An automatic ceiling fire extinguisher with clean agent is a cylinder hung from the ceiling of a small room. It discharges HFC-227ea (FM-200) or FK-5-1-12 on its own when heat breaks the glass bulb, or on a signal from an extinguishing control panel. It suits small electrical and server rooms, while a portable CO2 extinguisher remains the tool for early manual attack.
This article covers SFFECO’s ceiling-mounted modular units SFM6 to SFM45 and SFFECO’s portable CO2 extinguishers (CD series), using the figures in the manufacturer’s official datasheets. It shows how to read the room-volume table and when a fixed system is the better answer.
Key takeaways
- SFFECO SFM6 to SFM45 modular units hold 6 to 45 kg of agent at 15 bar, in cylinders hydrostatically tested at 30 bar.
- Release is by a 68 °C glass bulb as standard, with an optional 24 V DC electric actuator for panel release.
- The datasheet gives a room-volume range per model at 7% HFC-227ea and 4.5% FK-5-1-12, based on the Class C concentration in a table of NFPA 2001 (2018 edition).
- SFFECO portable CO2 extinguishers come in 3, 5 and 6 kg (CD-G) and 2.27 and 4.54 kg (CD-L). The product page lists CD5G, CD6G and CD5L as SASO approved.
- A ceiling unit does not replace portable extinguishers, nor an engineered fixed system when the room size or hazard exceeds what the unit covers.
In this article
- What is SFFECO’s automatic ceiling clean agent extinguisher?
- How does the SFFECO SFM work?
- SFM6 to SFM45 models and protected room volume
- Automatic FM-200 extinguisher or FK-5-1-12?
- SFFECO CO2 extinguishers: CD models for electrical panels
- Ceiling unit, CO2 extinguisher or fixed system?
- What to check before approving an automatic ceiling extinguisher in Saudi Arabia
- Common mistakes
- SFFECO supply from AZEIDK
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
What is SFFECO’s automatic ceiling clean agent extinguisher?
SFFECO (Saudi Factory for Fire Equipment Co., with its factory and head office in Riyadh according to the datasheet) describes the SFM series as self-contained, standalone modular extinguishers. Each unit is a powder-coated carbon steel cylinder on a ceiling bracket, with a chrome-plated brass glass-bulb discharge nozzle, a pressure gauge and a safety valve.
The principle is close to a sprinkler: the bulb breaks at a set temperature and the agent floods the room. The difference is that the agent is an electrically non-conductive gas that leaves no residue, which suits electrical and electronic equipment that water or powder would damage.
These units differ from the dry powder automatic extinguisher covered in our automatic ceiling fire extinguisher guide: here the agent is a clean gas, and coverage depends on room volume in cubic metres, not floor area.
How does the SFFECO SFM work?
Thermal release by glass bulb
The standard bulb rating is 68 °C, with 57, 79, 93 and 141 °C available on request. The rating should sit above the highest normal room temperature so the bulb does not break in normal conditions, while still responding to a fire.
Electric release from a control panel
An optional 24 V DC pyrotechnic actuator lets a fire extinguishing control panel discharge the unit when detectors signal a fire, before heat reaches the bulb. This ties the unit to the detection system and gives a faster response.
SFM6 to SFM45 models and protected room volume
The figures below are from SFFECO’s official datasheet (VER 00-04/26), available on the AZEIDK product page. Volumes are at 21 °C and at the standard Class C (energised electrical) concentration from table A.5.4.2.2(b) of NFPA 2001, 2018 edition, as stated by the manufacturer.
