Fire Suppression Systems Guide: FM-200, Novec 1230, CO2, Inert Gas, Cabinet (DLP) and Kitchen Systems

Choosing the right fire suppression system is essential for protecting people, property, critical equipment, and business operations. Different fire hazards require different extinguishing technologies. A system designed for a data center may not be suitable for an industrial machine, an electrical cabinet, or a commercial kitchen.

Modern fire protection solutions include clean agent fire suppression systems, inert gas systems, carbon dioxide (CO₂) systems, direct low-pressure (DLP) cabinet fire suppression systems, and commercial kitchen hood suppression systems. Each technology has its own operating principle, system components, design requirements, and application limits.

This guide explains the main types of fire suppression systems, how they work, where they are commonly used, and what engineers, facility managers, contractors, OEMs, and equipment buyers should consider when selecting a solution.

AGNITAR's product portfolio includes AGNITAR 200 (HFC-227ea), AGNITAR 1230 (FK-5-1-12), AGNITAR Inert, AGNITAR CO₂, AGNITAR Cabinet (DLP), and AGNITAR Kitchen fire suppression systems.

What Is a Fire Suppression System?

A fire suppression system is an engineered arrangement of equipment designed to detect, control, suppress, or extinguish a fire within a defined hazard or protected area.

Depending on the technology, a fire suppression system may use a gaseous clean agent, an inert gas mixture, carbon dioxide, a wet chemical agent, or another approved extinguishing medium.

A typical fixed fire suppression system may include:

• Fire detection devices or a heat-sensitive detection mechanism
• A control panel or mechanical release mechanism
• Extinguishing agent storage cylinders or containers
• Cylinder valves, actuators, and release devices
• Pipework, hoses, fittings, and discharge nozzles
• Alarm and warning devices, where required
• Pressure monitoring and other system accessories
• Design documentation, testing, and maintenance procedures

Not every system uses all these components. A conventional engineered clean agent system, a mechanically activated cabinet system, and a kitchen hood suppression system have different configurations and requirements.

The correct system must be selected according to the fire hazard, protected enclosure, applicable standards, occupant safety requirements, and project specifications.

Types of Fire Suppression Systems

The main types of fire suppression systems covered in this guide are:

These technologies are not interchangeable. Their suitability depends on the hazard, design method, applicable requirements, and complete system configuration.

1. FM-200 Fire Suppression Systems (HFC-227ea)

An FM-200 fire suppression system uses HFC-227ea, a halocarbon clean agent commonly associated with the trade name FM-200.

The agent is stored in dedicated cylinders and released through engineered pipework and discharge nozzles when the configured fire detection and release conditions are satisfied.

HFC-227ea primarily suppresses fire through heat absorption and effects on the combustion process. It is electrically non-conductive and does not leave solid extinguishing residue from the agent itself.

How does an FM-200 system work?

A typical engineered FM-200 system follows these steps:

1. Fire detection devices identify conditions associated with a developing fire.
2. The configured release logic is processed by the suppression control equipment.
3. Audible or visual warnings and other programmed actions operate as required.
4. The cylinder valve opens when the release mechanism is activated.
5. HFC-227ea flows through the designed pipework and discharge nozzles.
6. The system delivers the required agent concentration for the protected hazard.

The exact sequence depends on the system design and applicable requirements.

Applications of FM-200 fire suppression

FM-200 systems are commonly considered for:

• Data centers and server rooms
• Telecommunications facilities
• Electrical rooms and control rooms
• Industrial process control areas
• Critical electronic equipment rooms
• Selected archives and other valuable-asset environments

FM-200 system design considerations

A complete FM-200 fire suppression system requires an engineered assessment of the protected enclosure, fire hazard, required agent quantity, cylinder configuration, operating pressure, pipework, nozzle arrangement, and enclosure integrity.

Cylinder pressure and capacity must be selected according to the approved system configuration. A nominal cylinder size alone does not determine the required agent quantity.

Learn more about AGNITAR 200 FM-200 Fire Suppression Systems.

2. FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230) Fire Suppression Systems 

FK-5-1-12 is a fluorinated ketone clean agent commonly associated with the trade name Novec 1230.

An FK-5-1-12 fire suppression system stores the agent in compatible cylinders and distributes it through engineered pipework and nozzles. The system is designed to achieve the concentration required for the specified fire hazard.

FK-5-1-12 is electrically non-conductive and does not leave solid extinguishing residue from the agent itself. Its very low global warming potential (GWP) in commonly cited technical data is one reason it has been considered for projects with environmental performance requirements.

Applications of FK-5-1-12 fire suppression

FK-5-1-12 systems may be considered for:

• Data centers and server rooms
• Telecommunications facilities
• Electrical and control rooms
• Laboratories and technical facilities
• Critical electronic equipment
• Selected industrial and infrastructure applications

FK-5-1-12 system components

Depending on the approved design, an FK-5-1-12 system may include agent storage cylinders, compatible cylinder valves, release actuators, pipework, discharge nozzles, detection equipment, and control interfaces.

The cylinder configuration, pressure rating, valve compatibility, and hydraulic calculations must follow the selected system's technical requirements.

FK-5-1-12 and HFC-227ea are different agents. Cylinders, valves, nozzles, and other components should not be assumed interchangeable without a documented compatibility assessment.

Learn more about AGNITAR 1230 FK-5-1-12 Fire Suppression Systems.

3. Inert Gas Fire Suppression Systems

Inert gas fire suppression systems use specified gases or gas mixtures to reduce oxygen concentration within a protected enclosure to a level that can suppress the relevant fire.

Common inert gas agent designations include IG-541, IG-55, IG-100, and IG-01. Their compositions differ, so they should not be treated as identical agents.

• IG-541: A specified mixture of nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide.
• IG-55: A mixture of nitrogen and argon.
• IG-100: Nitrogen.
• IG-01: Argon.

The exact agent composition and system configuration must be confirmed from the applicable technical documentation.

How do inert gas systems work?

After the release conditions are met, the stored gas flows through the engineered pipe network and discharge nozzles. The system is designed to achieve the required oxygen concentration throughout the protected space for the specified hazard and design conditions.

Inert gas systems require careful consideration of cylinder storage, operating pressure, pipework, nozzle distribution, enclosure integrity, and pressure effects during discharge.

Applications of inert gas fire suppression

Inert gas systems may be considered for:

• Data centers and technical rooms
• Archives and document storage facilities
• Telecommunications infrastructure
• Control rooms and critical equipment areas
• Selected industrial facilities
• Other hazards where the engineered system is suitable

Inert gas cylinder pressure and system design

Inert gas equipment can use high-pressure cylinder configurations, including 200 bar or 300 bar arrangements where supported by the selected system.

The required number of cylinders, storage configuration, pressure rating, and pipework must be determined through the applicable engineering method. Higher storage pressure does not, by itself, establish that one system is better than another.

Inert gas systems can also change the pressure inside a protected enclosure during discharge. Pressure-relief provisions and occupant safety must be addressed in the design.

Explore AGNITAR Inert Gas Fire Suppression Systems.

4. CO₂ Fire Suppression Systems

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) fire suppression systems use CO₂ as the extinguishing agent. Depending on the engineered configuration, CO₂ systems can be designed for local application or total flooding.

CO₂ suppresses fire through mechanisms that include reducing oxygen concentration and cooling effects. Its use requires particular attention to life safety because the concentrations required for fire suppression can create a serious or fatal atmosphere for people.

Local application vs total flooding CO₂ systems

A local application CO₂ system directs the agent toward a defined hazard, such as selected industrial machinery or equipment, according to the system design.

A total-flooding CO₂ system introduces the agent into a defined enclosure to achieve the required extinguishing concentration.

The correct arrangement depends on the hazard, equipment, enclosure, applicable standards, and safety assessment.

