This is the third of our four-part series on clean agent fire suppression systems. This series aims to educate organizations on various types of special fire hazard solutions (FM-200, ANSUL INERGEN, 3M Novec 1230, and different types of CO2), helping them to gain a better understanding of the best option for their facility.
Clean Agent Series: Novec 1230
Non-conductive and non-corrosive, clean agents are fire extinguishing materials that don’t leave a residue upon evaporation. They’re essential to many fire suppression systems within industrial facilities, especially those that deal with high-value and/or highly sensitive materials.
If you’ve been following along with our clean agent series, you already know about FM-200 (soon to be phased out) and ANSUL INERGEN. If you haven’t been, you can check those blogs out here:
In this article, we’ll explore another clean agent option: Novec 1230. We’ll take a look at what it’s composed of, how it extinguishes high-risk fires, and what unique benefits it offers.
What Is Novec 1230?
Manufactured by 3M, Novec 1230 is a chemical-based clean agent fire suppressant for Class A, B, and C fires. It’s composed of a carbon, fluorine, and oxygen mixture that’s discharged as a gas, but stored as a liquid in nitrogen-pressurized cylinders. For this reason, many refer to it as “dry water” or “waterless water.”
Similar to INERGEN, Novec 1230 is a safe, non-toxic, non-corrosive agent that leaves no residue upon discharge. It’s especially well-suited for applications involving irreplaceable papers and where electronic systems cannot quickly be shut down in an emergency.
How Does Novec 1230 Work to Combat Fires?
A fire occurs when three elements are present: a fuel source, oxygen, and heat. In order for any clean agent to effectively put out the fire, it must disrupt at least one of the parts of that “fire triangle.”
In this case, Novec 1230 works to eliminate heat from the fire triangle. The chemicals within it act to rapidly remove heat, usually in just a matter of seconds. This can help extinguish a fire long before any water-based systems discharge — sometimes before the fire even starts!
Which Industrial Applications Is Novec 1230 Used For?
Novec 1230 can be used in just about any industry, but is most common and beneficial in these applications:
- Data processing centers
- Electronic areas with sensitive or irreplaceable equipment
- Power generation facilities
- Hospitals and other major medical facilities
- Marine engine rooms
- Museums and art galleries
- Rare book stores
- Bank vaults
The Benefits of Using Novec 1230 As a Clean Agent in Your Facility
Novec 1230 is the top clean agent choice for many industrial facilities. Here are some of the main reasons why:
- It’s the most environmentally friendly clean agent. Novec 1230 has zero ozone depletion potential and an atmospheric lifetime of just five days. It even comes with a global environmental warranty, the 3M Blue Sky™ Warranty. All this means it won’t be subject to future bans like FM-200.
- It’s the safest clean agent. INERGEN may be the safest inert gas clean agent, but Novec 1230 is the safest clean agent overall — for people, sensitive products, and the environment.
- It has an incredibly fast reaction time. Novec 1230 can extinguish a fire in seconds, helping you minimize damage effectively. It’s been known to extinguish fires before they even start.
- It evaporates immediately. Novec 1230 evaporates about 50 times faster than water, which makes for easy cleanup and short wait times until production can get back up and running.
Get Novec 1230 Clean Agent Solutions At Vanguard
At Vanguard Fire & Security Systems, we can help you install the Novec 1230 clean agent solution you need. You’re also welcome to choose from our selection of other specialized fire protection options like ANSUL INERGEN and CO2.
We’re passionate about keeping your property, products, and people safe, and we’ll help you get the special hazard solutions you need to do just that. Give us a call at (800) 444-8719 or contact us online today.
