Corporation. FM-200 is a hydroflourocarbon (HFC) with the chemical name
heptafluoropropane and chemical formula CF3-CFH-CF3.
FM-200 suppresses fire by a combination of physical and chemical means. The primary
extinguishing mechanism is physical, using a high heat conductivity to remove heat from the
combustion zone. One of the secondary suppression mechanisms is chemical, where the heat
of the fire causes the suppressant to breakdown and the breakdown products participate in
the flame reactions, removing the chemical species necessary for flame propagation. The
main breakdown product is hydrogen fluoride which is toxic.
FM-200, like Halon 1301 is stored as a liquid under pressure and the distribution hardware is
similar to that of Halon 1301.