Knowing How Fire Suppression Systems Work Can Save Lives
Your business may have fire suppression systems installed to protect expensive machinery or vital processes, but unless you know how they operate, you may not be able to react correctly when a fire breaks out. At Marco Protection Systems, we believe knowledge is power; we want our customers to be empowered to make great life safety choices. That starts with knowing how our fire suppression systems operate. Whether you need a sprinkler inspection company in Lancaster County or new fire protection equipment, you can rely on the Marco team.
How Waterless Fire Suppression Systems Work
Those who have a clean agent that pumps through a suppression system instead of a water-based sprinkler system may wonder if it’s safe. The idea of a gas coming out of nozzles to put out a fire can sound a bit scary to those without fire suppression knowledge. Waterless fire suppression systems are completely safe. This is because the clean agent is typically stored safely in tanks away from where the bulk of building occupants spend their time.
The clean agent works by interrupting the chemical chain of fire and absorbing heat, one of the key elements for a fire to start and grow. Clean agents are a great option for protecting high-value assets like data centers or priceless artifacts because they are odorless, colorless, electrically non-conductive, and leave no residue. They are also safe for the environment and humans.
A CO2 suppression system is also odorless and colorless; it works by limiting the amount of oxygen available in the room. Without oxygen, a fire can’t spread. It is another one of the necessary ingredients to create fire. Because it affects a room’s oxygen levels, it is not recommended for human-occupied spaces.
A waterless fire suppression system contains three main components: the notification system, the smoke detectors, and the control panel.
The first thing that’s triggered is the smoke detector. When incipient fire signatures like smoke and other particles are detected in the air, a signal is sent to the control panel. The control panel releases a notification via horns and strobes and sometimes other mass notification systems (like mobile or email) to inform everyone to evacuate the area immediately.
After a timed delay (set for evacuation), the control panel informs the system to release the specific system’s agent through the pipe network, effectively putting out the fire.
Industrial Fire Suppression Systems
In industrial locations, there can be a lot of flammable gases, oils, and greases in the area that can make fire protection difficult. For industrial businesses, a dry chemical is typically used to suppress the fire.
A dry chemical industrial system is distributed much in the same way as CO2 but does leave behind a residue, as it uses one of two dry chemical agents: ABC Powder or BC Powder. While it can be a hassle to clean up, it does come at a more desirable price point as one of the least expensive fire suppression system options to install and maintain.
If you have an industrial business and you want to make sure that your employees and business are safe from a fire, then you need to work with one of the best fire protection companies in Philadelphia. Marco Protection Systems has the high-quality equipment you need and a dedicated team to get your system back online quickly after a fire.
Have Your Fire Suppression System Installed Today
Whether your business falls under the industrial, commercial, or restaurant category, we have a suppression system tailored to protect your property and hazards. Contact Marco for fire suppression installation and maintenance today.