If you are specifying, procuring, or maintaining a clean agent fire suppression system, you've likely encountered both Novec 1230 and FK-5-1-12. This guide clarifies the relationship between these names and, more importantly, explains the critical procurement, compliance, and commercial implications for B2B buyers, facility managers, and system integrators. Understanding this distinction is key to making informed purchasing decisions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing your total cost of ownership for data center, archive, and critical infrastructure protection.
Technical Specifications & Performance Data
FK5112 is the technical name for the chemical compound perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) (C6F12O). It belongs to the class of fluorinated ketones.
Novec 1230 is the commercial name given to FK-5-1-12 by 3M for use in fire suppression systems.

The table below confirms that Novec 1230 and FK-5-1-12 refer to the identical fire suppression agent, with all performance and environmental properties being the same.
| Property | Specification / Value | Notes / Relevance for Buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) | The IUPAC name for the compound. |
| Chemical Formula | C₆F₁₂O | - |
| Technical Designation | FK-5-1-12 (FK5112) | The generic, non-proprietary identifier used in technical and regulatory contexts (e.g., safety sheets, industry standards). |
| Common Brand Name | Novec 1230 | The trademarked name under which 3M markets the agent. |
| Physical Form | Clean, colorless gas / fluid | Leaves no residue, protecting sensitive equipment. |
| Fire Extinguishing Mechanism | Primarily heat removal (physical cooling) | A clean agent that disrupts the fire triangle. |
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | 0 (Zero) | Does not harm the ozone layer; a key environmental benefit. |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | 1 | Extremely low GWP makes it one of the most environmentally friendly fire suppression agents on the market. |
| Toxicity & Safety | Non-toxic and safe for humans | Can be used in occupied spaces without significant risk, a major advantage for protecting personnel. |
| Primary Applications | Data Centers, Archives/Libraries, Museums, Telecommunication Facilities, Critical Infrastructure | Ideal for environments where water or residue from traditional systems would cause catastrophic damage. |
Functionality:
Both FK 5112 and Novec 1230 refer to the same fire suppression agent. It is a clean, colorless, and environmentally friendly gas used to extinguish fires by removing heat from the fire triangle (heat, fuel, oxygen).
Environmental and Safety Properties:
Both FK 5 1 12 and Novec 1230 have the same properties:
Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): Does not harm the ozone layer.
Low Global Warming Potential (GWP): GWP of 1, making it one of the most environmentally friendly fire suppression agents.
Non-toxic and safe for humans: Can be used in occupied spaces without significant risk.
Applications:
Both are used in fire suppression systems for:
Data centers
Archives and libraries
Museums
Telecommunication facilities
Other critical infrastructure where water or residue from traditional fire suppression systems could cause damage.

Key Difference:
The only difference is in the naming:
FK-5-1-12 is the generic chemical name used in technical and regulatory contexts.
Novec 1230 is the branded name used by 3M for marketing and commercial purposes.
Benefits for B2B Buyers: Supply, Compliance & Total Cost
Choosing a reliable FK-5-1-12 supplier like us provides distinct advantages tailored to commercial and industrial procurement needs.
Guaranteed Compliance & Documentation: We provide full regulatory documentation, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA), that reference FK-5-1-12. This ensures your project meets all environmental, safety, and building code requirements.
Supply Chain Security & Flexibility: As a manufacturer, we offer a secure and scalable supply chain, crucial for large projects or ongoing maintenance contracts. We can support OEM formulation support and provide bulk supply for system integrators.
Technical Partnership: Beyond the product, we offer technical data sheets (TDS) and system design guides. Our expertise supports you from specification through to maintenance, ensuring optimal system performance.
As China's premier fire safety provider, our company delivers advanced clean agent solutions such as FK-5-1-12. We combine unparalleled technical expertise with rigorous compliance standards and industry-leading practices to safeguard your critical assets. Reach out for a customized consultation or facility-specific system design.
Our address
Room 1102, Unit C, Xinjing Center, No.25 Jiahe Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujan, China
Phone Number
+86-592-5803997








