For most people, it is an easy mistake to make – that fire sprinklers and fire suppression systems are the same.
As crucial as fire protection systems are, most building owners would be unable to tell them apart. For most people, it is an easy mistake to make – that fire sprinklers and fire suppression systems are the same. However, fire protection experts know better. Here are some of the differences.
Fire Sprinklers
Fire sprinklers are much more commonly seen than fire suppression systems. However, that is not the only difference. They rely on a steady water supply provided by the public water supply or through fire pumps to contain and extinguish any fires that ignite around them. When there is heat from a fire, the glass rod in the fire sprinkler heads will burst which releases pressure and activates the sprinkler system. This will spray water wherever the flames are concentrated. Depending on the needs of your building and industry, you can choose from the following types of sprinklers:
- Wet pipe
- Dry pipe
- Pre-action
- Deluge
However, there are some instances in which fire sprinklers are inappropriate for the setting. Here, they will do more harm than good. That is why fire suppression systems were created – an innovation that can also help protect your building against fire damage, but without the need for water. These are specialty systems that focus on equipment safety, not just life safety.
Fire Suppression
Fire suppression systems do not need to use water. This is because they dispense foam or gas instead.. Whether you are operating a data center or a museum, you will probably have assets, equipment, and exhibits that can be damaged or destroyed by water but will remain unaffected by other fire suppression methods. Some of the examples of these fire suppression systems include FM200, NOVEC1230, CO2, wet chemical, and dry chemical delivery systems. Getting the best return on your investment involves predicting the future and anticipating any fire emergencies that can happen. That means turning to a trusted fire protection partner to help you prepare for the next disaster. A fire protection engineer or specialist can advise you if a suppression system will be useful in protecting your building and company assets.
Fire Protection Services from Fireline
Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your commercial property, Fireline has you covered. We have been protecting people and property from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our excellent customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. We are located in Baltimore, MD, with a second office in Leesburg, VA. For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.