When to Recharge Your FM-200 Fire Suppression System

At State Systems, we recommend that you recharge your FM-200 fire suppression system immediately after it discharges—every time it discharges. As is the case with your fire extinguisher, you want to minimize the time that your system is empty. After all, a fire can strike at any time, so putting off your FM-200 recharge could be a costly mistake.

What Is FM-200?

FM-200 is a clean agent alternative to Halon fire suppression systems. It is a highly pressurized, quick release gas that absorbs the heat from fires and breaks the reaction that allows the fire to rage. FM-200 is safe in small amounts for humans, and it has no ozone depleting properties. Currently, FM-200 is the most effective, cleanest fire suppression system available on the market.

The Importance of FM-200 Recharge

Since it’s not always easy to tell when the fire suppression system is empty, immediately recharging your FM-200 fire system is extremely importance. With a fire extinguisher, just picking the canister up and weighing it or looking at the pressure gauge should be sufficient to tell if it needs to be recharged. Unfortunately, FM-200 systems can’t be picked up and weighed!

To recharge your FM-200 fire suppression system, you will need to call your local Memphis fire protection service company. Surprisingly, there is a lot that goes into an FM 200 recharge beyond just refilling the gas. One especially crucial step of the FM 200 recharge process is the re-lubrication of all the moving parts in the fire suppression system. The FM 200 gas tends to dissolve and wash out lubricant it comes in contact with, so certain components in the valve assembly will need to be inspected and serviced before the system can be recharged.

FM-200 Recharge Precautions

FM 200 recharging should be completed only by trained fire protection service contractors. The recharging equipment operates under extremely high pressure and can be very dangerous for someone who does not know how to use it. All FM 200 recharge operations should be performed in an assigned area cleared of all unauthorized personnel. Before you start recharging the FM 200 fire suppression system, make sure all of the equipment is properly assembled and secured. Attempting to adjust or disassemble pressurized equipment can be extremely dangerous.

When recharging your FM 200 fire suppression system, make sure you take extreme precautions with the FM 200 agent. FM 200 is normally compressed into a liquid and shipped in this condition. Reducing the pressure on the FM 200 without simultaneously reducing the temperature will cause the liquid to flash into a vapor, with all the accompanying refrigeration effects.

If you hear a hissing or discharge sound coming from your FM 200 fire suppression system vent valve during FM 200 recharge, this indicates that the piston is either open or is not sealed properly. This can be very dangerous, as it can cause pressure and extinguishant loss that could result in malfunctions during discharge events.

If you need FM-200 recharge service in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, or Alabama, contact State Systems today.