| Model | Agent (kg) | Fill range (kg) | Room volume, HFC-227ea 7% (m³) | Room volume, FK-5-1-12 4.5% (m³) | Cylinder Ø (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SFM6 | 6 | 2.5–6 | 4.56–10.95 | 3.83–9.19 | 280 |
| SFM10 | 10 | 4–10 | 7.30–18.25 | 6.13–15.31 | 280 |
| SFM15 | 15 | 6–15 | 10.95–27.38 | 9.19–22.97 | 280 |
| SFM20 | 20 | 8–20 | 14.60–36.51 | 12.25–30.63 | 280 |
| SFM25 | 25 | 10–25 | 18.25–45.64 | 15.31–38.28 | 370 |
| SFM30 | 30 | 13–31 | 23.73–56.59 | 19.91–47.47 | 370 |
| SFM35 | 35 | 15–36 | 27.38–65.72 | 22.97–55.13 | 370 |
| SFM40 | 40 | 18–42 | 32.86–76.67 | 27.57–64.32 | 505 |
| SFM45 | 45 | 20–47 | 36.51–85.80 | 30.63–71.98 | 505 |
All models operate at 15 bar. The manufacturer states a tolerance of 10 mm on cylinder height and 5 mm on diameter.
Reading the table: a worked example
The minimum and maximum volumes match the minimum and maximum fill of the cylinder. A 30 m³ electrical room (say 4 × 3 × 2.5 m) falls inside the SFM20 range with HFC-227ea (14.60–36.51 m³). With FK-5-1-12 it is close to the SFM20 maximum (30.63 m³), so the SFM25 gives more margin. This is only a table reading: the designer sets the final quantity after checking net volume, temperature, hazard class and openings. Class A or B hazards need different concentrations; the datasheet lists 8.7% HFC-227ea and 5.9% FK-5-1-12 for Class B.
Automatic FM-200 extinguisher or FK-5-1-12?
The same unit is filled with either agent. Differences from the datasheet:
| Item | HFC-227ea (FM-200) | FK-5-1-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Stored as | Liquefied compressed gas | Liquid |
| Boiling point | -16.4 °C | 49 °C |
| Class A concentration | 6.7% | 4.5% |
| Class B concentration | 8.7% | 5.9% |
| Class C concentration | 7% | 4.5% |
| SFM45 room volume | 36.51–85.80 m³ | 30.63–71.98 m³ |
For the same agent weight, HFC-227ea covers a larger volume in this table. The choice usually follows the project specification, agent and refill availability, and environmental considerations. For both agents in fixed systems, see our NFPA 2001 guide.
SFFECO CO2 extinguishers: CD models for electrical panels
SFFECO portable carbon dioxide extinguishers are designed for flammable liquid and gas fires and fires on electrical installations. Cylinders are weld-free, extruded from chrome molybdenum, manganese or carbon steel, with a 250 bar test pressure, electrostatic polyester powder coating and a storage range of -20 to +60 °C.
| Model | Capacity | Total weight | Hose | Discharge (s) | SASO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD 3-G | 3 kg | 10.5 kg | Horn only | 9–11 | Not stated |
| CD 5-G | 5 kg | 16.3 kg | 1220 mm | 9–11 | Approved |
| CD 6-G | 6 kg | 18.7 kg | 1220 mm | 9–11 | Approved |
| CD 5-L | 2.27 kg | 8.45 kg | Horn only | 7–9 | Approved |
| CD 10-L | 4.54 kg | 15.35 kg | 1220 mm | 9–11 | Not stated |
Maximum effective range is 5 m on every model. The short discharge time means the user has to get close and aim at the base of the flame from the start. Note that SFFECO’s catalogue uses Class C for gas fires and lists electrical fires separately, whereas in NFPA 10 Class C means electrical fires, so take care when comparing catalogues.
For CO2 risks in small rooms, cold burns and test intervals, see our CO2 fire extinguisher guide.
