Understanding the relationship between fire suppression system and automatic sprinklers is important. The latter can often be used in lieu of the former. Fire suppression systems can’t be used as an alternative to automatic sprinklers systems. These limitations are described in Section 904.2, 2021 International Fire Code.

  • An automatic sprinkler system must be installed according to code. A fire official must approve a fire suppression system before it can be installed to replace the sprinkler system.
  • Fire suppression code credits may not be accepted.

These limitations are important when deciding when and how to use an automatic sprinkler system or a fire suppression system. The International Building Code has many provisions that require buildings to be “fully sprinklered”, with some exceptions. To ensure credit eligibility, a backup sprinkler system might be necessary.

Fire suppression system distinguishes whether they are designed for total flooding. One fire suppression system can be used to protect a paint mixing station (local usage), while another can protect the entire electrical switchgear area (total flood). The type of suppression system will determine which protection plan is needed.

What are the Types of Fire Suppression Systems?

These fire suppression systems are recognized in the International Building and Fire Codes Section 904. These systems are listed together with the relevant design and installation standards. In some cases, these standards might specify maintenance, inspection and testing requirements. They can refer to other standards or reference documents.

  • Wet Chemical Systems, NFPA17A. These systems are often used for kitchen suppression
  • Dry Chemical Systems, NFPA 17 These systems are often used to protect paints from other particulate hazards.
  • oam Systems, NFPA 16, Foam Water System, NFPA 11 Foam Systems. These systems protect liquid fire hazards
  • Carbon Dioxide Systems (NFPA12); These systems can be used to flood areas that aren’t habitable. Carbon dioxide is dangerous.
  • NFPA12A, Halon Systems; These systems were prohibited by the Montreal Protocol in the late 1980s. Any system installed before this ban is considered a legacy.

Automatic Water Mist Systems (NFPA 750), which are water-based systems, use water droplets to suppress fires. Because they expose more water, they work better than automatic sprinklers.
Condensed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems, NFPA 2010. These systems extinguish fires using a mixture of fine particulates and propellant gas. These systems can be used for local flooding or total flooding.

Monitor Requirements, and Fire Alarm

An alarm system similar to an automatic sprinkler system can be connected to many fire suppression systems. An alarm system for monitoring the status of suppression system activation, abnormal conditions and other important information. When it detects an abnormal condition, the fire suppressor activates. It will notify an off-site monitoring station if a complete fire alarm system is installed.

Fire suppression systems that are not properly maintained can cause fires and pose danger to the safety and health of the occupants. In order to activate the system, pre-activation alarms might be necessary. Carbon dioxide systems are not recommended for use when there are occupants.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allows condensed aerosol fire suppression products to be used in areas that are not normally occupied. Stat-X(r), condensed airsol for fire suppression, is one of these SNAP-listed items.

Automated means must be available for all fire suppression systems. Manual actuation is required for some systems, such as those protecting commercial cooking equipment.

Effectiveness in reducing fires

Fire suppression systems eliminate one of the four components of the “fire tetrahedron”, which are essential for fire propagation or ignition. These are the fire tetrahedron components.

  • A combustible fuel
  • Heat
  • Oxygen
  • Unmitigated Chemical Chain Reaction

Although most people are familiar enough with the first three requirements, not many know the fourth: unmitigated chemical reactions. Stopping the chemical chain reaction is the best way to put out fire. This is quicker than removing fuel, reducing heat, or reducing oxygen. This principle is at the heart of nearly all Halon systems. New systems cannot be made from condensed aerosols or other clean agents. They can be used in combination with heat reduction and oxygen.

It is necessary that the oxygen content of air be at least 13% in order to light a fire. Air contains around 21% oxygen. You can reduce the oxygen content by adding nitrogen or other gas to a space. Foam and wet chemical systems, which cover liquid fuel surfaces, can extinguish the fire. This stops oxygen from reaching the fire. This can lead to serious health problems and even death for the occupants.

To remove heat, some fire suppression systems employ heat convection or evaporation. If the fuel temperature falls below its flash point, it can’t sustain combustion.

You can make combustible fuels non-combustible by applying a fire suppression fluid to their surface. Most foam systems use this principle.

Conclusion

Special hazards can be dealt with by fire suppression systems. The type of fire suppression system that is chosen will depend on the hazard. This includes flooding from local or global sources, the area’s contents, and restrictions on buildings or site constructions. It is crucial to test and inspect the system regularly in order to reduce its life expectancy.