3 Types of Fire Suppression Systems for Your Office

Is your office protected if there is fire breakout? Here are 3 Types of Fire Suppression Systems for Your Office that can save you and your properties

In the United States, damage from office and store fires reaches $800 million a year, according to the U.S. Fire Safety Administration. That is why it is imprtant to immplement fire suppression system for your office. To avoid expensive damage, disruption to your operations, and loss of life, you should take key measures to avert a fire altogether, including providing your employees with prevention training, familiarizing yourself with and following your local fire codes, and identifying high-risk areas in your office.

3 Types of Fire Suppression Systems for Your Office

Even when you take steps to prevent a fire, one can still occur. In these cases, you must be already prepared for what to do. You should develop an evacuation plan, maintain fire safety equipment, and have regular drills. Additionally, you should make sure you have the right suppression system for your office. This system is your first line of defense in putting out a fire and keeping your employees and your business safe. 

Here are the three different types of fire suppression systems that are used in workplaces.

1. Water Systems

Water-based sprinkler systems are the most common means of suppressing fire in offices. Sprinklers come in many forms and vary by how they are turned on. Some sense heat or smoke, while others must be turned on manually.

Wet-pipe sprinklers are connected to the building’s water pipes. They are automatically triggered by heat under the sprinkler and spray water only in those areas where the fire is detected. These are the most common systems used in offices.

Areas that are prone to freezing may use a dry-pipe system instead. Like the wet-pipe system, the sprinklers operate automatically when heat is sensed, and only those sprinklers that are open by fire will spray. However, with dry-pipe sprinklers, the piping system contains air or nitrogen, and water is only released into the pipe in the event of a fire.

One type of dry-pipe system is a pre-action sprinkler system, which uses a dual-action detection process. This suppression method is sometimes used when an inadvertent release of the sprinklers could cause costly damage.

Water-based fire suppression is not appropriate for all workplaces. In some cases, such as electrical fires, water can create an additional hazard for employees and customers. If you are in an office where water would cause danger or significant damage, another type of suppression method may be advisable.

2. Chemical Systems

Pressured dry chemical systems work by absorbing heat from the fire. The benefits of using chemical agents are that they leave no residue, do not damage equipment, and can extinguish fires before they are visible. This fire prevention method is more expensive to install than water-based alternatives but could save you from costly water damage to your workplace.

Dry chemical systems are ideal for suppressing fires that involve highly flammable liquids, which is why they are often used in chemical storage warehouses and auto painting booths. They can also be used in areas with live electrical equipment, where water would create a risk of electrocution for employees.

A wet chemical system is another option for your office. These systems often use potassium carbonate, which is commonly used in fire extinguishers. Wet chemicals are often used for controlling fires in restaurants, and you may want to consider using these agents in communal cooking areas.

3. Gas Systems

Without oxygen, fires cannot burn. Gas systems work by displacing the available oxygen. These systems are commonly used as suppression alternatives in industrial applications or places where wet systems could cause expensive damage to valuable equipment.

With carbon dioxide fire suppression, an area is flooded with carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is relatively inexpensive, so large amounts can be used to quickly control a fire. This method is highly effective but is very dangerous for people. It is typically reserved for unoccupied spaces like warehouses or data centers.

In inert gas systems, nitrogen, aragonite, or other similar gases are used to cut off the fire’s supply of oxygen. Inert agents are more expensive than carbon dioxide but are much safer for people.

The right fire suppression system for your office will depend on the individual needs of your workplace. You will need to evaluate your building, your equipment, and your budget to decide. Fire suppression preparedness should always happen in conjunction with fire prevention measures.