NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems stipulates that an FM-200™ system should be maintained and inspected regularly to ensure that the system and its components are configured, set up, and ready for operation when needed based upon the following intervals:
- Daily
- Monthly
- 6 Months
- 1 Year
- 2 Years
- 5 Years
Below we detail the FM200™ inspection requirements, frequencies, and documentation, with an example PDF at the end of the article that can be viewed.
Table of Contents
🟩 Who will complete the maintenance?
If the building construction process is still ongoing or it is still within the defect’s liability period, then the responsibility for the maintenance will be the general/main contractor.
Where the building/systems are outside of the defects liability period, the maintenance of the unit will be completed by the building facilities manager/operator.
They will either have their in-house team complete the works or will sublet to a facilities maintenance/building services contractor.
🟩 Parts of an FM-200 System
The following components will usually form part of an FM-200™ System and should be included in the checks:
- Signage
- Bottle Cage/Bottle Rack and Bracketry
- Pilot Gas Bottle/s [optional]
- Main Gas Bottle/s
- Clean Agent Gas
- Pressure Gauge
- Pressure Relief Valve
- Pilot Line
- Check Valves
- Hangers and Supports
- Discharge Header/Manifold
- Distribution Pipework
- Pipework Fittings and Connections
- Discharge Nozzles
- Control Panel
- Battery
- Battery Charger
- Control Valve/Solenoid
- Local Door Panel
- Emergency Release Button
- Key Switch
- Sounder/Bells
- Beacon/Strobe
- Smoke/Heat Detectors
- Ventilation Damper System Interlocks
- Ventilation and Air Conditioning Equipment Tripping System
If you want to read more on the FM-200 Clean Agent System see our article 'FM200 System | What is it?'
🟩 Qualifications of Engineers
All works will be completed by an experienced, knowledgeable, and trained engineer who has previous relevant experience completing this type of work.
🟩 Remedial Works
Depending on the critical observations, the remedial works will be completed by the manufacturer or qualified engineer.
🟩 Standard Routine Maintenance Schedule
Based upon the manufacturer and NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, the routine, and timings for the checks will be broken into the following time frames:
- Daily Inspections
- Monthly Inspections
- 6 monthly inspections
- Yearly inspections
- 2 Yearly Inspections
- 5 Yearly inspections
🟩 Daily Inspection Checklist
Ensure the inspection is completed in line with all specific health and safety requirements of the site/building and all permits are in place:
| Ref | Type | Inspection/Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-1 | Inspect | Taking onboard any temperature differences, check each cylinder pressure gauge to ensure proper operating pressures are shown. | If the gauges show a loss of more than 5% at the cylinder valve then the bottle will need to be refilled in line with manufacturers requirements. |
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FM-200 Preventative Maintenance Checklist [MS Word] + [MS Excel]
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🟩 Monthly Inspection Checklist
Ensure the inspection is completed in line with all specific health and safety requirements of the site/building and all permits are in place:
| Ref | Type | Inspection/Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| M-1 | Review | Review the protected space to ensure the hazard or usage has not been changed or modified. | If any changes, raise this with the building owner immediately. |
| M-2 | Review | All previous observations have been rectified and closed. | |
| M-3 | Inspect | Inspect the complete system to note any damage or missing parts. | Where any damage is noted, remedial action must be completed immediately. |
| M-4 | Inspect | Inspect the pipework for any rust or corrosion. | Where rust and/or corrosion is noted treatment, cleaning and repainting should be completed immediately. |
| M-5 | Inspect | Inspect system discharge nozzles to ensure are not obstructed, clogged, dirty, painted, etc. | Where obstructed/clogged, remedial action must be completed immediately. If noted are dirty, ensure they are clean. |
| M-6 | Inspect | Inspect system beacons, strobes, sounders detectors to ensure are not obstructed, dirty, painted, etc. | Where obstructed, remedial action should be completed. If noted are dirty, ensure they are clean. |
| M-7 | Inspect | Inspect mechanical fans and dampers to ensure are not obstructed. | Where obstructed, remedial action should be completed. |
| M-8 | Inspect | Access to the area is unobstructed. | Where obstructed remedial action must be completed immediately. |
| M-9 | Inspect | Access to cylinders is unobstructed. | Where obstructed remedial action must be completed immediately. |
