What Are the Different Types of Fire Suppression Systems?

Fire suppression systems are key safety elements in any building - from homes and offices to factories. They are created to detect and put out fires early on by stopping flames from spreading and reducing harm. Many people recognize traditional sprinkler systems, but the world of fire suppression is full of many different types that cater to a range of specific needs.

This article will take a closer look at these various fire suppression systems, what they do, their strengths and weaknesses and the importance of fire curtains, like those made by Smoke Guard.

Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems

Water-based fire suppression systems, including sprinkler systems, are the most prevalent due to their cost-efficiency and notable fire-extinguishing capabilities. Equipped with temperature-sensitive components, they are designed to discharge water when a specific temperature limit is exceeded.

Advantages: Sprinkler systems are highly effective against most types of fires, relatively cheap and easy to maintain.

Disadvantages: They can cause water damage and are not suitable for spaces with electronic equipment or other water-sensitive materials.

Chemical-Based Fire Suppression Systems

Chemical-based fire suppression systems are commonly used in areas where water can potentially cause more harm than good, like server rooms and data centers. These systems use clean agents like FM-200 and NOVEC 1230, which are gaseous chemicals that suppress fire by absorbing heat or disrupting the chemical reaction of fire.

Advantages: Chemical systems can effectively extinguish fires without causing collateral damage to sensitive equipment. They are also quick to act, electrically non-conductive and leave no residue.

Disadvantages: They are more expensive to install and maintain compared to water-based systems.

Inert Gas Fire Suppression Systems

Inert gas systems, such as those using Argonite or Inergen gases, suppress fires by reducing the oxygen levels in a room to a point where combustion is no longer possible.

Advantages: These systems cause no harm to equipment, people or the environment.

Disadvantages: They require a lot of storage space for gas cylinders and can be costly.

Foam-Based Fire Suppression Systems

Foam-based systems are typically used in places where flammable liquids are stored, such as fuel storage facilities. The foam suppresses the fire by cooling the fire and separating the flames from the fuel source.

Advantages: Foam-based systems can effectively suppress liquid-based fires and can prevent re-ignition.

Disadvantages: They can cause damage to electronic equipment and are not suitable for all types of fires.

The Role of Smoke and Fire Curtains

Smoke and fire curtains, like those from Smoke Guard, create a barrier to prevent the spread of smoke and flames. They are designed to deploy automatically in the event of a fire by closing off areas and providing safe routes for evacuation. Smoke Guard fire and smoke mitigation solutions are an excellent adjunct to any fire suppression system, and they offer an added layer of protection and help to save lives and limit property damage.

M1000 Vertical Window Protection

The M1000 is specifically engineered to safeguard window openings during a fire incident. This system features a flexible curtain made of fire-resistant fabric housed within a sturdy steel frame. It is secured on both sides with a guide assembly and includes a sealing bar at the bottom.

While it can be mounted on ceilings, typical installations often involve positioning the system within a window frame, above a window on the wall or directly onto the wall.

Standard Elevator Smoke Containment

M200 and M400 elevator smoke containment curtains can be installed along with fire-rated doors in elevators to provide full protection against smoke and drafts in compliance with building codes. The curtains are easy to install and can be seamlessly integrated with existing fire protection systems to help ensure that a building is promptly brought up to code.

Vertical Fire and Smoke Curtains

The M2100 is a cost-effective solution for openings that require fire and smoke protection. It consists of a fire and smoke-rated fabric curtain that can be vertically deployed from a steel housing. The curtain is equipped with side guide assemblies that keep it in place and a bottom bar to seal it at the floors. This system can be used to protect openings in countertops, fire-rated corridors and atrium constructions.

M4000 Perimeter Curtain

The M4000, now 1784 certified, is designed for vertical deployment as a boundary curtain. There is no requirement for corner support posts, so they can be utilized to shield areas like stairwells or escalators from smoke and fire. Moreover, it can also function as smoke storage in expansive spaces such as atriums or upper floors.

This boundary curtain is capable of boosting the performance of existing mechanical smoke and fire containment systems while also providing additional fire protection. It offers flexible installation options that allow it to be configured as a fully enclosed box or a multifaceted open-ended shape, with or without side-guided captures.

Take the Lead in Fire Safety: Invest in Smoke Guard Superior Fire Protection Solutions

Fire safety is of paramount importance in any building, and one significant component is the use of smoke and fire curtains from Smoke Guard. Our innovative solutions are designed to provide an additional layer of protection against the spread of smoke and fire. The incorporation of Smoke Guard barriers into your building’s fire safety strategy can provide vital extra minutes for evacuation and emergency response.