   • Protects high-value equipment, such as laboratory equipment, clean rooms, and control rooms.

What is CO2 flooding system?

• Fire Engineering Technology CO2 flooding system or central bank CO2 system is one of the common fixed fire fighting system installed on most of the ships. It releases carbon dioxide (CO2) in bulk quantity to a protected space (such as engine room, cargo hold, purifier room, pump room, etc.) under fire.

• What is a CO2 suppression system?

  • • • This system of suppressing fire with the help of flooding the compartment with CO2 came in quite handy in event of an uncontrolled fire in the engine room or cargo spaces. In this system bulk quantity of CO2 is released to protect ER, Cargo hold, purifier room, pump room, etc.

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        • What is a CO2 fire suppression system?

          • Because of its ability to quickly displace oxygen, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas has long been used as a fire suppressor in a variety of safety and industrial applications. While some suppression agents like water reduce the heat of fire, a CO2 fire suppression system displaces the oxygen to suppress the fire. 

          • How does a CO2 fire suppression system work?

            A CO2 fire suppression system works by releasing carbon dioxide gas into a protected area to displace oxygen, which is essential for combustion. When a fire is detected, the system activates and discharges CO2 rapidly, reducing the oxygen concentration to a level that can no longer sustain the fire. Carbon dioxide is non-conductive and does not leave behind any residue, making it particularly effective for use in areas with sensitive equipment, such as data centers, power plants, and marine vessels.

            Upon fire detection, the control panel triggers the release of CO2 gas from the storage cylinders through a network of piping and nozzles, distributing the gas evenly throughout the area. At the same time an alarm is sounded to warn any occupants to leave the room immediately.

            Due to its rapid and effective suppression properties, CO2 systems are ideal for environments where minimizing fire damage and ensuring continuity of operations are crucial. However, safety measures must be in place, as CO2 is hazardous to humans at high concentrations and CO2 levels above 5% are an asphyxiant.

          • Where are CO2 fire suppression systems used?

            CO2 fire suppression systems are commonly used across a wide variety of applications where rapid fire control is crucial, and water-based systems may cause damage to equipment or materials. These systems are especially common in facilities with valuable or sensitive assets, as CO2 does not leave any residue after discharge.

            Below are some key industries and environments where CO2 fire suppression systems are commonly deployed:

            • Data Centers and Server Rooms: Protecting sensitive electronic equipment from both fire damage and water damage is critical in data centers, making CO2 an ideal fire suppression choice.
            • Power Generation Facilities: Electrical hazards in power plants, such as turbines and transformers, benefit from the non-conductive properties of CO2.
            • Marine Vessels: CO2 systems are used in engine rooms and cargo holds of ships, where space is confined and other suppression agents may be impractical.
            • Industrial Manufacturing: Facilities with flammable liquids or combustible materials, such as chemical plants, often use CO2 systems to quickly suppress fires without contaminating products.
            • Automotive Paint Booths: The highly flammable chemicals used in paint booths require fast-acting fire suppression that will not damage the painted surfaces or cause an unsafe environment.

• Kitchen systems are installed according to a bespoke design to suit the layout of the kitchen equipment. Fires in commercial kitchens can be caused in a variety of ways and are hard to manage. kitchen fire suppression system is approved to the widely recognised LPCB standard, LPS 1223.
• • The FireFinder Kitchen Fire Suppression System is an automatic pre-engineered system; designed to protect the kitchen area including ducts and plenums, as well as all cooking appliances such as deep fat fryers, woks, griddles, salamanders, chain broilers and more.

Got it — you're now referring to a Panel Fire Protection System, which usually means fire suppression systems designed specifically to protect electrical panels, control panels, or switchgear cabinets.

These systems are essential in places like:

• Data centers

• Factories

• Power stations

• CNC machines or control panels

Let’s break it down so you understand what it is, how it works, and how to clean and maintain it.

