Facilities that contain flammable or combustible liquids require such fire suppression systems as FM 200, carbon dioxide, wet chemical, or dry chemical. These systems use gaseous or chemical agents specially designed to extinguish the fire’s source. In some cases, the code only requires a fire sprinkler system. But a facility’s owner may decide to install a specific system in order to protect certain items from water damage. The following provides insight into each type of fire suppression system and their common applications.
FM 200 Fire Suppression Systems
FM 200 is a clean agent fire suppression system. Once the system activates, it dispenses the agent into the fire; absorbs the heat, and lowers the fire’s temperature below the ignition point. Since the fire suppression agent leaves no residue and requires no cleanup, it’s ideal for use in computer rooms, museums, historical archives, and many other applications. FM 200 fire suppression system benefits include requiring little storage space for the fire extinguishing agent in comparison to a carbon dioxide system. Additionally, the system can be located in areas occupied by the facility’s personnel.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems
When activated a carbon dioxide fire suppression system releases a gaseous agent into the fire. Then it works to extinguishes the flames by displacing the oxygen. These systems work quickly, efficiently, and leave no residue. Many places that have printing presses, spray booths, flammable liquid storage, and dip tanks utilize this system. Major issues with carbon dioxide suppression systems are that the gaseous agent is extremely dangerous to humans. Unfortunately, carbon dioxide fire suppression system’s locations are sometimes where people work. In this scenario, facilities must take certain precautionary measures to comply with NFPA and OSHA requirements. These additional precautionary measures help to protect the facility’s personnel.
Wet Chemical Fire Suppression Systems
Cooking applications use wet chemical suppression systems. When there’s an emergency the system dispenses a chemical; suppresses the fire, blankets the flames, and prevents the fire from reigniting. This fire suppression system requires minimal cleanup after activation which prevents loss of work and profits.
Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems
Dry chemical fire suppression systems expel a chemical powder designed to extinguish flames caused by flammable and combustible liquids. Some areas in a facility that use the chemical powder agent include mechanical rooms, furnace rooms, flammable liquid storage areas, and other places as well. Dry chemical fire suppression systems work very quickly to extinguish fires, but their chemical agent can cause quite a mess. Although, cleaning up a mess is a small price to pay when compared to the detrimental results of a fire.
Other than a wet chemical system which is always required in kitchen areas, FM 200, carbon dioxide, and dry chemical systems are used in more than one type of application. Fire & life safety service providers will consult with The Authority Having Jurisdiction and review NFPA code requirements to determine which type of fire suppression system is needed based on the hazard in the facility. If you have any questions about fire suppression systems please contact one of our Fire & Life Safety Experts.
Categorized in: Education, Fire Suppression, General