What Are Fire Suppression Systems and Why Are They Important?

Designed to detect, control, and extinguish fires, fire suppression systems play an important role in protecting people, property, and assets from the threat of a fire. They’re an essential piece of fire safety equipment for many businesses in high-risk environments, but you may be wondering what are fire suppression systems and why are they so important?

Keep reading because in this blog, we explore the world of fire suppression systems in more detail, looking specifically at what they are, the different types available, how they work, and which industries use these systems to safeguard their business premises.

What are fire suppression systems?

A fire suppression system is a piece of fire safety equipment that detects and suppresses a fire in its early stages. They often require no human intervention, meaning they can automatically detect and suppress a fire, but manual fire suppression systems are available.

Unlike traditional fire sprinkler systems that rely solely on water, fire suppression systems use different types of agents such as gas, foam, or other chemicals, to extinguish flames and prevent the spread of smoke. This is also why they’re particularly beneficial in areas where water-based suppression could cause damage, such as server rooms and kitchens for example.

What are the different types of fire suppression systems?

There are several types of fire suppression systems, each designed for specific environments and their individual fire risks. Below are some of the most common types.

Gas-based systems

Gas-based fire suppression systems use inert gases or chemical agents such as carbon dioxide or FM-200, to suppress a fire quickly without causing damage to electrical equipment. They work by displacing the oxygen in the protected area, which reduces the oxygen levels below what is needed to sustain combustion.

Foam systems

These systems are ideal for environments that have flammable liquids, as they dispense foam to suppress a fire. When the foam is released, it smothers the fire, which prevents oxygen from reaching the source of the fire, thus preventing re-ignition.

Water mist systems

These types of fire suppression systems use fine water droplets to cool flames and reduce oxygen levels. They work by reducing the heat of the fire, displacing oxygen, and creating a barrier between the flames and fuel sources. They’re much more environmentally friendly as they use less water than traditional sprinkler systems, making them good for confined areas such as hospitals, hotels, and heritage buildings for example.

Dry chemical systems

As the name suggests, these systems use dry chemicals to extinguish a fire. They work by coating the fuel source with a layer of powder which disrupts the chemical reaction of the fire and stops it from re-igniting.

How do fire suppression systems work?

The beauty of fire suppression systems is that they are equipped with advanced detection technology, like heat and smoke sensors, which helps to identify fire hazards early. When they detect a fire, the system automatically releases the appropriate agent to contain or extinguish the fire. With some systems, they can trigger alarms and shut down ventilation to further prevent the spread of flames and smoke.

The type of suppression agent and system you may need will depend on the type of fire risks unique to your environment, and conducting a thorough fire risk assessment will help determine the type most suitable for your business. Many modern systems can also be integrated with existing fire alarm and building management systems to ensure a coordinated and smooth response in the event of a fire.

Why are fire suppression systems important?

As we’ve mentioned throughout, fire suppression systems are a critical component of any fire safety strategy, and they play a key role in protecting many businesses. Some other reasons why they’re important are:

• They minimise property damage – these systems act quickly to contain fires, which reduces the extent of damage to buildings, equipment, and assets.
• They protect lives – as they help control fires automatically before they escalate, these systems protect lives by allowing added precious time to evacuate, minimising the number of injuries and fatalities.
• They ensure business continuity – a fire outbreak can lead to costly downtime and disruptions, but with a fire suppression system, they help businesses resume normal operations faster should a fire occur.
• They help you meet fire safety regulations – most businesses are required to install fire protection measures in order to comply with health and safety and fire safety regulations. Having a compliant system that is installed professionally will ensure you’re adhering to your legal obligations.

Where would you typically find fire suppression systems?

Fire suppression systems are typically installed in commercial premises from a wide range of industries and environments. Some of the most common premises you’ll find these systems include:

• Data centres and server rooms – protecting critical IT infrastructure from fire damage.
• Commercial kitchens – preventing grease fires in restaurants, hotels, and food production facilities for example.
• Industrial and manufacturing plants – protecting against fire risks commonly associated with flammable chemicals and machinery.
• Healthcare facilities and laboratories – not only do they safeguard sensitive medical equipment, but also patients and staff.

• Public transport and vehicle storage – protection against fire on buses, trains, and underground tunnels.

Get in touch to learn how we can protect you

It’s clear to see the importance of fire suppression systems for businesses. Not only do they automatically detect, control, and extinguish fires quickly and effectively to protect property, people, and assets, but they also ensure you’re complying with fire safety regulations.

At TVF Fire Protection, we specialise in designing, installing, and maintaining high-performing fire suppression systems that are tailored to your needs. Supplying a wide range of systems, including the ANSUL fire suppression system, no matter the industry your business resides in, our expert team are here to help.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your requirements in more detail and learn how we can enhance your fire safety measures and ensure compliance with regulations.

Fire suppression systems FAQs

What is the difference between fire suppression and fire sprinkler systems?

Fire suppression systems use different agents such as gas, foam, or dry chemicals to extinguish a fire, whereas fire sprinklers rely on water. Suppression systems are often used in environments where water damage could be harmful, such as data centres and commercial kitchens.

Are fire suppression systems required by law?

Many industries are legally required to install fire suppression systems to comply with fire safety regulations and health and safety standards. If you’re unsure on your compliance requirements, you can speak to our experts for more guidance.

How often should a fire suppression system be maintained?

Regularly maintaining your system is essential for ensuring reliability, longevity, and compliance with regulations. Fire suppression systems should be inspected at least once a year by a professional fire safety company, like TVF Fire Protection. Some systems may require more frequent checks and our experts can advise you more on this depending on the system you have or need.

Can a fire suppression system be integrated with an existing fire alarm system?

Yes, most modern fire suppression systems can be integrated with fire alarms and building management systems for a coordinated and smooth emergency response.