| M-10 | Inspect | Ensure system discharge nozzles are not restricted or obstructed. | Where obstructed remedial action must be completed immediately. |
| M-11 | Inspect | Access to control/releasing panel is unobstructed. | Where obstructed remedial action must be completed immediately. |
| M-12 | Inspect | Inspect the control/releasing panel has power and no alarms on the system. | Any issues should be investigated and corrected immediately. Any alarms should be cleared or investigated and assessed to understand if there are any fundamental problems. |
| M-13 | Inspect | Where any batteries are installed to provide a resilient electrical supply, inspect that the charge is in line with the design. | |
| M-14 | Inspect | Access to manual emergency switches is unobstructed. | Where obstructed remedial action must be completed immediately. |
| M-15 | Inspect | Inspect emergency switches/pull stations for damage. | Where any damage is noted, remedial action must be completed immediately in line with manufacturers requirements. |
| M-16 | Inspect | Inspect pressure switches for damage | Where any damage is noted, remedial action must be completed immediately in line with manufacturers requirements. |
| M-17 | Inspect | Inspect all discharge hoses for any fraying, damage, loose connections, cracks, and cuts. | Tighten any connections and replace hoses that are damaged, with an equally rated hose. |
| M-18 | Inspect | Inspect any actuation lines for damage, loose fittings, cracks, or cuts and cleanliness | Tighten any connections and replace lines that are damaged, with equally rated equipment. |
| M-19 | Inspect | Inspect all fittings and adaptors to bottles to ensure are not damaged or loose. | Tighten any connections and replace anything that is damaged. |
| M-20 | Inspect | Inspect all pilot tube connections to ensure are not damaged or loose. | Tighten any connections and replace anything that is damaged. |
| M-21 | Inspect | Inspect all FM-200 bottle pressure operated control heads for damage, corrosion, cracks, cleanliness, and if loose. | Tighten any heads that are loose, clean in line with manufacturers advice, and replace anything that is damaged. |
| M-22 | Inspect | Inspect all FM-200 bottle electronic control operated heads for damage, corrosion, cracks, cleanliness, and if loose. Also, ensure to check all electrical connections to ensure are tight | Tighten any heads that are loose, clean in line with manufacturers advice, and replace anything that is damaged. |
| M-23 | Inspect | Inspect Cylinder and its valve assembly for damage, corrosion, cracks, cleanliness, and general wear and tear. | Replace any damaged parts in line with manufacturers requirements. |
| M-24 | Inspect | Inspect Cylinder burst disc and pressure gauges and its valve assembly for damage, corrosion, cracks, cleanliness, and general wear and tear. | Replace any damaged parts in line with manufacturers requirements. |
| M-25 | Inspect | Inspect all brackets and straps/ mounting equipment that are securing the bottles in place. | Replace/tighten any that are loose or damaged in line with the manufacturers requirements. |
| M-26 | Weigh | Using a calibrated scale, weigh all FM200 Cylinders and compare results with expectations, to ensure the quantity of gas is correct, and attach the result to the FM200 cylinder for proof. | Where measured weight is 95% of the original charge weight, replace the cylinder in line with the manufacturers requirements. |
🟩 6-Month Inspection Checklist
Ensure the inspection is completed in line with all specific health and safety requirements of the site/building and that all permits are in place:
| Ref | Type | Inspection/Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-1 | Weigh | Weigh: Using a calibrated scale, weigh all FM200 Cylinders and compare results with expectations, to ensure the quantity of gas is correct, and attach the result to the FM200 cylinder for proof. The following information should be documented on a tag and attached to the bottle: Date of inspection Person performing inspection Type of gas The gross weight of the bottle and net weight of agent [halocarbon clean agents only] Container pressure and temperature | Where measured weight shows a loss of 5% of the original charge weight, replace the cylinder in line with the manufacturers requirements. [see later sections for an overview of how to weigh the bottles] |
| 6-2 | Verify | Inspect: Use a calibrated device to prove the FM200 bottle pressure gauges are displaying the correct information. | Where any issues are noted, gauges should be replaced in line with the manufacturers requirements. |
| 6-3 | Test | Test: all pressure switches for operation. | Any issues remedial actions should be completed immediately. [see later sections for an overview of how to test] |
