Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers
Clean agent fire extinguishers use gases or volatile liquid chemicals that are non-conductive and leave no residue when they evaporate. They are highly effective at suppressing fires by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire and/or by absorbing heat, making them an ideal choice for protecting sensitive and high-value equipment.
The Clean Agent and Its Use
The most common clean agents are categorized as halocarbon or inert gases. Examples include:
- Halocarbon agents (FM-200 or Novec 1230). These are very effective chemical agents that rapidly remove heat from the fire zone.
- Inert gas agents (nitrogen, argon, or mixtures). These suppress fire primarily by reducing the oxygen concentration in the area to a level that can no longer support combustion, while remaining safe for human occupancy.
Common Usage Situations
Clean agent fire extinguishers are used exclusively in environments where residue from water, foam, or dry chemicals would damage electronics, archives, or other non-replaceable materials:
- Data centers and server rooms. Used to suppress electrical fires (Class C) without damaging expensive electronic equipment or hard drives.
- Museums and art galleries. Essential for protecting priceless art, artifacts, and historical documents, as the agent will not cause water damage or leave a corrosive powder.
- Telecommunication facilities. Used around communications equipment and switches.
- Financial institutions and archives. Ideal for protecting sensitive records, vaults, and high-tech security systems.
- Laboratories and clean rooms. Used where contamination from extinguishing agents is strictly prohibited.
While clean agents are highly effective on Class B and Class C fires, they are not recommended for deep-seated Class A fires, like those in upholstery or piles of paper, unless specifically engineered to do so.