In fire suppression systems, which two clean agents are composed entirely of inert gas(es)? (Choose two.)

Question

Options

• AFE-13
• BInergen
• CFM-200
• DCarbon dioxide

• A
  3% (2)
• B
  80% (48)
• C
  7% (4)
• D
  10% (6)

Explanation

Inergen (B) is correct because it is a blend of three naturally occurring inert gases - nitrogen (52%), argon (40%), and carbon dioxide (8%) - making it composed entirely of inert gases with no chemical compounds involved. The question specifies "choose two," but based on the answer key provided, B is the confirmed correct selection; the second intended answer may vary by exam source.

Distractors:

• FE-13 is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC-23/trifluoromethane), a chemical clean agent - not an inert gas.
• FM-200 (HFC-227ea/heptafluoropropane) is also a halocarbon chemical agent, not inert.
• Carbon dioxide is chemically inert, but CO2 suppression systems fall under NFPA 12 as their own separate category, not classified as a "clean agent" under NFPA 2001 - and CO2 alone doesn't qualify as a blend "composed of inert gases" in this context.

Memory tip: Think "Inergen = Inert" - the name literally contains the word "inert," which is your clue that it's the inert gas clean agent family. Halocarbon agents like FM-200 and FE-13 share the "F" naming pattern and are chemical (not inert) agents.

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