Fire suppression systems are common in nearly all commercial buildings, multi-residential buildings, and industrial buildings. These systems provide a vital safeguard if a fire occurs. They can save lives and protect property. For the most part, after they are installed, building owners rarely think about their fire suppression systems. But when designing or upgrading a building, it’s a good idea to look at the different types of fire suppression systems. Knowing a bit about the best systems will help you select one that will meet your fire safety needs.

And while many people might think it is easy to decide which fire suppression system would be the best for their setting, it’s not. Even if you have a great understanding of all the different types available, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional. Experts in this field can give you insight and raise issues that may not occur to the average building owner.

Industrial fire safety can be essential, especially when a lot of high-powered equipment are used on-site. While companies may regularly repair and replace old machinery (perhaps with Grays or similar companies), there can still be a chance of something going wrong and causing a severe fire accident. In that situation, a fire suppression system can come in handy to save the day as well as a lot of lives. If needed, professionals can often give you advice on what is best for your short-term and long-term needs. And they can explain the complexities of each system and how it might interact with your existing building and infrastructure.

Introduction to Fire Suppression Systems

Fire suppression systems are designed to extinguish fires or prevent them from spreading. In doing this, they disperse either chemicals, gases, or water when a potential fire is detected. Many systems can also be manually activated. Fire suppression systems have a long history and have mostly relied on water. However, advances in fire science in the 20th century have resulted in additional options when water is not the best method for extinguishing the fire. For instance, water will worsen a petroleum or oil-based fire. Additionally, some fire suppression systems try to protect the contents of buildings when water can damage them.

No matter what your needs may be, there is a suitable fire suppression system. The four primary types of fire suppressions systems available today include:

1. Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems: Water-based systems, often called sprinkler systems, are the oldest and most widely-used method. They are effective in environments where standard materials may catch fire. We see water-based fire suppression systems in many apartments, residential buildings, and offices. Modern water-based systems have improved upon traditional technology. Rather than unleashing a deluge of water, they produce a fine mist. This reduction can result in using 50% to 90% less water to put out a fire. And this design often results in little to no damage to the contents of the building. This system is generally easier to install than others since it can be connected directly to a building’s water supply. It requires no additional materials and can provide a safe and effective solution for many settings. However, water is not always the best agent for extinguishing a fire, or it can be damaging. These systems are often not the best option for sensitive environments, including those with many electronics. If the electronics connect vital communications systems, water will damage them. Water-based systems are also not optimal in many medical environments, industrial applications, and sites with important historical or artistic materials.
2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems: Carbon dioxide systems extinguish fires by removing access to oxygen. Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, non-conductive gas that blankets an environment. The gas has a high rate of expansion and can quickly put out a fire. This process reduces oxygen to a point where combustion can no longer occur. Unlike water systems, there is no damage or cleanup required once it has been activated. However, carbon dioxide can be lethal to humans. These systems should only be used for localized applications or areas inaccessible to humans. A good example would be using this system in a storage building that contains valuable contents or pieces of art.
3. Inert Gas Fire Suppression Systems: Like carbon dioxide fire suppression, inert gas systems displace oxygen to smother fires. These systems often use nitrogen, argon, or a combination of two or more inert gases to provide fire suppression. Unlike carbon dioxide, inert gases are non-toxic to humans, meaning these systems present little threat to individuals in the vicinity upon activation. Inert gas systems are ideal for environments with electrical equipment. The gases pose no harm to humans, do not damage the equipment, and effectively extinguish the fire. Additionally, these systems are 100% natural, chemical-free, and have no global warming potential. They are an environmentally-friendly option.
4. Chemical Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems: Chemical clean agent systems are very similar to inert gas systems. Both disperse a gas to extinguish fires, and neither leave any residue behind. This feature minimizes the potential for damage to equipment. Additionally, these systems also pose no threat to humans, meaning they can be used in all scenarios where individuals might be present. The chemical agents protect valuable assets and produce no damage that may occur with water-based fire suppression systems.

Selecting the right fire suppression system can seem daunting. There are many factors to consider. And each type of system offers unique advantages and disadvantages. The best way to determine the right system for you is to identify your exact needs. Then you can assess the different options on multiple dimensions, such as:

• Cost: Cost is always a variable in any project. While water is the most cost-effective option upfront, it can cause damage in many settings. The damage from water can often be more expensive than opting for a different system initially. Many chemical agent fire suppression systems are also cost-effective solutions. The remaining systems tend to be more expensive, but they offer unique advantages in certain settings. Depending on the circumstances, these advantages may be worth the extra investment.
• Design: It’s also crucial to consider the impact on the building design of different systems. Water systems tap into existing infrastructure and can easily be incorporated. Inert gas systems are often smaller since the gas can be stored at higher pressures. The high pressure also allows inert gas systems to protect multiple floors effectively. In some instances, they may protect multiple buildings with one bank of cylinders.
• Downtime & Cleanup: Of all the options, water-based systems do the most damage. Those with fine misting capabilities minimize this damage but do not eliminate it. The other three systems have little downtime and cleanup requirements.
• Environmental Impact: Water-based and inert gas systems provide no environmental impact. Those with chemical agents may fall on a spectrum regarding their environmental impact.

Whether your purposes are industrial, commercial, or residential, the right fire suppression system is out there. Selecting the best one can be tricky, though. Legacy Fire Services has extensive knowledge of all fire suppression systems. To learn more about the best options for your unique needs, contact our skilled staff today. Our experts can assess your current property and provide guidance for selecting the optimal fire suppression system.