Differences Between a Fire Sprinkler and Fire Suppression System

 

There is a common purpose that is shared by fire sprinkler and fire suppression systems. And the purpose is extinguishing a fire. A few parts of their systems may seem to be identical. But the manner in which they either extinguish or regulate fires and their applications, fire sprinkler and suppression systems are quite dissimilar. Also, there are various types of fire sprinkler and suppression systems. 

 

The principal differences between a fire sprinkler and fire suppression system installation are how they extinguish fires and their applications. Fire sprinklers apply water for extinguishing and regulating fires. Whereas fire suppression systems may employ a lot of various agents. It becomes crucial to figure out if water from fire sprinklers will lead to any extra damage to the property before you decide on whether to use a sprinkler or suppression system. 

 

Extinguishing a Fire 

 

Once a fire sprinkler or fire suppression systems detect any smoke, heat, or both, they become activated. The main function of any fire sprinkler system is to apply water for extinguishing or controlling flames and mitigate the spread of fire until firefighters arrive. However, the commonest fire suppression systems utilize gaseous, chemical, or foam agents to subdue a fire. 

 

Fire Sprinkler and Fire Suppression Applications 

 

Fire sprinkler systems are an effective tool for everyday applications and for minimizing any sort of property damage caused due to a fire. If water can contain a certain type of fire, facilities apply fire sprinklers. In specific instances, a fire suppression system is the only option to extinguish a fire by the fire alarm systems in Glendora. It happens to be a feasible option too, during instances where water may cause irreparable damage to the property it’s meant to protect. 

 

Commonest Types of Suppression Systems and Applications 

 

Carbon Dioxide 

 

• Works faster and effectively. It is a gaseous agent which is very dangerous for humans 

• Printing presses, flammable liquid storage, spray booths, and dip tanks  

FM 200 Fire Suppression 

• Needs zero cleanup, and doesn’t leave any residue 

• Suitable for museums, computer rooms, historical archives, and several other applications 

Dry Chemical Suppression 

• Works faster for extinguishing flames caused due to combustible and flammable liquids 

• Furnace rooms, mechanical rooms, flammable liquid storage areas  

Wet Chemical Fire Suppression 

• Creates vapor suppression foam, to avoid re-ignition effectively  

• Appropriate for kitchen applications 

 

Commonest Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems and Applications 

 

Dry Pipe Sprinkler  

• Fill with water once the system activates 

• Perfect for unheated buildings like warehouses 

Wet Pipe Sprinkler 

• Always filled with water and prepared to go 

• Mostly found in hospitals, hotels, office buildings, and high-rise buildings 

Deluge Sprinkler 

• Sprinkler heads always open, pipes fill with water once activated 

• Applied in areas of high hazard like chemical storage facilities and aircraft hangars  

Pre-action Sprinkler 

• Necessitates activation of an additional fire detection system 

• Perfect for situations where accidental activation may lead to major damage like in data centers, libraries, museums, etc. 

 

Inference  

 

Irrespective of their differences, both fire sprinkler, and fire suppression systems are intended to extinguish or regulate a fire. It is dependent on the kind of fire hazard and code requirements whether there’s a fire sprinkler or fire suppression system solution to suit the needs of your facility. You only need to look for the best fire alarm service In Glendora.