Applications of CO₂ fire suppression

CO₂ systems may be considered for selected industrial hazards, including:

• Certain industrial machinery
• Selected turbine and process equipment hazards
• Some transformer or electrical equipment applications where the design is appropriate
• Silos and other engineered industrial hazards
• Paint-related and chemical process hazards where the system is suitable

The application must be assessed individually. CO₂ should not be assumed suitable for every electrical room, occupied space, or industrial hazard.

CO₂ system components

Depending on the system design, a CO₂ fire suppression system may include storage cylinders, master or directional valves, discharge pipework, nozzles, release equipment, alarms, controls, and cylinder monitoring accessories.

Cylinder capacity, operating pressure, valve configuration, and monitoring arrangements must be confirmed against the selected product documentation.

CO₂ safety considerations

CO₂ is dangerous to people at fire-suppression concentrations. A CO₂ system requires an appropriate life-safety assessment, warnings, release controls, evacuation procedures, safeguards against unintended discharge, and access restrictions where applicable.

Personnel must follow the site's emergency procedures after a discharge. Re-entry must not take place until the area has been assessed and declared safe under the applicable procedures.

Learn more about AGNITAR CO₂ Fire Suppression Systems.

5. DLP Cabinet Fire Suppression Systems

Direct low-pressure (DLP) cabinet fire suppression systems are designed to protect compact enclosures and equipment where a fire may develop locally before it affects a larger area.

A cabinet fire suppression system may use heat-sensitive detection tubing connected to a compatible extinguishing agent container. In the specified mechanical configuration, heat at the detection tubing can initiate release near the protected equipment without relying on a conventional electrically powered detection circuit for that function.

The exact activation method and system limitations must be confirmed for the selected model.

Applications of DLP cabinet fire suppression

DLP systems may be considered for:

• Electrical cabinets
• Control panels
• Industrial automation enclosures
• CNC machines and selected machine tools
• Compact equipment compartments
• Selected server racks and electronic enclosures

How does a DLP system work?

In a compatible heat-sensitive tubing configuration, the tubing is routed through the protected enclosure. When local heat reaches the specified activation condition, the tubing activates the release mechanism. The extinguishing agent is then discharged into the protected enclosure or toward the hazard, according to the system design.

Because the detection and release arrangement is compact, a DLP system may be suitable where a conventional room-scale system is not the intended solution.

DLP system selection considerations

Before selecting a cabinet fire suppression system, verify:

• The enclosure size and layout
• The type of equipment and likely fire hazard
• The selected extinguishing agent
• Detection tubing routing and coverage
• Cylinder and valve compatibility
• The manufacturer's approved operating conditions
• Maintenance and inspection requirements

A cabinet system is not automatically a substitute for a building-level fire suppression system. The required level of protection should be established through a hazard assessment.

Explore AGNITAR Cabinet (DLP) Fire Suppression Systems.

6. Commercial Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression Systems

Commercial kitchen fire suppression systems are specifically designed to protect cooking equipment and associated hazards involving cooking oils and grease.

These systems commonly use a wet chemical extinguishing agent selected for commercial cooking hazards. The agent interacts with hot cooking oils and can help form a soapy layer through a process known as saponification, helping suppress the fire and reduce the likelihood of re-ignition when the system is correctly designed and applied.

Applications of kitchen hood fire suppression

Commercial kitchen hood fire suppression systems may be used in:

• Restaurants and hotel kitchens
• Commercial cooking ranges
• Fryers and griddles
• Food courts and catering facilities
• Institutional and industrial cooking areas
• Other cooking operations covered by the system's approved design

Main kitchen suppression system components

A typical system may include an extinguishing agent container, release mechanism, detection arrangement, distribution piping or tubing, discharge nozzles, and manual release equipment.

Nozzle placement must be designed for the specific cooking appliances and protected areas. The system may also need to interface with fuel or electrical shutdown controls, as required by the applicable design and installation rules.

