Get to know the replacements for HFC-227ea and FM-200, compared with PAF-222 [FK-5-1-12]
What is the comparison between FK-5-1-12 and HFC-227ea about?
The comparison between FK-5-1-12 and HFC-227ea usually comes up when someone has to choose an agent for a clean agent fire suppression system, particularly in the important areas of a building or an office: data centers, server rooms, electrical rooms, control rooms, UPS rooms, telecommunication rooms, and anywhere holding high value assets.
Both are popular choices in the clean agent group, because neither leaves residue after a discharge, so electronic equipment survives it. The two agents differ considerably in their other properties and limitations, though.
What is FK-5-1-12?
FK-5-1-12 is a clean agent in the fluorinated ketone family. It goes by several related names in the market, FK5112 and Perfluorohexanone among them, and was developed to replace agents that harm the environment.
At PAF GLOBAL, this group of agents is what sits behind PAF-222, and it is used in clean agent fire extinguishers and clean agent fire suppression systems for areas where residue is unacceptable: electrical rooms, control cabinets, and server rooms.
For the detail, read What is FK5112 / What is FK-5-1-12 and What is Perfluorohexanone, which separate the generic name, the chemical name and the product name.
What is HFC-227ea?
HFC-227ea is a clean agent in the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) family, developed to replace ozone-depleting agents.
It has been popular for a long time, and it works. But it carries disadvantages and limitations worth weighing, particularly on the environment and where the law is heading:
Very high GWP (global warming potential): 3,220, meaning it contributes 3,220 times more to global warming than carbon dioxide.
Long atmospheric lifetime: once it leaks into the atmosphere, it takes 31 to 42 years to break down.
Kigali Amendment: HFCs are classified as greenhouse gases under an international agreement to phase down production and consumption.
Rising future prices and maintenance costs: as production falls under national quotas, the price could spike for refills after a discharge or a leak, and sourcing it gets harder over time.
Comparison table: FK-5-1-12 vs HFC-227ea
Comparison Criteria | FK-5-1-12 | HFC-227ea |
|---|---|---|
Agent Type | Perfluorohexanone | Heptafluoropropane |
Use in Clean Agent Systems | Can be used in both clean agent portable fire extinguishers and fixed installations or other systems, depending on the product. | Can be used in both clean agent portable fire extinguishers and fixed installations or other systems, depending on the product. |
Residue After Discharge | Leaves no residue, evaporates quickly | Leaves no residue, evaporates quickly |
Suitability for Electrical Equipment | Highly suitable because it is non-conductive | Highly suitable because it is non-conductive |
Environmental Aspects | Very low environmental impact | High environmental impact |
Comparing FK-5-1-12 and HFC-227ea by key factor
Agent type
FK-5-1-12 and HFC-227ea belong to different chemical groups, even though both are used as clean agents. The chemical name for FK-5-1-12 is Perfluorohexanone. For HFC-227ea it is heptafluoropropane.
Application
Both are commonly used in automatic fire suppression systems, for large or small enclosed areas classified as hazard zones, or areas holding high value assets: fire extinguishers for data centers, server rooms and electrical rooms, control rooms, and areas holding electronic equipment.
The choice still has to account for the system design, though: portable clean agent extinguishers, piped network fire suppression systems, cabinet-type fire suppression systems, or fire detection tube suppression systems. The same agent can carry different design and usage conditions depending on the equipment and the design.
Residue after discharge
Both FK-5-1-12 and HFC-227ea are classified as clean agents that leave no residue or mist behind, which suits areas where nothing should settle on servers, UPS units, MDBs, switchgear, control panels or other IT equipment.
"Leaves no residue" does not mean the system needs no inspection after a fire, though. Following a real discharge, you still have to check for damage from heat, flames, smoke and moisture, and confirm that the electrical equipment still works as it should.
Suitability for electrical equipment
Both agents are highly suitable for use with electrical equipment. They sit in the gaseous clean agent category, designed specifically to protect electronic devices. Both are non-conductive, so they do not conduct electricity and cannot cause a short circuit or a spark. Both leave no residue, vaporizing immediately on discharge and leaving no dust or chemical deposit. And both are non-corrosive, so they do not attack metals, wiring or plastic components inside electronic devices.
Key environmental issues
On the environment, the difference between the two is clear, both in atmospheric impact and in how they are regulated internationally.
FK-5-1-12 was designed with sustainability in mind. Both agents leave the ozone layer alone (ODP = 0), but FK-5-1-12 has a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 1, comparable to natural carbon dioxide, and a very short atmospheric lifetime of only 3 to 5 days. So it breaks down rapidly without accumulating, and it is not subject to production restrictions, which suits green building projects and long term use.
HFC-227ea does not deplete the ozone layer either, but it is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential (GWP) of approximately 3,220 and can persist in the atmosphere for 31 to 42 years. That impact is why HFC-227ea sits among the substances subject to a gradual phase-down in production and use.
Documentation to know before choosing a clean agent
Before settling on an agent, check these documents:
SDS (safety data sheet), to verify chemical information, precautions and correct storage.
Datasheet, to check product models, key specifications and instructions for use.
Certificate of standards relating to the actual product.
Test report from laboratory testing.
Specification document giving cylinder size, agent fill volume and total weight.
What to read next
Now that you know how FK-5-1-12 and HFC-227ea differ, these topics on clean agents, suppression systems and selection for critical areas follow on:
What is PAF-222
PAF GLOBAL's clean agent products, PAF-222 Clean Agent FK-5-1-12 included.What is FK5112 / What is FK-5-1-12
The agent name, technical terms, and applications of FK-5-1-12 in more detail.What is Perfluorohexanone
The chemical name, and how it relates to SDS documents and datasheets.Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers
For anyone buying portable clean agent extinguishers to protect electrical equipment, electronics, or areas where chemical powder residue is unwanted.Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems
For comparing fixed installations: piped systems, cabinet systems and fire detection tube systems.Fire Extinguishers for Data Center / Server Room / Electrical Room
For teams selecting an agent or a system for areas holding critical equipment where downtime is expensive.Contact for Consultation
To ask PAF GLOBAL for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do FK-5-1-12 and HFC-227ea differ?
They belong to different chemical groups, but both are clean agents commonly used in automatic fire suppression systems.
2. Is FK5112 the same as FK-5-1-12?
In fire suppression, FK5112 is often used as shorthand for the FK-5-1-12 group. Names in official documents can vary with the manufacturer or the brand.
3. What kind of substance is HFC-227ea?
An HFC group clean agent, commonly used in automatic fire suppression systems.