Plenty of destructive events can ruin your home or business, but they are all nothing compared to fires. Fires will turn your valuable possessions to dust, and worst of all, some of them may be irreplaceable. That’s why businesses and some homes always opt for fire suppression systems to be installed.
Today, industrial, commercial, and residential buildings are mandated to implement fire and life safety systems. Fire Suppression System These systems are not just for controlling the potential damage induced by fires, but they may also potentially save lives.
Getting yourself a fire suppression system ensures that the safety of your possessions and lives within the buildings are a priority. Although the chances of fires are low, they put you at ease, and you know that you did your part.
What Is a Fire Suppression System?
To sum it up, a fire suppression system is a system that will suppress or put out fires within the property.
They are a group of units that are in-built to suppress or put out fires through different means. It’s during the construction of your property that these systems are installed. But if you don’t have one, installation is possible.
These systems have built-in components that quickly detect fires in their early stages, either by sensing smoke or heat. The components are likewise already attached to the fire alarm systems. Once a fire breaks out, the alarms go off, and the system turns on to put off or suppress the fire.
Most of these systems are automatic. Once it senses fire or smoke, it automatically turns on. However, other systems have manual switches since the system may be subject to false alarms.
If the fire suppression system goes off automatically due to a false alarm, it may cause minor property damage. That’s why manual and automatic switch options are still available.
Types of Fire Suppression Systems
Knowing the importance of fire suppression systems is one thing, but how do you know which one to use? What’s the best fire suppression system for your property?
There are several types of fire suppression systems currently available in the market. Each of these systems has its specific applications for specific situations. Some systems work better in some cases than others.
No matter the situation, you need a basic understanding of these systems to know which one is useful for your property.
Water Sprinkler Fire Suppression Systems
Water sprinklers are the most common fire suppression system to suppress or put out fires. You’ve probably seen these systems in hotel rooms, retail stores, warehouses, etc.
The system consists of a water supply consisting of a piping system connected to the water tower or other means of water retrieval. But the only thing you will see in the system is through its sprinklers hanging in the ceiling.
Sometimes, the sprinklers are located on the sidewalls, but it is attached to a high point. For aesthetic purposes, you can also have the sprinklers covered. However, you first need to consult with the company that installed it since not all covers are suitable.
Individual sprinklers have their trigger mechanism. If heat reaches a certain point, it will break the trigger causing the sprinkler to discharge water from the ceiling. Each sprinkler activates separately to minimize the damage caused by the water.
Sprinklers are as effective as fire hoses and only need a lot less water.
Where to Use Water Sprinkler Fire Suppression Systems?
Water sprinkler fire suppression systems are best used on commercial buildings and homes. It’s cost-effective, and they have a record of putting out 99% of the fires in buildings—provided that maintenance is frequent and adequate.
Foam Fire Suppression System
A foam fire suppression system works similarly to a water sprinkler system. When a fire occurs, the system releases water and foam from the ceiling. Foam fire suppression systems are known for their incredible efficiency when putting out fires.
Foam is an extinguishing agent designed to extinguish fires by cooling and separating them from an oxygen source. Foam suppresses and kills fire by figuratively covering it. It prevents fires from spreading or sparking, so foams may also be used as a preventative measure.
The foaming ingredients may be different for each brand. Typically, it is made of water, air, and foam concentrate, giving its bubble-like appearance. Fire extinguishers also use the same type of foam.
The discharge is very similar to water sprinklers. The system spreads the foaming agent across the ceiling. Then the system discharges the foam through the nozzles.
Foaming agents and water aren’t mixed in the system. Only at the last moment that both are mixed, giving their bubble-like appearance.
Where to Use Foam Fire Suppression System?
Often, industries that work on combustible and flammable liquids use foam fire suppression systems. Hangars and jet engine testing facilities use foams suppression systems since they frequently work on jet fuel.
Boats also use foam suppression systems to put out fires caused by oil. Warehouses that store paint, alcohol, and areoles also use foam suppression systems.
If you are working heavily on using any flammable liquid, you need a foam fire suppression system.
Clean Agent Suppression Systems
Clean agent suppression systems apply argon and nitrogen gasses mixtures to smother the fires. The principle behind it is to reduce the oxygen concentration within the area to kill the fire.
It releases so much of these gases to the point that combustion is no longer feasible. Oxygen is a crucial ingredient for fire to spread out, remove that ingredient, and the fire dies.
However, it doesn’t mean that oxygen is gone entirely. There is still enough oxygen around for people to move and escape. Safety is not compromised.
The system contains several gas tanks that are in separate areas. Pipes connect the gas tanks across several rooms.
Where to Use Clean Agent Suppression Systems?
Clean agent suppression systems are ideal in enclosed areas or rooms that house electrical components. Water or foam-based systems may cause further damage to the electrical systems, while inert gas keeps the fire in check without causing any more damage.
The inert gas system works in tandem with other fire suppression systems. In the event of fire throughout the building, the inert gas will only work in the designated location, while water-sprinkler systems will work on other areas.
Bottom Line
So which of these fire suppression systems is best suited for your property? That depends on which you need. Perhaps you may need several of these systems at once. If you need further inquiries, Protek Fire & Systems is here to help you. Installing these systems is also part of our services.