Ceiling unit, CO2 extinguisher or fixed system?
| Option | Operation | Suits | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFFECO SFM ceiling unit | Automatic, by bulb or panel | Small enclosed electrical or server rooms, paint spray booths, flammable liquid stores, engine compartments | Fixed volume range per model; needs a reasonably tight room |
| SFFECO CO2 portable | Manual, needs a person present | Early fires in electrical panels or flammable liquids | 5 m range, discharge in seconds, no protection when unattended |
| Fixed clean agent system such as SFFECO 1230 | Cylinders, piping, nozzles and control panel | Larger data, control and archive rooms | Full engineering design and higher cost |
As a rule, the ceiling unit protects the room when nobody is there, and the portable extinguisher gives people on site a chance to stop a fire early. When the room exceeds the largest model or is business-critical, consider a fixed system within our special fire suppression systems. For a portable clean agent option there are also portable FM-200 extinguishers.
What to check before approving an automatic ceiling extinguisher in Saudi Arabia
- Code and authority: the protection requirement comes from the SBC 801 Saudi Fire Protection Code, the project specification and Civil Defense approval. NFPA 2001 (clean agents) and NFPA 10 (portable extinguishers) are technical references the designer adopts, not automatically mandatory.
- Product conformity: the SASO Technical Regulation for Fire Control Materials and Equipment requires a certificate of conformity for extinguishing equipment through the SABER platform. The product page lists SASO approval only for CD5G, CD6G and CD5L; for other models and the ceiling units, request the conformity document for each model before supply.
- Net room volume: deduct fixed solid objects and compare with the model range.
- Room integrity: unsealed openings and open false ceilings reduce the concentration. See our room integrity test article.
- Occupancy: NFPA 2001 limits agent concentration in normally occupied spaces, so check the concentration reached at the minimum room volume.
- Detection link: if you choose the electric actuator, specify the extinguishing panel, detectors and warning devices in the same package.
Common mistakes
- Sizing by floor area and ignoring room height.
- Using Class C figures for a room with flammable liquids (Class B), which the datasheet shows needs a higher concentration.
- Mounting the unit off-centre or behind an obstruction without checking the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Relying on the ceiling unit with no portable extinguisher at the door.
- Buying a CO2 extinguisher without checking that the exact model is among the SASO-approved ones.
SFFECO supply from AZEIDK
AZEIDK supplies SFFECO SFM6 to SFM45 ceiling units and CD series CO2 extinguishers in Saudi Arabia, with technical selection, submittal preparation, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance through its engineering team. The manufacturer datasheet can be downloaded from each product page, and other models are in our fire extinguishers category.
Frequently asked questions
At what temperature does the SFFECO automatic ceiling extinguisher operate?
The standard bulb is 68 °C, with 57, 79, 93 or 141 °C on request. With the optional electric actuator, the panel can release it before heat reaches the bulb.
How many cubic metres does an SFM6 protect?
Per the datasheet, 4.56 to 10.95 m³ with HFC-227ea at 7%, and 3.83 to 9.19 m³ with FK-5-1-12 at 4.5%, for a Class C hazard at 21 °C.
What is the best extinguisher for a server room?
There is no single answer. For automatic protection of a small enclosed room, use a correctly sized clean agent ceiling unit plus a portable CO2 or clean agent extinguisher for manual use. Larger or critical rooms need an engineered fixed system.
Are SFFECO CO2 extinguishers SASO approved?
The product page and datasheet state that CD5G, CD6G and CD5L are SASO approved. The source does not say so for CD 3-G and CD 10-L.
Does an automatic ceiling extinguisher replace portable extinguishers?
No. The ceiling unit protects a set volume when nobody is present; portable extinguishers are still needed for early attack, in the numbers and locations set by the design and the authority.
Summary
Choosing an automatic ceiling extinguisher starts with room volume and hazard class, then the agent and release method, then the conformity document for each model. A portable CO2 extinguisher covers the people on site. When the room exceeds what the unit covers, a fixed system is the right answer.
Need the right SFFECO model for your room? Send us the room dimensions, the equipment inside and the project specification, and we will recommend the model and agent with the datasheet and approval documents. Contact the AZEIDK team
To buy an extinguisher or book its maintenance, see AZEIDK fire extinguishers.