Kitchen hood suppression design considerations

The design should account for:

• The type and location of cooking appliances
• The hood, duct, and protected cooking surfaces
• Nozzle location and agent distribution
• Detection and release arrangement
• Required fuel or power shutdown functions
• Inspection, maintenance, and post-discharge servicing
• Applicable kitchen fire suppression standards and local requirements

Kitchen suppression is a specialized form of fire protection. A general clean agent system should not be assumed to replace a properly designed commercial kitchen hood suppression system.

Explore AGNITAR Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems.

Clean Agent vs Inert Gas vs CO₂: What Is the Difference?

The main distinction is how the extinguishing agent suppresses fire and the conditions required for safe, effective operation.

The comparison is a starting point, not a substitute for engineering design. Final selection must be based on the protected hazard, applicable requirements, and the technical documentation for the complete system.

How to Choose the Right Fire Suppression System

Selecting a fire suppression system begins with the hazard, not the product name.

1. Identify the fire hazard

Determine the likely fuel, ignition sources, equipment involved, and expected fire scenario. A cooking-oil hazard, a machine enclosure, and a server room require different design considerations.

2. Define the protected area

Establish the dimensions, volume, construction, ventilation, connected spaces, and relevant openings. For total-flooding systems, enclosure integrity is particularly important.

3. Evaluate people and operational requirements

Consider whether people may be present during a discharge, how warnings and evacuation will operate, and what safeguards are required by the applicable standard.

4. Select a suitable suppression technology

Compare clean agent, inert gas, CO₂, cabinet, and kitchen systems against the hazard and the project requirements. No technology should be selected on a general claim that it is suitable for every application.

5. Verify system components and documentation

Review cylinder specifications, valves, operating pressure, nozzles, release equipment, detection, and control arrangements. Verify the approvals that apply to the exact equipment being offered.

6. Review design, installation, and maintenance

The complete system must be engineered, installed, commissioned, inspected, and maintained according to the applicable requirements and manufacturer's instructions.

7. Compare lifecycle requirements

Consider the initial equipment cost together with engineering, installation, testing, maintenance, replacement parts, agent availability, and future regulatory requirements.

Fire Suppression System Components: What Should Buyers Check?

For engineers, OEMs, contractors, and distributors, selecting compatible components is an important part of a successful project.

Depending on the system type, the required equipment may include:

• Fire suppression cylinders and agent storage equipment
• Cylinder valves and actuators
• Master valves or directional valves for applicable systems
• Discharge nozzles and distribution pipework
• Flexible hoses and fittings
• Pressure gauges and monitoring accessories
• Detection devices and suppression control panels
• Manual release devices and warning equipment
• Technical data sheets, drawings, calculations, and installation instructions

Before ordering, verify the exact agent, operating pressure, connection dimensions, component compatibility, required approvals, and documentation. Similar-looking components should not be treated as interchangeable without technical confirmation.

For equipment procurement, the quotation request should include the application, project location, hazard information, protected enclosure details, preferred technology if known, applicable standards, and available drawings.

Fire Suppression System Standards and Certifications

Fire suppression standards and product approvals address different aspects of system design, equipment performance, installation, and safety.

Depending on the technology and project, relevant references may include:

• NFPA 2001: Clean agent fire extinguishing systems
• ISO 14520: Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems
• EN 15004: Fixed firefighting systems using gaseous extinguishing agents
• NFPA 12: Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems
• NFPA 17A: Wet chemical extinguishing systems

The applicable edition, jurisdiction, and project requirements must be verified before a system is specified.

Certifications and approvals must also be checked at the correct level. A cylinder approval, valve approval, or component listing does not automatically prove that every complete system configuration has the same approval.

Buyers should request current documentation relevant to the exact product and configuration being supplied. This may include technical data sheets, certificates, cylinder documentation, design calculations, and installation instructions.

Why Choose AGNITAR Fire Suppression Systems?

AGNITAR's portfolio covers several fire suppression technologies for industrial, commercial, and critical equipment applications.