A Panel Fire Suppression System detects and extinguishes fires inside an electrical panel or cabinet — right at the source. These are usually pre-engineered, automatic systems.

1. Clean Agent Systems (e.g., FK-5-1-12 like Novec 1230, FM-200)

2. CO₂ systems

3. Aerosol-based suppression

4. Tubing-based systems (like Stat-X, Firetrace, etc.)

• Power off the panel (or follow lockout-tagout procedures).

• Do not open or tamper with discharge lines or cylinders unless trained.

• Follow all OEM guidelines and local fire codes (e.g., NFPA 770, NFPA 2001).

• Gently vacuum dust or debris with ESD-safe tools.

• Use a dry cloth or isopropyl alcohol wipes to clean surfaces near the detection tube or nozzles.

• Ensure you don't move or kink any sensor tubing or obstruct nozzles.

• For tubing systems (Firetrace, etc.), gently wipe tubing with a dry cloth.

• Look for signs of cracking, discoloration, or wear.

• Wipe nozzles carefully — do not insert anything inside.

• Make sure they are not blocked or painted over.

• Clean dust or corrosion from cylinder surface with a damp cloth.

• Verify pressure gauges are in the green (operating) zone.

• Wipe external control panels or alarm interfaces clean.

• Check for warning lights or beeping sounds indicating faults.

Performed by certified fire system technicians:

• Cylinder hydrotesting and recharging

• Tubing integrity test (pressure or leak check)

• System discharge simulation or continuity testing

• Panel seal/door gap checks (for suppression effectiveness)

• Fire system event log review

• ESD-safe vacuum

• Microfiber or lint-free cloths

• Isopropyl alcohol wipes (for electronics)

• Flashlight or inspection mirror

• PPE if required (gloves, eyewear)

• Record inspection/cleaning date

• Note any wear, damage, or alerts

• Coordinate findings with your fire safety vendor

Want a custom inspection checklist or maintenance log sheet for panel fire systems? I can make a quick template for you. Just let me know the type of system (like Firetrace, aerosol, clean agent, etc.)!

AutoFireX® DLP- Direct Low-Pressure Clean Agent Systems are primarily Pre-Engineered Automatic Fire detection and suppression Systems utilising various Low-pressure Clean agents like,HFC227ea, FK 5-1-12, FE36. These Units are designed, manufactured, and tested in ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities.

The AutoFireX® Linear Pneumatic Fire Detection Tubing (LP-FDT) is installed and connected to DLP Valve via dual seal threaded union attached to the isolation ball valve and routed throughout the protected hazard area/enclosure. Being heat sensitive, the primary function of Linear Pneumatic Fire Detection Tube (under pressure) is to detect heat/fire and activate the valve for discharge of the agent by rupturing at the hottest point along its installed length on flame impingement. On rupture a nozzle is formed at the burst point.

Due to loss of the pressure in the tube, the clean agent under pressure, in the cylinder then flows out through the tube and discharged out at burst point/nozzle, extinguishing the fire instantly and flooding the protected enclosure, which helps in preventing reignition.

Each DLP system consists of a High-Grade Stainless-Steel Direct valve with integrated pressure gauge adaptor with Schrader valve on the valve body to monitor cylinder pressure, and a quarter turn isolation valve to interface with the AutoFireX® Fire Detection Tubing., and a PRD (Pressure Relief Device) tested up to 44Bar is also provided. The systems is supplied complete with CE Cylinders and Brackets Stainless steel siphon tube with appropriate agents, as required.

To assist in annunciation, an optional pressure switch provided, can be installed at one of the ports on valve or at the end of the detection line using End of Line Adaptor, also available with the system. The pressure switch provides a potential free contact, that can be interfaced, with existing FACP (Fire Alarm Control Panel) to indicate system discharge, shutdown ventilation, shut-off electrical power, as may be required. Alternatively, it can also be connected to a Audio Visual (A/V) alarm unit for annunciation.

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