A Complete Guide to Using an Automatic Fire Suppression System

In an industry where decisions have to be made quickly, effective fire suppression needs to be at the top of your list so you can prioritise health and safety, whether that be within your residential or domestic venue. 

In this informative guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about automatic fire suppression systems, their various types, working principles, and the benefits they offer. 

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or simply concerned about fire safety, here we delve into the world of automatic fire suppression and equip you with essential knowledge to protect what matters most.

What Are Automatic Fire Suppression Systems?

In regards to what an automatic fire suppression system is, they are advanced safety mechanisms created to detect and control fires, preventing them from spreading and causing lasting damage to your sensitive equipment, valuable property, and people within your building. These systems work automatically, without the need for human intervention. 

If you take a look at the core elements of the fire suppression system installed on your property, they consist of various components like smoke detectors, heat sensors, alarms, and extinguishing agents (such as water, foam, or gas).

For example, water is effective against conventional fires, while gas or foam may be used for electrical or flammable liquid fires. The system typically either reduces the fire's heat, removes oxygen, or interrupts the chemical reaction necessary for combustion, extinguishing the flames and minimising fire-related destruction.

Without fire suppression systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, there is nothing more advanced on the market that will give you a rapid response and enhanced protection, saving lives, property, and assets like these automatic systems do.

Should You Invest in Automatic or Manual Fire Suppression Systems?

There is widespread debate and unknown territory for new fire suppression system owners when it comes to purchasing either an automatic or manual fire protection system. 

However, you should look to invest in an automatic fire suppression system more often than manual systems due to their ability to detect and respond to fires without human intervention while offering quick and efficient fire control, minimising potential damage, and protecting occupants.

Often, when trying to extinguish a fire yourself within your team or household, there will be a lot of panic, and it may take you a couple of minutes to even begin the process of extinguishing. Yet, with an automatic system, they take all the stress off your shoulders, and you can just worry about evacuating as quickly as possible. 

Yet, manual systems can be a cost-effective option for smaller areas or when budget limitations come into play. They also provide more control over when and where to discharge the extinguishing agent, preventing unnecessary damage from accidental activations. 

Ultimately, your decision all depends on how important fire suppression and safety on your property are to you, because we believe that the extra investment for an automatic extinguishing system is critical (if the investment is feasible for you).

What Are the Different Types of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems?

If you’re looking for an automatic fire extinguishing system to install on your property, it is best that you look at the different types before deciding to purchase one blindly. As you look to suppress a fire, you must have a fire extinguisher that is suitable for your building - otherwise, it won’t dispose of the flames as effectively as it could. 

Let’s unravel the main types of automatic fire suppression systems so you can better understand what can perform the best in the unfortunate scenario that could occur.

• Chemical gas fire suppression systems
• CO2 fire suppression systems
• Inert gas fire suppression systems (Novec 1230, Inergen IG541 or Argonite gas IG55)
• Watermist fire suppression systems
• Pneumatic heat detection tube fire suppression systems
• Condensed aerosol fire suppression systems
• Foam extinguishing systems
• Deluge extinguishing fire suppression systems
• Wet chemical suppression systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Detection tube fire suppression systems

Each type of automatic fire suppression system is suited for different fire hazards and environments, making it essential to select the appropriate system based on the specific needs and risks of the area being protected. Thus, speaking to a suppression professional is paramount if you want your system to deliver the best results in the event of a fire.

Key Benefits of Automatic Fire Suppression Installation

Now that you have a clear vision of why automatic suppression is more effective than manual suppression and what the different types of automatic suppression systems you can install are, there are an extensive number of benefits that contribute to why this fire extinguishing method is so popular within modern businesses and homes around the globe.

• Unattended protection: No one has to be present for the system to work its magic so everyone can leave the building promptly
• Extensive range of systems: There is an abundance of these on the market for all different types of fires and environments, so you won’t be stuck for choice
• Rapid release time: Some of these systems can detect and release fluid into the area of the fire between 10-60 seconds, meaning fire will be suppressed quickly
• Reduces the chance of downtime and damaged equipment: Fires are often connected with financial losses, but these systems preserve business continuity and reduce insurance costs.
• Protection at all times: These units offer constant monitoring, ensuring round-the-clock defence even when the premises are vacant or during non-operational hours.
• Life Safety: They will protect occupants by suppressing fires and creating safe evacuation routes, enhancing overall safety from life-threatening injuries in residential and commercial spaces.

Bottom Line

Learning the importance of automatic fire suppression installation may have shocked a few of you or even made you more aware and alert to implement this in your business or home today. Our duty is to ensure lives are saved and businesses can stay up and running during the most difficult of hazards.

If you’re wondering where, how, or what automatic fire extinguishing system would work for your building, we recommend you get in touch with our team of specialists today. Whether you don’t know the type of system you need or want to install one immediately, we’re available 24/7 to give you our unrivalled support.