How Does Novec 1230 Work: A Detailed Understanding

Fire suppressant agents come in many different variants. From foam and wet chemicals to Co2 and dry powder - the list is extensive. However, there are undoubtedly fire-extinguishing agents that outperform others in opposing situations.

Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each agent is critical when installing a fire suppression system in your residence or business. If you install one that isn’t suited to your area, you may face severe damage, injuries and potentially broken expensive equipment.

One extinguishing agent you’ve probably heard of if you’re viewing fire suppression systems is Novec 1230. Well, how does Novec 1230 work? That is what we’ll be discussing in this post. So if you’re on the market for an extinguishing agent - let’s see if this suits your surroundings.

What is Novec 1230?

In relation to what is Novec 1230, this is a clean agent fire suppressant that is partnered with the chemical family of halocarbons. This fluorinated ketone works most effectively when the room is 4% and above as it is extremely efficient in detonating onrushing flames. 

Neither toxic nor unsafe for humans, this incredible clean agent is always popular when businesses are looking to install a commercial fire suppression system. Every rule and regulation that is presented by NFPA 2002, UL, ULC, etc meets the demands of what is required to be adequately safe for humans (before and after a fire outbreak). 

Suitable for both electrical and gas-powered equipment, any specific fire can be dealt with by the 3m Novec 1230 fluid. Nowadays, businesses offer this fluid in an assortment of cylinders, suitable for all scenarios. 

Therefore, if you’re looking to install a fire suppressant that could potentially save lives and expensive flammable materials and equipment - you may want to carry on reading to hear where it can be placed and the additional advantages this 3m Novec 1230 fire protection fluid can provide.

How Does Novec 1230 Work For Your Business or Home?

Regarding how Novec 1230 works, it first begins being reserved as a liquid (paired with pressurised nitrogen) which then automatically detects the fire with its heat trigger system. From here, 3m Novec 1230 is spread into the atmosphere where the fire is spreading and removes the heat of the fire with its cooling effect. 

If you use a fire blanket or fire extinguisher, it could take an excessive amount of time to deteriorate the flames with human intervention. However, as soon as this clean agent fire suppression system’s detection process is engaged, it will remove the heat from the fire within moments when it discharges as a gas. 

If you look at the time it takes a person to extinguish a fire and compare it to the 6-10 seconds it takes for Novec 1230 to be released - there is no comparison in what extinguishing system will be more effective. 

This fire protection fluid also has the capability of leaving no residue behind, meaning this will be the perfect installation if you want a successful fire extinguishing process - partnered with no harmful chemicals being left in your building and consumed by humans re-entering.

Benefits of the Novec 1230 Suppressant Fluid

As you look closer at the different types of fire suppressant liquids, you will notice that they all have their own unique properties. Whether this is a benefit or drawback compared to other fluids is open for debate when you look closer at each one individually. Here, we will show you the advantages you can expect to see if you install Novec 1230 into your fire suppression system:



• Extinguishes the onrush of flames within seconds of entering the fire hazard
• Protects your family, friends and/or staff members from sustaining long-term injury (or potentially life-threatening consequences)
• Specialises in class A, B and C fire risks
• Will protect any precious electrical equipment, leaving no residue behind (meaning your device will still work at its full potential)
• Has a ‘Blue-Sky Warranty’ - ensuring that there is no global warming potential with this 3M fluid
• Considered the most ‘environmentally-friendly’ suppressant liquid on the market
• Will detect and suppress a fire that occurs with heat-detecting sensors/triggers
• Novec 1230 fluid evaporates, meaning there are no consequential health risks
• The ozone depleting potential is zero with this clean agent fluid

There are a multitude of continuing benefits that you will notice when you begin to use 3M Novec 1230 liquid in your fire suppression system and will always be a trustworthy source when you need to protect those closest to you in your environment.

The Applications Suited to Novec 1230 Fluid

Every automatic detection fire suppression system has applications and environments that they thrive in compared to others. In regards to the Novec 1230 fluid, here are the top applications in which you will see optimal results:

1. Data centre applications 
2. Medical environments (hospitals, pharmacies, etc)
3. Power generation facilities 
4. Telecommunication 
5. Industrial sector 

These are the top 5 applications that 3M Novec 1230 will thrive in, along with many others. However, the common pattern you will notice within these business sectors is that they’re highly stacked with electrical appliances.

With this fluid being manufactured by 3M, it is first stored as a liquid but then released as a gas. Thus, your electrical appliances within these highly-regarded business sectors will face no repercussions if a fire does break out.

Final Thoughts

Although this inert gas is typically more expensive than a few other fire-suppression fluids, the benefits of using this fluid for fire hazards offer the most environmentally friendly and effective fire suppression necessary for your workplace. 

The advantages outweigh the disadvantages and investing in this could potentially save lives and business-saving equipment to run another day. If you’re unsure of whether there are any other environments to which this fluid is sufficient, do not hesitate to reach out to our expert team for any more advice. 

Furthermore, if you’re looking to take your fire safety to the next level with top-of-the-line fire suppression systems, MEP Fire are your nationwide specialists. We’re always available to travel across the country to protect the lives and property of your business - speak to our professionals today!