Under the European F Gas regulation 514/2014, which took effect in January 2015, fire suppression systems using HFCs fall within this legislation.
A planned increased reduction in imported quantities of HFCs has implications for FM200, which is an HFC agent.
FM200
The next stage of the restrictions started at the beginning of 2018 and is more onerous. Just 63% of the imports allowed in 2015 will be permitted.
Although FM200 will still be available supplies will inevitably be restricted. Fortunately, there are an alternative wide range of options including Inert gas and Novec 1230, which have essentially no effect on global warming.
gas suppression systems
As part of the F gas regulations, the implications for system maintenance of FM200 systems also need to be considered.
Generally, gas suppression systems are serviced bi-annually, but if the quantity of FM200 is 155 kg or more and there are no leakage detection devices fitted, then the service inspection visits should be increased to every three months.