What Is A Fire Suppression System And How Does It Work?

The risk of a fire breaking out is a very serious threat for all businesses which is why fire safety is imperative in a commercial space. Fire suppression systems are a useful and crucial component of fire safety as they can offer better protection when compared to traditional fire prevention measures. But what is a fire suppression system and how does it work?

In this blog, we will explore the ins and outs of fire suppression systems, including the different types available, how they operate, and why they’re essential for maintaining a safe environment.

What is a fire suppression system?

A fire suppression system is designed to extinguish and control the spread of a fire using specific chemical compounds like water mist, special foam, or an inert gas. Unlike a portable fire extinguisher, these systems are built into a building’s structure and are linked to a fire alarm system, alerting people within the building in the event of a fire.

These automatic fire suppression systems use much less water compared to regular sprinkler systems as they use special chemicals to quickly and effectively handle fires. Using advanced heat and smoke detection tools, the system will begin to quickly release the chemical agent, helping to prevent the spread and avoid costly damage to lives and assets.

A fire suppression system encompasses numerous important elements that all work together to help control the spread of fire including:

• Control panel – this is essentially the brains of the system as it continually checks the sensors and releases the suppression agents when needed.
• Detectors – smoke, heat, or flame detectors are placed in key spots around the building where they work to detect the presence of a fire.
• Nozzles – these are strategically located to release the suppression chemical in a specific area of the building.
• Suppression agent storage – this part keeps the fire suppression agent, like water mist, foam, or gas safe.

How does a fire suppression system work?

A fire suppression system works automatically when it detects the presence of flames and smoke. When it identifies a fire, an alarm is initiated which alerts building occupants, allowing them to evacuate safely. At the same time, the automatic fire suppression system releases the chemical agent through nozzles into the affected area, helping to control and extinguish the fire.

Because of the advanced heat and smoke detection systems in place, a fire suppression system has the ability to detect a fire outbreak in its early stages. This is because it continually monitors changes in temperature or smoke and when it hits a specific level, the alarm is raised and components are released.

In most cases, an automatic fire suppression system has a manual activation option in place as an additional back up. This is where the system is turned on manually by hand, usually when a person breaks a glass panel or pushes an emergency button. Just like an automatic fire suppression system, this will raise the alarm and quickly release the suppression agent.

Why use an automatic fire suppression system?

An automatic fire suppression system brings many benefits over traditional fire prevention measures. First of all, they allow for a quick response which gives business owners peace of mind that employees are protected against fire as it allows them to evacuate quickly and safely. As well as this, the fact the systems are automatic provides even more valuable time to evacuate without the need to manually activate the suppression agents. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with valuable assets or those who work with flammable liquids.

These systems also use special chemical compounds as opposed to water, which causes less water damage. In the event of a chemical-induced fire, water is a known aggravator, which makes the chemical compounds a sensible choice for many businesses prone to these types of fire risks or that have sensitive equipment or materials that are easily damaged by water.

What are the different types of fire suppression systems

Different business environments will require different fire suppression systems. Choosing the right one for your business will depend on several factors such as the fire risks present, the layout of your building, and the assets that need protection. Each type of fire suppression system works in its own way and has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Here we outline four of the main types of fire suppression systems so you have a better understanding of their purposes and functions.

Water mist systems

Water mist systems are a great way to fight fires as they use a fine water spray to extinguish a fire, which is different from a regular sprinkler system. This type of fire suppression system releases tiny water droplets which helps significantly reduce the amount of water damage to a building. The fine mist starves the fire of oxygen which reduces the temperature of the heat which ultimately stops the fire from growing and spreading.

A water mist system is a cost-effective option for businesses that have a high occupancy of people. They’re also great for the environment as they use less water than traditional sprinkler systems. This also makes them a good choice for organisations that have particularly sensitive items.

Gas-based suppression systems

Gas suppression systems are well known for effectively putting out fires. This is because they use inert gases, like nitrogen, which lowers the oxygen levels in the affected area and stops the fire from spreading. This particular fire suppression system helps protect valuable business equipment and the nearby environment from damage.

Because they don’t leave any residue, gas suppression systems are a good fit for places with sensitive electronic equipment such as server rooms or data centres. The fast and efficient way gas-based suppression systems work makes them an ideal choice for keeping valuable assets safe.

Wet chemical foam systems for kitchens

Commercial kitchens are exposed to a plethora of fire hazards and therefore need special fire suppression systems. Wet chemical foam systems are designed for Class F fires, which are fires caused by cooking oils and fats. These fire suppression systems are usually activated by a manual switch or via a heat link which is triggered when exposed to heat.

They work by spraying a wet chemical foam on the fire which helps to put out flames and stop them from igniting again by creating a vapour-sealing blanket over the burning oil or fat, cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply.

Foam deluge systems

For businesses that use or store flammable liquids, foam deluge systems are a great fire suppression option. These systems work by quickly covering the flammable liquids with foam which stops the oxygen from getting to the fire, ultimately putting it out.

They release a lot of foam fast and this foam covers the flammable liquid, helping to keep the fire under control. The foam also stops any flammable vapours from rising, making it less likely for a fire to reignite. Foam deluge systems are often found in oil refineries or chemical plants where fires can very quickly grow and spread.

Get in touch today for expert advice

Understanding what an automatic fire suppression system is and how they work is vital for maintaining fire safety within a business. Choosing the right type of system plays an important role in protecting your assets and employees against the threat of fire.

At LS Fire Group, we specialise in providing businesses across the UK with high-quality fire safety services, including the installation and maintenance of automatic fire suppression systems. If you’d like to learn more about how we can ensure fire safety within your business, get in touch with us today. We’ll provide you with expert advice on the right system for your business environment to give you peace of mind that your assets, property, and people are protected from fire.