| 6-4 | Inspect | Test: Electric control head | Any issues remedial actions should be completed immediately. [see later sections for an overview of how to test] |
| 6-5 | Inspect | Inspect: the enclosure of the space (walls, floors, ceilings) to understand if there are any changes to its integrity such as new holes or failed fire stopping, etc. | Any issues should be rectified, and a room integrity test conducted. |
🟩 12-Month Inspection Checklist
Ensure the inspection is completed in line with all specific health and safety requirements of the site/building and that all permits are in place:
| Ref | Type | Inspection/Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y-1 | Test | Test complete full testing of the system, discharge test not required, including all ventilation integrations to prove operating in line with the design. | |
| Y-2 | Inspect | Inspect the enclosure of the space (walls, floors, ceilings) to understand if there are any changes to its integrity such as new holes or failed fire stopping, etc. | Any issues should be rectified sealing all holes in line with the fire rating of the wall/floor, and room integrity test conducted. |
| Y-3 | Document | Documentation Ensure all documentation is up to date and stored/filed correctly. |
🟩 24-Months Inspection Checklist
Ensure the inspection is completed in line with all specific health and safety requirements of the site/building and that all permits are in place:
| Ref | Type | Inspection/Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-1 | Test | Blow through Pipework to clear it of any dust and debris that has accumulated over time. | In line with the manufacturer's instructions. [see later sections for an overview of how to weigh the bottles] |
🟩 60-Month Inspection Checklist
Ensure the inspection is completed in line with all specific health and safety requirements of the site/building and that all permits are in place:
| Ref | Type | Inspection/Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-1 | Test | Bottle Test Bottles that have not been discharged and in continuous service should have a complete visual inspection in line with the Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet C-6. | In line with the noted pamphlet. Where damage or corrosion is noted, the cylinder should be emptied, tested, and restamped. If the bottles have been discharged a full test and restamping should be conducted in line with the Department of Transport Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Section 173.34. |
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🟩 Steps to Complete Works
Below we run through some steps to complete the weighing and testing of the following:
- Weighing of FM-200 cylinders
- Single cylinder removal
- Single cylinder reinstatement
- Multiple cylinder removal
- Multiple cylinder reinstatement
- Pressure switch test
- Electric control head test
🟧 Weighing of FM-200 Bottles Overview
To allow the weighing of the FM-200 bottles, they will need to be removed from the system and placed onto a scale.
The below will provide a high-level overview of how to complete these works; ensure to check with the manufacturer and system designer for the specific method for your building.
🟨 Single Cylinder System [Removal]
| Step | Inspection/Task |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Disconnect the electrical connection at the supervisory pressure switch (if installed), then remove the wire lead protection or conduit. Install the protective cap on the switch connection port after unscrewing the switch from the cylinder valve. |
| Step 2 | Remove the control head from the FM-200 cylinder by disconnecting the swivel nut on the control head from the cylinder valve actuation port. |
| Step 3 | Cover the actuation port of the FM200 cylinder valve with a protective cover. |
| Step 4 | Loosen the swivel nut and remove the flexible discharge hose from the outlet port adapter. |
| Step 5 | Install the safety cap on the cylinder valve outlet port. |
| Step 6 | Undo the FM200 bottle cylinder strap/bracket. |
| Step 7 | Remove the cylinder. |
| Step 8 | Place the cylinder on a scale and measure weight. |
| Step 9 | From the plate information [metal stamp] on the cylinder subtract the gross weight of the cylinder from the tare weight [empty] to understand the net weight of the original gas charge. |
| Step 10 | Weigh the cylinder then subtract the tare weight from the scale weight to understand the net weight of the agent in the cylinder. If the net weight is less than 95% of the original gas charge the cylinder should be replaced. |
| Step 11 | Record the following: Bottle reference Date Cylinder tare [empty] weight [from bottle information] Gross cylinder weight [from bottle information] Scale weight Net gas charge weight |
| Step 12 | Attach the information to the cylinder |
🟨 Single Cylinder System [Reinstatement]
Once weighing has been completed, the bottle should be reinstalled in the system.