The range includes:

• AGNITAR 200: HFC-227ea (FM-200) clean agent fire suppression systems
• AGNITAR 1230: FK-5-1-12 clean agent fire suppression systems
• AGNITAR Inert: IG-541, IG-55, IG-100, and IG-01 inert gas systems
• AGNITAR CO₂: Carbon dioxide fire suppression systems
• AGNITAR Cabinet (DLP): Compact cabinet fire suppression systems
• AGNITAR Kitchen: Commercial kitchen fire suppression systems

The appropriate product depends on the application, the approved system configuration, technical specifications, and project requirements.

For product selection and procurement, review the relevant technical catalogue and confirm the required equipment, documentation, and design information with the AGNITAR team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Suppression Systems

What are the main types of fire suppression systems?

Common types include clean agent systems such as HFC-227ea and FK-5-1-12, inert gas systems, CO₂ systems, direct low-pressure cabinet systems, and commercial kitchen wet chemical systems. The right option depends on the fire hazard and the design requirements.

What is the difference between FM-200 and Novec 1230?

FM-200 is the commonly used trade name associated with HFC-227ea. Novec 1230 is the trade name commonly associated with FK-5-1-12. They are different clean agents with different chemical and environmental properties.

What is the difference between clean agent and inert gas fire suppression?

Clean agents such as HFC-227ea and FK-5-1-12 primarily suppress fire through heat absorption and effects on combustion. Inert gas systems suppress fire by reducing oxygen concentration within the protected enclosure to the required design level.

Is CO₂ fire suppression safe for occupied spaces?

CO₂ can create a serious or fatal atmosphere at fire-suppression concentrations. CO₂ systems require rigorous life-safety design, warning and release controls, evacuation procedures, and safeguards appropriate to the application.

What is a DLP cabinet fire suppression system?

A direct low-pressure cabinet fire suppression system is a compact system designed to protect equipment enclosures such as electrical cabinets and selected machine compartments. Certain configurations use heat-sensitive detection tubing to initiate mechanical release.

What is a kitchen hood fire suppression system?

A kitchen hood fire suppression system is designed to protect commercial cooking equipment and related hazards involving cooking oils and grease. These systems commonly use a suitable wet chemical agent and appliance-specific nozzle arrangements.

What information is needed to request a fire suppression system quotation?

Provide the project location, hazard type, protected area dimensions or enclosure volume, equipment involved, applicable standards, preferred system type if known, and available drawings. Final system selection and agent quantity should be confirmed through engineering assessment.

Do all fire suppression systems use the same cylinders and valves?

No. Cylinder, valve, actuator, nozzle, and pipework requirements depend on the agent, pressure rating, system configuration, and applicable approvals. Compatibility must be confirmed from the technical documentation.

Which fire suppression system is best for a data center?

FM-200, FK-5-1-12, and inert gas may all be considered for data center applications. The appropriate solution depends on the hazard, enclosure, environmental requirements, occupant safety, design calculations, and applicable standards.

Which fire suppression system is best for an electrical cabinet?

A compact cabinet system such as a compatible DLP configuration may be appropriate for selected electrical cabinets. The correct solution depends on enclosure size, equipment, fire risk, and the manufacturer's approved design conditions.

Conclusion

The right fire suppression system depends on the specific fire hazard, protected environment, safety requirements, and technical design.

FM-200 and FK-5-1-12 are clean agent options for suitable protected enclosures. Inert gas systems use engineered oxygen reduction. CO₂ systems can serve selected industrial hazards but require particular attention to life safety. DLP cabinet systems are designed for compact equipment enclosures, while kitchen hood suppression systems address the distinct hazards associated with commercial cooking.

Successful fire protection requires more than selecting an extinguishing agent. It requires compatible equipment, correct system design, appropriate detection and release arrangements, reliable documentation, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance.

Explore AGNITAR's fire suppression systems and technical catalogues to identify the product family relevant to your application. For a project quotation, provide the hazard details, protected enclosure information, applicable standards, and available technical drawings.

👉 Contact Agnitar today to discover the best fire suppression solution for your critical environment. Call/Whatsapp/Telegram: +90 535 371 40 09 info@agnitar.com