User's Manual

1-2
96-FE13MA-001
October 2002
FE-13™ Fire Suppression System Owner's Manual
1-3 SAFETY CAP
WARNING
!
These instructions must be followed in the exact
sequence as written to prevent serious injury,
death and/or property damage.
Each FE-13 container is factory equipped with a safety cap
installed on the container outlet and securely chained to the
container to prevent loss. This device is a safety feature and
will provide controlled, safe discharge when installed in the
event the container is accidentally actuated.
The safety cap must be installed on the container outlet AT
ALL TIMES except when the containers are connected to
the system piping.
The safety cap is intentionally chained to the container to
prevent loss while in service and must not be removed from
its chain.
For additional information on safe handling of compressed
gas containers, see CGA Pamphlet P1 titled “Safe Han-
dling of Compressed Gases in Containers.” (CGA pam-
phlets may be purchased from the Compressed Gas
Association, Crystal Square Two, 1725 Jefferson Davis
Highway, Arlington, VA, 22202).
1-4 ABOUT THE SYSTEM
The FE-13 system is designed for suppression of Class A,
B and C fires.
• Class A Surface Fires—cellulosic material (wood, pa-
per, etc.)
• Class B–flammable liquids
• Class C–electrical equipment
Because FE-13 poses minimum risk to personnel due to
low toxicity, it is used extensively where people normally
occupy the fire hazard area. Examples of typical FE-13 sys-
tem applications include:
• Industrial high ceiling spaces
• Locomotives
• Mining equipment
• Offshore oil platforms
• Oil and Gas processing facilities
• Pumping stations
• Refinery control area.
Note: IMPORTANT–Per NFPA 2001, FE-13 systems with
use concentrations below the No Obeserved Adverse
Effect Level (NOAEL, 30% v/v) are permitted for use
in occupied areas. FE-13 systems with use con-
centrations above the NOAEL are not permitted for
use in occupied areas.
1-5 FE-13 OVERVIEW
FE-13 suppression agent is a compound of carbon, fluorine
and hydrogen (trifluoromethane CHF
3
). In its normal state,
FE-13 is a colorless, odorless gas, which is electrically non-
conductive. The agent is stored as a liquid under pressure.
When FE-13 is discharged, it expands throughout the dis-
tribution piping system and at the nozzle, returning to the
gaseous state. In the proper concentration, FE-13 sup-
presses fire by breaking the chain reaction of the combus-
tion process. FE-13 suppresses flame rapidly, helps prevent
reignition, leaves no residue and requires no cleanup after
discharge.
FE-13 will decompose upon contact with temperatures
greater than approximately 1300°F (700°C). Decomposed
FE-13 has a sharp, acrid odor, which is easily recognized
even in small amounts. Decomposed products, including
decomposed fuel, are toxic and minimized with rapid sup-
pression of fire. FE-13 systems are designed to provide
rapid discharge (normally 10 seconds or less) and flame
suppression in order to minimize equipment damage and
reduce danger to personnel.