When protecting a large-scale industrial site against fire damage, a cost effective and efficient choice is the fire suppression system.

In a market full of solutions, the biggest challenge isn’t installation or maintenance but determining, which is the most reliable, trustworthy best fit system to prevent loss of life and minimise damage.

A water mist sprinkler is a fixed fire suppression system that forces a cone of water spray through pipes and out of micro nozzles to control, suppress or extinguish a fire. When a fire encounters the mist droplets, both heat and oxygen are reduced, putting out the fire. The system is installed in large data rooms where flammable liquids or electrical equipment is stored.

This brief guide outlines the 4 most common types of systems available, weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of each. Meaning all the hard work is done for you!

The sprinkler heads are open, and the pipe isn’t pressurised with air. Instead its connected to a water supply which is released by a heat sensitive detection tube when a fire spreads.

The water mixes with a foam concentrate causing it to expand. The system is installed when a site is considered high hazard. Such sites include tanker loading bays, power plants, and aircraft hangers.

A gas system, also referred to as a clean agent fire suppression system, uses inert gases and chemical agents to prevent a fire. Discharging a clear, colourless and odourless agent.

When released the agent has a chemical reaction with the fire, removing the oxygen content to below 15% where most materials don’t burn. The system may be installed where high value assets are stored.

A sprinkler system is made up of heads, pipes and an external water source. Each of the sprinkler heads is connected to a piping system with a valve that stops water leaking out, this system attaches to an external source, typically a water tank.

When heat is detected a glycerine-based liquid expands breaking a bulb in the sprinkler head. The valve opens allowing pressurised water to spray out in the designated spray pattern.