The main difference between a fire suppression system and a fire sprinkler system is the type of agent used to suppress a fire. Both are designed to extinguish or control a specific type of fire and protect property and/or life.
Fire suppression systems
These use chemicals, gasses, or foam to suppress a fire. They are normally used in industrial environments or in areas where water could cause additional damage, such as data centres, museums or galleries.
Fire sprinkler systems
These use water to extinguish and control fires. They are most often used in everyday applications to reduce property damage. They are ideal for the extinguishing fires in the likes of furnishings, stairwells and areas where people are likely to transit while exiting in the event of a fire.
Both fire suppression systems and fire sprinkler systems are activated by heat or smoke. However, water can be ineffective in certain types of fires, such as those involving combustible gas or oil.
We will go into more detail below.
What are Fire suppression systems?
Fire suppression systems are a critical component in fire protection strategies, designed to control or extinguish fires in various settings. They work in conjunction with detection systems, emergency lighting and fire dampers to prevent the spread of fire and preserve life.
Fire suppression systems are typically used in environments where traditional fire-fighting methods, like fire sprinklers, may not be sufficient or suitable. Here’s an overview of the different types of fire suppression systems:
1. Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems
Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems:
These are the most common type of fire suppression systems. Pipes are filled with water, and when the heat from a fire activates the sprinkler heads, water is immediately discharged.
There are two main types of sprinkler activation systems. The fusible link, which melts solder to activate, or the glass bulb system that shatters to activate the system as the water inside expands with heat.
Suitable for: General buildings (offices, schools, residential buildings).
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems:
Unlike wet pipe systems, dry pipe systems contain pressurised air or nitrogen in the pipes, and water is only released when the system is activated by a fire. This prevents water from sitting in the pipes, making it ideal for cold environments where pipes might freeze.
Suitable for: Freezers, unheated warehouses, and areas subject to low temperatures.
Deluge Systems:
In these systems, all sprinkler heads are open, and water is released from all fire sprinklers simultaneously when the system is activated. This is used in areas with high fire risks where rapid fire suppression is required.
Suitable for: High-hazard areas, chemical plants, and industrial facilities.
Pre-Action Systems:
A combination of wet and dry systems, where water is held back by a valve until the system detects both smoke and heat. This prevents accidental water damage in sensitive areas.
Suitable for: Museums, data centres, and areas with valuable assets.
2. Gas-Based Fire Suppression Systems
Inert Gas Systems:
These systems use gases like argon, nitrogen, or a mixture of inert gases to displace oxygen in the room, which suffocates the fire. They are safe for occupied spaces since they are non-toxic at concentrations used for fire suppression.
Suitable for: Data centres, archives, museums, and telecommunications facilities.
CO2 Fire Suppression Systems:
Carbon dioxide is a common gas used to suppress fires by removing oxygen from the environment. It’s highly effective, but CO2 is hazardous to people and must only be used in unoccupied areas.
Suitable for: Electrical rooms, industrial machinery, and storage facilities for flammable liquids.
Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems:
These systems use chemicals that are safe for use around people and sensitive equipment. Clean agents, such as 3M’s Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, extinguish fires by disrupting the chemical reaction of combustion.
This is popular as it is electrically non-conductive, leaves no residue, and is considered the industry standard for fire suppression
Suitable for: Data centres, server rooms, healthcare facilities, and environments with sensitive electronics.
3. Foam Fire Suppression Systems
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF):
AFFF systems use a foam solution that spreads across the surface of flammable liquids, forming a film that suppresses vapour and prevents re-ignition. It is often used for fighting liquid fires.
Suitable for: Aircraft hangars, fuel storage tanks, chemical processing facilities, and flammable liquid storage areas.
High Expansion Foam Systems:
This foam expands to cover large areas and can fill spaces to suppress fires. It is particularly useful in areas where it is difficult for water or other agents to reach.
Suitable for: Warehouses, underground storage facilities, and large industrial spaces.
4. Chemical-Based Fire Suppression Systems
Dry Chemical Systems:
These systems release a fine powder that interrupts the chemical reaction of a fire, preventing the spread of flames. It is highly effective for suppressing fires involving flammable gases or liquids.
Suitable for: Industrial plants, automotive workshops, and areas with combustible gas risks.
Wet Chemical Systems:
Wet chemical suppression systems are designed specifically for kitchen fires involving grease or oil. They release a chemical agent that reacts with the oil to form a soap-like substance that cools and extinguishes the fire.
Suitable for: Commercial kitchens, restaurant hoods, and food preparation areas.
5. Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems
These systems use fine water droplets to suppress fires. They work through the process of evaporation. A huge amount of the fire’s energy is used up to evaporate the liquid and slow or stop the spread of fire.
The mist cools the flames and displaces oxygen, reducing the heat and stopping the fire. Water mist systems use significantly less water than traditional fire sprinklers, which minimises water damage.
Suitable for: Museums, data centres, healthcare facilities, and spaces with delicate or high-value assets.
6. Hybrid Fire Suppression Systems
Hybrid Gas and Water Systems:
A combination of gas and water mist, these systems use a mixture of inert gas and fine water droplets to suppress fires quickly and efficiently. This combination is highly effective in rapidly extinguishing fires while minimising damage to property.
Suitable for: Data centres, laboratories, and high-risk industrial applications.
7. Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
These systems are specifically designed for commercial kitchens, where cooking oils and grease fires are a primary hazard. They use wet chemical agents to extinguish grease fires and prevent them from reigniting.
Suitable for: Restaurants, cafeterias, and large-scale food preparation areas.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Fire Suppression System:
Type of Fire Risk: The environment, materials, and assets in the area to be protected will determine the most suitable system. For example, gas systems are best for sensitive electronics, while water-based systems may be better for general office environments.
Occupancy: In spaces where people are present, systems that use non-toxic agents or minimal water are essential.
Regulations and Codes: Ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and building regs, which may dictate or advise on the type of fire suppression system required.
Potential for Water Damage: In areas where water damage is a concern, such as data centres, clean agent or gas-based suppression systems are ideal.
In conclusion, the right fire suppression system depends on the specific fire risks, environment, and regulatory requirements of your space. Whether protecting sensitive electronics, commercial kitchens, or industrial facilities, selecting the proper system is crucial for ensuring safety and minimising damage.
One final point
Maintenance is critical.
You will only discover how effective your Fire Suppression and Fire Sprinkler Systems are when you need them the most.
In a fire.
The only way you can be sure they will work as designed, is by ensuring they are maintained regularly and to the agreed standards. It is too easy to assume that the system is a ‘fit and forget’ type project. It’s not. It’s a fit and maintain, so that when lives are on the line, the system will deliver as promised.
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Client: Anstey Horne
Location: Altrincham
Project: Warrant House decarbonisation
Value: £460k
Project Managers: Scott Bennett and Matt Clare
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