In short, a fire suppression system
is, to a degree, precisely what it sounds like – a system used to suppress
and/or extinguish a fire within a building.
Note that fire suppression systems
are different than fire sprinkler systems. Fire sprinklers always use water in
copious amounts to extinguish and/or control a fire. Water damage to the
contents of the room/building can often occur as a result, but lives are saved,
as is the structure.
With fire suppression systems,
however, they use other types of suppressing agents besides water. These
suppressing agents include CO2, chemical, or inert gases. As discussed in detail below, these agents have unique
properties that are ideal for protecting sensitive equipment and contents
within a building even while suppressing a fire.
A suppression system aims to take
action before a fire gets a chance to grow and spread, truly minimizing
potential damages. This often means that these systems activate at a much
earlier stage in the fire’s development than do fire sprinklers.
Note that fire suppression systems
are different than fire sprinkler systems. Fire sprinklers always use water in
copious amounts to extinguish and/or control a fire. Water damage to the
contents of the room/building can often occur as a result, but lives are saved,
as is the structure.
With fire suppression systems,
however, they use other types of suppressing agents besides water. These
suppressing agents include CO2, chemical, or inert gases. As discussed in detail below, these agents have unique
properties that are ideal for protecting sensitive equipment and contents
within a building even while suppressing a fire.
A suppression system aims to take
action before a fire gets a chance to grow and spread, truly minimizing
potential damages. This often means that these systems activate at a much
earlier stage in the fire’s development than do fire sprinklers.