Fire Sprinkler Systems vs. Fire Suppression Systems
Both fire sprinkler and fire suppression systems work towards the common goal of extinguishing fires but do so differently. It is good to know what each system is capable of to determine which is the best fit for your building.
What are Fire Sprinkler Systems?
Fire sprinkler systems have been one of the most commonly known fire protection systems for many years. Fire sprinklers work to extinguish fires by discharging water when fires are detected. These systems function by detecting heat or smoke in the building and quickly responding with the activation of sprinkler heads in specific areas. Sprinklers are seen in both commercial and residential buildings where rapid-fire extinguishing is necessary. Fire sprinklers are inexpensive in comparison to some suppression systems which require more than just water.
Where Should a Fire Sprinkler System Be Used?
Fire sprinklers are very common in residential and commercial structures due to their compatibility with the structures. Fire sprinkler systems are present in many everyday business places such as grocery stores, retail buildings, warehouses, and much more. These are buildings that don’t contain expensive equipment prone to water damage.
Types of Fire Sprinklers
- Wet Pipe System: sprinkler pipes are always full of water, ready to be activated
- Dry Pipe System: water is held back from the pipes, waiting to fill in the event of a fire
- Pre-Action: a dry pipe system that must be activated by an alarm or detection system
- Deluge: dry pipe system with sprinkler heads that are always open
- ESFR: designed to release larger drops of water at a higher momentum
- In-Rack System: installed within a racking system, and only release water where a fire is detected
- Residential Sprinkler System: unobtrusive systems designed specifically for homes
- Fixed Water Spray System: a type of deluge system with nozzles that are set to spray in a specific pattern or direction.
What are Fire Suppression Systems?
Fire suppression systems are a different form of fire protection that also work to extinguish fires. Unlike fire sprinklers, fire suppression systems use non-water-based substances such as chemicals, foam, clean agents, or other gas agents to suppress a fire. Fire suppression systems eliminate the aftermath of water damage that is present with sprinklers.
Where Should a Fire Suppression System Be Used?
Fire suppression systems are most often used in commercial or industrial buildings. These are buildings that may contain equipment or technology that are very water sensitive, or buildings containing special hazard fire risks that are unable to be suppressed by water. They include places like restaurants, data centers, chemical plants, power plants, or buildings containing a lot of technology and valuable digital assets.
Types of Fire Suppression Systems
- FM-200
- Novec 1230 / Sapphire
- Ecaro-25
- Pro-Inert
- Victaulic Vortex
- Inergen
- N2 Nitrogen
- Hybrid and Water Mist
- CO2 high pressure and low pressure
- Wet foam systems
- Deluge
- Dry Chemical
IFP Fire Sprinklers and Suppression Systems
International Fire Protection offers both fire sprinkler and fire suppression systems for the protection of your building. We design, install, inspect, service, and repair various types of systems. We can help you determine which protection system is best for your structure. Our highly trained team will consider your business elements to choose a code-compliant system that fits your needs. Whether you are looking for fire protection in your home or in your complex business facility, we can find the best protection for you. Contact IFP today to learn more about the fire protection systems we offer.
