Types of Fire Suppression Systems
What is a Fire Suppression System?
The goal of a fire suppression system, also known as a fixed extinguishing system, is simple, reduce the risk of a fire and extinguish it by using a substance. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a fire suppression system has detection tools that can sense the early stages of a fire, extinguish a developing fire, and alert occupants of any danger. As part of your complete fire security system, a suppression system can help you in early detection and damage prevention. The suppression system will work together with other parts of your system to alert the people in your building.
Elements of a Fire Suppression System
While the team at FSS Technologies customizes our clients’ fire systems to reflect their needs, there are many common elements that we utilize as a part of a fire suppression system. These elements include sprinklers or misters, chemicals, extinguishers, smoke and heat detectors, and alarms.
Most suppression systems are automatic and work to detect the early stages of a fire, but there are also manual triggers and pulls that allow employees to begin the suppression process.
Types of Fire Suppression Systems
These are people-safe chemicals that can act as fire suppressors. These agents are designed to keep your electronics and materials safe because they do not do the damage you would expect from a water sprinkler.
These gases reduce oxygen levels to a point where combustion cannot be sustained. These gases are designed to be people and environment safe.
This colorless, odorless gas can help to extinguish fires with minimal cleanup to take care of afterward. Since carbon dioxide can be dangerous, this should be limited to small spaces and areas that are not filled with people.
Traditional water mist systems have been upgraded to use less water and expel fine water droplets. Water is the most cost-friendly solution, although you do need to consider the potential cleanup and damage to property that can occur.
Kitchen fires are often started by grease or fat and require a wet chemical to extinguish it.
An industrial fire system is designed to extinguish fires caused by a chemical or whatever material is being used in the building. Industry experts will select a chemical that will safely react as part of the suppression system depending on the materials that are used in your building.
Should I Buy a Fire Extinguisher?
The answer here is yes, but it is an incomplete yes. A fire extinguisher needs to be manually applied and may not have enough capacity to completely stop the flames. While your building will require a certain amount of fire extinguishers based on your local jurisdiction and authority, it is not a replacement for a fire suppression system.
How Do I Get Started?
At FSS Technologies, our expert team has the knowledge and the experience to help guide you through the process of designing and installing your fire suppression system. We have worked with professionals across different industries and we offer many different solutions to create a unique system for your building.
Explore Our Other Blogs
How to Make Your First-Floor Apartment Safe
In business, getting in on the ground floor is great. You are part of a plan early on to gain an advantage. When it comes to apartment-dwelling, however, getting in on the ground floor is only an advantage in some respects. It’s easier for you and your pets to get in an out, it’s easier…
Hard-Wired vs Wireless Security Systems
The chicken or the egg. Not asking which came first in this case, just which one you like better. In the world of security systems, which came first between wired and wireless was answered long ago. But the question of which is better remains. Let’s start with a quick overview of how each of these…
Spring Cleaning Your Security System
The unofficial countdown to summer begins for many of us each year as we “spring forward” into daylight saving time, moving the clock forward one hour to give us an extra hour of sunlight at the end of every day. Since this is the time of the year when we change our clocks, it is important…
Vacation-Proof Your Home
When planning a vacation, you are almost always considering what clothes to pack or booking a place to stay. But while you are away, you need to make sure that your home will be safe from burglars or thieves who may target an empty home. Before you pack up and leave for your vacation, there…
Best Small Business Security Systems
While no two small businesses are the same, they share commonalities when it comes to what they want in a security system. Most small business owners want to do three things: Protect their people, property, and assets from fire Protect their people, property, and assets from theft See what is happening in their business even…
How to Prepare for a Fire Inspection
Updated May 2023 Most people learn how to react to fire alarms from a young age. The sharp, jarring noise of the sirens instantly notifies everyone within earshot of a possible emergency and the need to evacuate. These fire safety alarm systems are mandated worldwide and need regular inspections and maintenance to promote safety. As…
Winter Commercial Fire Safety Tips
While fire safety and prevention are crucial year-round, unique fire hazards accompany winter’s freezing temperatures. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that many holiday-related factors contribute to an increased fire risk during the winter months, and commercial settings are just as vulnerable. Besides creating and reviewing company-wide fire safety procedures, here are 4 tips…
How to Choose a Security Monitoring Company
A security monitoring company is one that specializes in monitoring your alarm system. If the system detects an issue, such as a fire, break-in, or another emergency, it notifies a response team at the central monitoring agency, and sometimes, it will even inform emergency responders such as police or firefighters. Most reputable monitoring companies can…
What Are Fire Alarm System Zones?
Fire alarm zones are standard in conventional fire panels. Each zone represents a different area in the building to help firefighters and professionals pinpoint the source of an alarm. However, it can be confusing to research fire alarm zones because they are not as common as they once were. Conventional and addressable systems handle communication for fire…
What is the Lifespan of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
As with pretty much everything, your smoke alarm eventually expires. Sensors can become less sensitive over time, making them less adept at doing their job: detecting smoke, carbon monoxide, or potential fires. Replacing the equipment in your fire safety system is important both at home and in your business. We have developed a quick guide…