| Step | Inspection/Task |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Remove the cylinder/bottle from the scale. |
| Step 2 | Place the cylinder back into the fixing/bracket system with the valve outlet towards the cylinder discharge piping. |
| Step 3 | Tighten the strap/bracket to hold the bottle in place. |
| Step 4 | Remove the safety cap from the head and outlet port. |
| Step 5 | Reconnect the flexible discharge hose to the outlet port. |
| Step 6 | Remove the protective cover from the actuation port of the cylinder valve |
| Step 7 | Install the control head. Ensure the actuating pin is fully retracted before attaching to the cylinder so that there is no risk of accidental discharge. |
| Step 8 | Reinstall the electrical supervisory pressure switch. |
🟨 Multiple Cylinder System [Removal]
| Step | Inspection/Task |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Disconnect the electrical connection at the supervisory pressure switches (if installed), then remove the wire lead protection or conduit from all bottles Install the protective cap on the switch connection port after unscrewing the switch from the cylinder valve. |
| Step 2 | Remove the control head from each FM-200 cylinder by disconnecting the swivel nut on the control head from the cylinder valve actuation port. Leave the flexible actuation hoses to the pressure operated control heads. |
| Step 3 | Cover all actuation ports of the FM200 cylinder valves with a protective cover. |
| Step 4 | Remove the tubing from the master cylinder adapter on the master cylinder. |
| Step 5 | Install the safety cap on the master cylinder adapter port. |
| Step 6 | Remove the flexible discharge hose from the outlet port by loosening the swivel nut. Ensure that there is a safety cap installed at the cylinder valve outlet. |
| Step 7 | Undo the FM200 bottle cylinder strap/bracket. |
| Step 8 | Remove the cylinder. |
| Step 9 | Place the cylinder on a scale and measure weight. |
| Step 10 | From the plate information [metal stamp] on the cylinder subtract the gross weight of the cylinder from the tare weight [empty] to understand the net weight of the original gas charge. |
| Step 11 | Weigh the cylinder then subtract the tare weight from the scale weight to understand the net weight of the agent in the cylinder. If the net weight is less than 95% of the original gas charge the cylinder should be replaced. |
| Step 12 | Record the following: Bottle reference Date Cylinder tare [empty] weight [from bottle information] Gross cylinder weight [from bottle information] Scale weight Net gas charge weight |
| Step 13 | Attach the information to the cylinder |
🟨 Multiple Cylinder System [Reinstatement]
Once weighing has been completed, the bottles should be reinstalled in the system.
| Step | Inspection/Task |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Remove the cylinder/bottle from the scale. |
| Step 2 | Place the cylinder back into the fixing/bracket system with the valve outlet towards the cylinder discharge piping. |
| Step 3 | Tighten the strap/bracket to hold the bottle in place. |
| Step 4 | Remove the safety cap from the head and outlet ports. |
| Step 5 | Reconnect the flexible discharge hose to the outlet ports. |
| Step 6 | Remove the protective cover from the master cylinder adaptor port then reconnect to the slave bottle ports on the master cylinder. |
| Step 7 | Remove the protective caps from all other FM-200 cylinder valve ports. |
| Step 8 | Install the control heads. Ensure the actuating pin is fully retracted before attaching to the cylinder so that there is no risk of accidental discharge. |
| Step 9 | Reinstall the electrical supervisory pressure switches. |
🟧 Pressure Switch Test Example
The following is a simple overview of how a pressure switch test could be tested, depending upon the system design and components.
| Step | Inspection/Task |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Ensure the relevant permit to work and health and safety paperwork is in place and works are authorized. |
| Step 2 | The full system is fully operational |
| Step 3 | Operate the pressure switch manually by pulling up on the plunger |
| Step 4 | Verify that all systems are integrated with the FM200 system shut-down, ventilation, access control etc. |
| Step 5 | Reset pressure switch and systems. |
🟧 Electric Control Head Test
The following is a simple overview of how an electric control head could be tested, dependent upon the system design and components.
| Step | Inspection/Task |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Ensure the relevant permit to work and health and safety paperwork is in place and works are authorized. |
| Step 2 | Ensure all electric control heads are disconnected from the FM200 cylinders & nitrogen pilot cylinders serving the area, to remove risk of any accidental discharge. |
| Step 3 | The full system is fully operational |
| Step 4 | Activate the system via pushing the manual emergency activation button. |
| Step 5 | Verify that the system has operated, the electrical control head will switch to its released position via the movement of pin. Any heads that have not activated, check their electrical continuity. Replace any damaged, non-operating heads and repeat the test to ensure total system is working. |
| Step 6 | Manually reset the control heads to ensure will not create an accidental discharge when being re-connected to the bottles, then connect back onto their applicable cylinder. |
| Step 7 | Check system is automatic and ready to operate if needed. |
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