Fire Suppression Systems are essential parts of fire safety measures. These systems are designed to detect and suppress fires before they cause extensive damage to assets or harm people. In this article, we will explore what Fire Suppression Systems are, how they work, what types of systems are used, and why they are essential.

Importance of Fire Suppression Systems

Fires can be devastating, resulting in putting people’s lives at risk. They can also damage machinery and valuable assets which can interrupt a business activity and can prove very costly.

Not every fire is the same, they each have different hazards and risks. There are 6 classes of fires, each requiring a different fire suppression medium or agent.

• Class A: Fires involving (solid) materials such as paper, cardboard, textiles, wood, furniture, etc.
• Class B: Fires involving flammable liquid such as fuel, paint, petrol, diesel, oil
• Class C: Fires involving flammable gases such as propane, butane
• Class D: Fires involving metals such as aluminium, titanium,
• Class E: Fires involving live electrical equipment such as computers, phones, chargers
• Class F: Fires involving cooking oils & fats such as deep-fat fryers
  

What are Fire Suppression Systems?

Fire Suppression Systems are designed to detect and extinguish fires. These systems can be either automatically or manually activated depending on how they are set up or installed. They are used to control or entirely prevent fires from spreading or occurring, reducing the risk of large-scale disasters.

How do our Fire Suppression Systems Work?

Fire Suppression Systems typically use three agents: Wet Chemical Agent, Dry Powder Agent, and Clean Agent. These agents will be used differently depending on the asset protected, the nature of the fire, and the different materials involved.

Fireward’s automated Fire Suppression Systems use a nitrogen-filled tube that balances the stored pressure in the cylinder via a valve. Once the tube bursts, the valve allows the agent to discharge either via the detection tube or a predefined discharge network. When a fire is detected, the system will activate and alert the operator with alarms and notifications.

Types of Fireward Fire Suppression Systems

There are several types of Fire Suppression Systems available, each designed for different environments and hazards. Some of the most effective types of Fire Suppression Systems include:

• Dual Agent System: Dual Agent Systems are an outstanding fire suppression method due to the combined benefits of Dry Powder and Wet Chemicals in one solution. Using both Wet and Dry Agents reduces the chances of the fire reigniting after discharge. Not only can the system provide rapid-fire knockdown and excellent coverage with the Dry Powder, but with the cooling properties of Wet Chemicals, the system is economical and efficient.

• Single Agent System: A single agent refers to a type of fire extinguishing agent that is used exclusively to suppress or extinguish fires. The term "single agent" distinguishes these systems from dual-agent or multiple-agent systems that use two or more types of agents in combination. The choice of a single agent used in an automatic fire suppression system depends on the specific fire risks present in the protected area. Dry Powder is the single most effective agent for a fast-fire knockdown. This system is best used for plants, machinery, and vehicles.

• Clean Agent System: The Clean Agent System includes the use of such agents as Novec™ 1230™ and FM-200™. 
  3M™ Novec™ 1230 is a fluorinated ketone that is stored as a liquid and discharged as a gas. It is electrically non-conductive and leaves no residue after discharge. FM-200™ sometimes referred to as HFC-227ea is the most tested liquefiable clean agent of all time. It is an electrically non-conductive odourless and colourless gas.

This system is used to help prevent water damage to electrical equipment, something which can be as costly as a fire itself when considering your suppression options. Through clean suppression agents, the system can flood dedicated area to stop fires in a matter of seconds. Meanwhile, essential equipment is kept dry and safe, meaning no clean-up is necessary. 

Today, Fireward are the leading Automatic Fire Suppression supplier in the UK, installing systems that hold globally recognised approvals. We’re at the cutting edge of the industry, so whether it’s single installations or multiple, large-scale projects, we have you covered. That is why we are dedicated to designing and installing only the best Fire Suppression Systems, detecting fires immediately, and extinguishing them before they cause severe damage.

With continued development, Fireward is at the forefront of the industry. We offer an entire range of systems for a variety of sectors and applications, including heavy plant, machinery, vehicles, buses and coaches, electrical panels, CNC machines, and even residential kitchens. Fireward takes pride in supplying the most reliable systems globally, with comprehensive service and support.

Protecting People and Assets 24/7

To find out more about Fireward’s Automatic Fire Suppression systems, get in touch by calling 0800 151 0249 or email at: sales@fireward.co.uk.