The key to a successful fire suppression system installation is to have a good design based on your specific equipment. The process starts with evaluating your hazards, the type of equipment or area the system will protect, and what type of suppression agent is best suited for your application. Based on these factors, a fire suppression system will be designed to meet your unique needs. Your local distributor or the manufacturer provides this expert help to ensure you find the right fire suppression system.
Systems and Agents
Available systems:
- Direct Low Pressure (DLP)
- Indirect Low Pressure (ILP)
- Indirect High Pressure (IHP)
- Engineered Systems
Fire suppression agents:
- Purple K BC Dry Chemical Powder
- ABC Dry Chemical Powder
- 3M Novec 1230
- Chemours FM-200
- CO2 system
It is important to check with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure the system you have selected meets the rules and regulations for the machine or area you are protecting.
Time to Install Fire Suppression System
Once you have selected a system and the design has been created, you are ready to install. Installation is completed by authorized distributors, application engineers, or trained end users. The time to install a fire suppression system depends on the system and the complexity of the equipment being protected. Installation typically takes around 4 hours for a pneumatic system and up to 16 hours for electrical systems. Times vary based on the complexity of the installation, components used, and type of system being installed. Electrical systems have a longer installation time because of the electrical routing and wiring, unlike a pneumatic detection only system that does not require power or a battery backup to activate. We will be reviewing the installation of a typical pneumatic fire suppression system.
Necessary Materials for Installation
- Design, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance (DIOM) manual for your fire suppression system
- Tape measure
- Stopwatch
- Wrenches
- Ratchets
- Power drill
- Mounting hardware (nuts, bolts, washers)
- Fire Suppression System
- Cylinder assembly
- Cylinder mounting bracket
- Discharge hosing/piping and fittings
- Discharge nozzles
- Firetrace Detection Tubing (FDT) and fittings
- Clips and/or zip ties
- Pressure gauges
- Optional manual release
- Optional time delay unit
- Optional indication module
- Optional pressure switches for automatic shutdown
PneumaticFire Suppression System Installation
After scheduling the installation appointment, the trained installer will review the equipment layout to make sure the design can be correctly implemented. It is important to ensure that no system limitations are being exceeded. The system limitations can be found by reviewing the Design, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual (DIOM) provided by the manufacturer. The installer will mount the cylinder bracket in a location that is accessible but far enough from hazards and heat sources. The cylinders supplied are filled with the fire suppression agent and pressurized, ready for installation and commissioning.
When using an ILP system, discharge nozzles are installed and connected to the cylinder valve by a secured discharge network of pipe or hose and associated fittings. Nozzles are placed in locations that effectively target fire hazards and uniformly cover the areas of concern. The discharge network will transport the fire suppressant agent from the cylinder to the discharge nozzles in the event of a fire.
The Firetrace Detection Tubing is routed through the hazard area inside the equipment and connected to the cylinder valve. The purpose of the tubing is to act as a linear heat detector. When a fire is detected, it will trigger the release of the fire suppression agent. In a DLP system, the FDT also acts as the delivery system for the suppression agent discharge and directly releases the agent onto a fire via the burst hole in the FDT. In an ILP system, the detection tubing will trigger the cylinder valve to release the fire suppression agent via the discharge network.
Various ancillary components can be added to the fire suppression system to provide additional functionality. Indication modules determine the current status of the system and provide visual confirmation of whether the system is charged or in need of service. Pressure switches provide dry contacts and allow many functional outputs such as shutting down equipment automatically when a fire is detected. The time delay causes the system to wait a set amount of time to release agent from the moment of fire detection. The time delay is used when a fan or other equipment has a rundown time that could affect the fire suppression event.
Commissioning, Inspection, and Maintenance
The final step is commissioning. The individual allowed to commission the system depends on permission from the AHJ and fire suppression system manufacturer. Commissioning involves a final inspection, testing of all system components, and activating the system to its commissioned state. Once the system is commissioned, it should be regularly maintained and inspected for optimal performance.
FAQs
The key to installing an efficient and effective fire suppression system is to have a fire protection design. You need to start by assessing all your fire hazards, evaluating the type of equipment you require, the area your system will protect and the type of suppression agent you need.
