What Are the Different Types of Fire Suppression Systems Available?

Fire suppression systems are essential for protecting lives, property, and assets from a fire. There are many different types of fire suppression systems available, each designed to tackle specific fire hazards in certain environments. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is best for your specific needs?

In this blog, we’ll explore four different types of fire suppression systems available on the market, looking at their key features and what environments they’re most suited for, allowing you to make an informed decision to safeguard your business.

4 different types of fire suppression systems available

From water-based fire suppression systems, to gas-based fire suppression systems, there are many types of solutions available from industry-leading brands, and below, we breakdown the four most effective systems available on the market.

Ansul fire suppression system

One of the most popular options for fire suppression systems is the Ansul system. Known for its effectiveness in quickly detecting and suppressing fires, it’s a user-friendly and reliable choice for many types of environments including commercial kitchens, industrial plants, and businesses that store or use hazardous products. 

It primarily uses wet chemical agents to not only extinguish fires, but also create a barrier to prevent re-ignition, which works particularly well for grease and oil-based fires usually found in cooking facilities. In most cases, Ansul systems are integrated with fire alarm systems to automatically detect and suppress a fire, creating a cohesive and rapid response in the event of an emergency.

Key features of the Ansul fire suppression system:

• Designed for fire hazards in commercial kitchens and industrial environments.
• Uses wet chemical agents to smother flames and prevent reignition.
• Often integrated with automatic detection systems for rapid response.
• Meets industry standards and compliance requirements for fire safety.

FM-200 fire suppression systems

Introduced as a replacement for halon-based systems, FM-200 fire suppression systems are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to protect your business from the threat of fire. They use a clean agent gas that is colourless and odourless to effectively extinguish fires quickly – usually in 10 seconds or less.

They don’t cause damage to sensitive equipment or leave behind residue, and this is one of the main reasons that makes FM-200 systems ideal for environments such as data centres, telecommunications facilities, and electrical rooms, where water-based fire suppression systems aren’t suitable.

Key features of FM-200 fire suppression systems:

• Fast-acting, typically extinguishing fires within seconds.
• Non-conductive and safe for use in areas with electrical equipment.
• Leaves no residue, reducing cleanup and downtime.
• Recognised as an environmentally friendly replacement for older halon-based systems.

Novec 1230 fire suppression system

Similar to FM-200 systems, a Novec 1230 fire suppression system is another clean agent solution known for its environmental benefits and effectiveness in suppressing fires. Ideal for areas with sensitive equipment and valuable assets, it’s the go-to solution for when rapid fire suppression is key as it can discharge in 10 seconds or less. It’s also suitable for use in buildings where people are present.

These systems work by removing heat from a fire, which interrupts the combustion process. The carbon, fluoride, and oxygen elements it contains has zero ozone depletion potential and a short atmospheric lifetime.

Key features of a Novec 1230 fire suppression system:

• Low global warming potential, making it an eco-friendly option.
• Non-toxic to humans and safe for occupied spaces.
• Quickly suppresses fires by removing heat and preventing combustion.
• Ideal for use in IT server rooms, control centres, and museums.

Inergen fire suppression system

An Inergen fire suppression system is an inert gas-based system that uses a mixture of nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide to extinguish fires. When dispersed, the agent reduces a fire’s oxygen levels, which helps suppress the fire without leaving any residue behind. As these systems disperse only natural gases, it makes them safe to use in occupied spaces without causing harm to people, property, or the environment.

The beauty of Inergen systems is that they’re designed to detect smoke and automatically release the agent before a fire starts, significantly reducing the amount of damage caused. These particular systems are often used in enclosed areas where water-based fire suppression systems are not suitable.

Key features of an Inergen fire suppression system:

• They don’t produce harmful byproducts or leave residue behind.
• Safe for use in occupied areas as it maintains breathable oxygen levels.
• Suitable for environments such as power plants, control rooms, and museums.
• Effectively suppresses fires without damaging sensitive equipment.

Which system is right for your property?

Choosing the right fire suppression system for your building and environment will depend on several factors, including the nature of your property, the types of fire risks present, and local regulatory requirements.

Ultimately, the best way to determine the right system is to conduct a fire risk assessment. This will help you identify fire hazards specific to your premises and the people most at risk. As well as that, it will enable you to devise a fire safety strategy to help mitigate these risks, which may include installing a number of fire safety measures, such as a fire suppression system, fire alarm system, or fire extinguishers for example.

Not only does a fire risk assessment help you determine which fire suppression system you need for your business, it also ensures you’re adhering to your legal obligations as set by The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. You should also make sure that the assessment is carried by a competent and qualified fire safety professional.

Speak to us today for your fire safety needs

With so many different types of fire suppression systems available, we hope we’ve given you a better understanding of the different solutions available to you. Choosing which one is right for your premises should be based on a fire risk assessment.

At TVF Fire Protection, we specialise in supplying and installing a range of fire suppression systems to help protect your property. Our BAFE-accredited professionals will work closely with you to install your system to your exact requirements, while ensuring you’re adhering to fire safety legislation. We can also conduct a fire risk assessment of your property to help advise you on the best system for your environment.

Contact us today to learn more about your options and ensure your property is fully protected against fire hazards.

Fire suppression systems FAQs

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

Fire suppression systems use alternative extinguishing agents such as gas, foam, or chemicals, whereas fire sprinkler systems rely on water. Suppression systems are ideal for environments where water could cause damage, such as data centres and commercial kitchens.

Are fire suppression systems safe for occupied spaces?

Yes, some fire suppression systems are safe to use in occupied places, such as Novec 1230 and Inergen, as they are designed to be safe for human occupancy while effectively suppressing fires. If you’re unsure, speak to our experts for more guidance.

Can I retrofit a fire suppression system into an existing building?

Yes, most fire suppression systems can be installed in existing buildings. However, the feasibility and cost will depend on the building layout and fire risks present. Our qualified professionals can provide you with expert guidance on the technicalities of installing a system to an existing building.