Fire Suppression Systems: Types and Applications

Fire suppression systems detect and extinguish fires automatically. Water sprinkler systems are the most well-known, but clean agent systems, foam systems, and specialized systems for commercial kitchens are equally important.

Water sprinklers cool the fire and displace oxygen. Each sprinkler head activates independently when ceiling temperature reaches 155 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Only sprinklers nearest the fire activate—not the entire system.

Clean agent systems use gaseous agents like FM-200, Novec 1230, or CO2 to extinguish fires by displacing oxygen and interrupting the chemical reaction. These are used in data centers, museums, and spaces where water damage would be catastrophic.