Buyer's Guide
Novec 1230 and FM-200 alternatives: what replaces them?
3M has stopped making Novec 1230, and FM-200 is being phased down worldwide. If your data centre, telecom site or control room relies on either, now is the time to plan what comes next.
What happened to Novec 1230?
Novec 1230 (FK-5-1-12) is a PFAS chemical. 3M announced it would exit all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025. Systems already installed keep working, but refill supply now depends on other manufacturers and may be affected by future PFAS rules.
What is happening to FM-200?
FM-200 (HFC-227ea) is a hydrofluorocarbon with a high global warming potential. The Kigali Amendment, the US AIM Act and the EU F-gas Regulation are steadily cutting HFC supply, with major reductions due by the mid-2030s.
Your Options
The main alternatives, compared.
Every option puts out fire. The difference is what else survives: equipment, data, documents, evidence and uptime.
Inert gas systems
Nitrogen, argon or blends that lower oxygen until fire cannot continue. No climate or chemical phase-out concerns and no residue, but they need many more cylinders, more floor space and pressure venting.
Remaining fluorinated agents
Existing Novec 1230 stock and other fluoroketone supply, plus FM-200 (HFC-227ea) under its phase-down. Workable in the short term, but supply, refill cost and future regulation are uncertain.
Water mist
Very fine droplets that cool the fire with far less water than sprinklers. Lower environmental impact, but water still reaches equipment, documents and evidence.
Aerosol and next-generation agents
Compact newer technologies, including SAO Fire's solution in development, designed to suppress fire while limiting secondary damage. Compare them on residue, safety in occupied rooms and validation data.
New to the topic? Start with what clean agent fire suppression is.
Common Questions
Quick answers.
Is Novec 1230 still available?
3M announced it would stop making PFAS chemicals, including Novec 1230, by the end of 2025. Other makers still produce the same fluoroketone chemical, and existing systems can still be serviced, but owners should plan for higher refill costs and tighter supply.
Is FM-200 being banned?
FM-200 (HFC-227ea) is not banned outright, but HFCs are being phased down under the Kigali Amendment and rules such as the US AIM Act and the EU F-gas Regulation. Supply is shrinking and prices are expected to rise over time.
What should a data centre do now?
List every system that uses Novec 1230 or FM-200, check refill stock and service contracts, and include a replacement in the next budget cycle. Choose the replacement by total loss: how much damage, downtime and cleanup it prevents, not just how well it puts out flames.
What is the best alternative to FM-200 for server rooms?
It depends on space, whether the room is occupied and what is being protected. Inert gas suits large rooms with space for cylinders; newer residue-free agents suit tight spaces with high-value equipment. A site assessment is the right first step.
How is SAO Fire's approach different?
SAO Fire Innovations is developing a first of its kind suppression solution built around Total Loss Minimisation: putting out fire while limiting damage to equipment, infrastructure and forensic evidence. It is currently in research, prototyping and testing.
Planning a replacement? Talk to SAO Fire.
We help data centres, telecoms, governments and insurers think about fire protection by total loss, not just flames. Email info@saofireinnovations.com or call +254701383533.