What is the Difference Between a Fire Sprinkler and Fire Suppression System?

When a fire breaks out in a building, the owners and residents have just one thing in mind. Put the fire out.

Whether you're using a fire sprinkler or a fire sprinkler suppression system, you simply want to stop a fire and make sure everyone is safe. Both a fire sprinkler system and fire suppressors can do this.

So how do you know which is best? Keep reading to learn about the difference between a fire suppressor system and a fire sprinkler system.

Fire Sprinkler

A fire sprinkler system is a series of sprinklers spread throughout the building. The sprinklers release water to extinguish and slow down fires before authorities can arrive. Both heat and smoke set off the sprinklers.

In most cases, water can effectively stop a fire. Furthermore, you'll spend less money to operate a sprinkler because water is relatively inexpensive and readily available. Plus, sprinkler systems reduce greenhouse emissions caused by fires.

With that said, should the sprinklers go off accidentally, you will suffer water damage. They also cannot stop all fires, such as grease fires for example.

Suppression System

A fire suppression system suffocates a fire using gas agents, foam agents, or other chemical agents other than water. Because they do not use water to stop the fire, most modern suppression systems will not damage assets when they go off. Furthermore, they stop chemical-based and grease fires rapidly.

Fire suppressor systems vary, depending on the types of fires you're trying to distinguish. Here are a few common systems.

FM 200

This system is the most common for large companies with multiple sites. The system releases a chemical gas that stops the chemical reaction occurring between oxygen and combustible materials. It acts quickly, extinguishing the fire in ten seconds or less.

Best of all, this system leaves no residue and requires no cleanup. It's safe for electronics as well as people.

Wet Chemical

This system pushes out a vaporous liquid that reacts with oil and grease. It creates a cooling foam that puts the fire out and stops the reignition process. It works best for restaurants and other big kitchens.

Dry Fire Suppression

This system releases a dry powder. The fire activates on it and stops. Many compare a dry suppression system to what a fire extinguisher would do.

The system will leave a residue, but it is safe for people and electronics

CO2 Suppression

This system removes the fuel that feeds the fire. In short, it either displaces or takes away the oxygen the fire needs to keep going.

This system is not safe for people. As a result, many businesses will use it in engine rooms, generator rooms, power stations, and around large industrial machines.

Stop the Fire

Both a fire sprinkler and a fire suppression system can stop a fire adequately. Consider your building needs, and then choose the best system for your property.

Do you need a consultation If so, give us a call, and we will take care of all your security and fire safety needs. We provide our customers with unmatched service each and every day.

Contact us today, and let us take care of you.