How is a fire suppression system installed? ›
Pneumatic Fire Suppression System Installation
The installer will mount the cylinder bracket in a location that is accessible but far enough from hazards and heat sources. The cylinders supplied are filled with the fire suppression agent and pressurized, ready for installation and commissioning.
What are the basics of fire suppression system? ›
A fire suppression system will have built-in components to detect fires as early as possible. These components will first identify the presence of flames and smoke. The suppression system will then initiate an alarm, so the blaze can be subdued before it has the chance to spread.
How do you install a fire system? ›
The installation process typically involves cutting and framing walls and ceilings, as well as installing piping and other components necessary for the fire suppression system to work properly.
What are the basics of a fire sprinkler system? ›
Installed in ceilings or side walls, the system consists of a water supply, a water distribution piping system and sprinkler heads. The sprinkler discharges water automatically when a fire is detected, though it is not triggered by smoke.
Can you install your own fire suppression system? ›
Attempting a DIY fire suppression installation may result in errors, system malfunction, or inadequate fire protection, underscoring the importance of relying on qualified professionals for fire suppression system installation.
How long does it take to install a fire suppression system? ›
In regards to how long it takes to install a fire suppression system, this depends on whether it is a pneumatic or electrical system. Pneumatic systems only take up to 4 hours to install, whereas electrical systems take multiple visits - taking up to 16 hours for a full installation.
What are the OSHA requirements for fire suppression? ›
OSHA requires that all employees be trained to use fire extinguishers. Training is required upon employment and at least annually thereafter. It is recommended the training session cover how to determine when a fire is too big to handle; what type of extinguisher to use; and the PASS system of early-stage firefighting.
What are the three Cs of fire suppression? ›
Communication, coordination, and control are the three Cs that represent the firefighting principles of successful ventilation.
What is the most common fire suppression system? ›
Water. A fire suppression system that relies on water is the most common type of fire suppression system, and most people choose to have them installed in businesses and buildings.
Fire system installation is the process of designing, creating, and configuring a comprehensive system to detect, contain, and suppress potential fires within a building. The installation includes smoke, heat and flame detectors, an alarm system, and fire suppression equipment.
What are the materials used in fire suppression system? ›
Generally, there are three major classifications of fire suppression materials: water-based agents, chemical agents, and inert gasses. 1. Water-based agents are the most commonly used fire suppression material and include water, foam concentrates, and wet and dry chemical extinguishing agents.
What is the difference between fire suppression and fire sprinkler system? ›
A fire suppression system, like a fire sprinkler system, is used to extinguish or control fires, and is activated by heat, smoke, or a combination of the two. However, a fire suppression system uses gaseous, chemical, or foam fire suppression agents to suppress the fire, rather than water.
What are the seven steps to installing a sprinkler system? ›
Installing a DIY Underground Sprinkler System
- Step 1: Learn More About Your Water Supply. ...
- Step 2: Craft an Irrigation Map. ...
- Step 3: Buy Supplies. ...
- Step 4: Guide Your Installation Using String and Stakes. ...
- Step 5: Dig the Trenches and Connect the Pipe. ...
- Step 6: Plug in the Water Source. ...
- Step 7: Turn on the Water.
The industry benchmark for design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems, NFPA 13 addresses sprinkler system design approaches, system installation, and component options to prevent fire deaths and property loss.
Is a fire suppression system the same as a sprinkler system? ›
A fire suppression system, like a fire sprinkler system, is used to extinguish or control fires, and is activated by heat, smoke, or a combination of the two. However, a fire suppression system uses gaseous, chemical, or foam fire suppression agents to suppress the fire, rather than water.
What is the difference between a fire protection system and a fire suppression system? ›
Fire prevention systems aim to minimize potential fire hazards. Fire protection reduces damage and helps to safely evacuate a building. Fire suppression systems are intended to extinguish the flames.
Does a fire suppression system need power? ›
Not generally although some may depend on electric powered pumps to supply the system to some degree. There are both wet and dry systems, and they are triggered by heat. In a dry system there will be compressed air or nitrogen that fills the pipes to prevent freezing.
Can you remove a fire suppression system? ›
When you wish to remove your Halon 1301 system or other types of agents, ORR can safely and properly disconnect and remove your suppression system. In addition, some agents can be recycled for LEED's point credits.
