Fire extinguishing systems are a must for every building in order to protect the building and the lives of people in case of a fire emergency.
Fire emergencies can compromise the complete structural integrity of a building, and thus fire security should not be taken as a joke.
Active fire extinguishing systems are automatic extinguishing units such as automatic fire sprinklers and alarm systems.
The purpose of these fire protection systems is to alert the inhabitants of the building in case of fire ignition and at the same time take measures to wipe the fire out of existence.
However, the passive fire protection systems wipe out the fire without taking any noticeable action using fire-resistant coatings, doors, and walls.
It is totally up to you which kind of fire extinguishing system you want to install in your building. Let us get to know about both the active and passive fire protection systems so that you can choose the right one for your building.
Automatic Fire Sprinklers
Automatic fire sprinklers are considered one of the essential components of fire extinguishing systems. An automatic fire sprinkler will sense the heat and temperature rise in your building and will take action.
Will all the fire sprinklers get activated if anyone fire sprinkler senses the heat in a particular part of a building? Well, No, not exactly! This is a widespread misconception about automatic fire sprinklers, which is not valid.
How do automatic fire sprinklers work? After sensing the fire ignition signal, a fire sprinkler will start sprinkling water on the fire. The water is enough to dampen the fire and to put it off completely.
Automatic fire sprinklers are considered one of the best, as they put off the fire when it is still in the ignition phase, hence stopping the fire from spreading and bringing more harm to the occupants and the building.
There are a number of types of Automatic fire sprinklers.
Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems
Wet pipe sprinklers are the most commonly used sprinklers and are very much cost-effective. They are filled with water and put off fire as soon as the fire ignites.
Dry Sprinkler Systems
Along with the water, dry sprinkler systems have a highly pressurized air in them, released before the water, and take part in putting off fire more efficiently.
Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems
Pre-action sprinkler systems are basically filled with air and contain water which goes first only if smoke or heat is sensed in the room or building. Pre-action sprinklers are used in data centres and libraries, where there is no space for accidents.
Deluge Sprinklers Systems
Deluge sprinkler systems are most commonly used in industrial settings, where there are chances of spillage of combustible liquids and are equipped with open nozzles.
Automatic fire sprinkler systems are commonly installed in the construction phases of the buildings but can be installed afterwards as well.
Stand Pipes
Standpipes are the hose valves that firefighters can use to connect to the building’s main water supply to put off the fire.
They show a remarkable resemblance to automatic fire sprinklers. Standpipes are usually installed in the stairs of the building but can be installed on the building floors as well.
Standpipes can be installed only in the construction phases of the building, as they need to connect with the main water supply.
Fire Alarm Systems
The latest fire safety laws regulate fire safety alarms, and their primary role is to inform the occupants of the building in case of a fire emergency.
Fire alarm systems are installed in every room of the building. Automatic alarm systems can sense both the heat and the smoke in case of fire ignition in the room.
Fire Command Systems
Fire command systems are highly helpful in notifying the fire emergency in real-time. The system evaluates the fire ignition and enhances communication for fire emergencies and all other emergencies a well.
Smoke Control Systems
We cannot deny the fact that smoke is as dangerous as the fire itself. Only smoke can cause a severe emergency and problems for the occupants of the building.
As the name shows, Smoke control systems are made especially for controlling the smoke in the building. Smoke control systems are made up of mechanical systems, including doors, dampers, shutters, and fans.
All of them work together to control the spread of fire in case of a fire emergency. Smoke control systems work best with automatic fire sprinkler systems and are usually installed in the construction phase of the building.
I hope a clear idea of the components of fire protection system, and it will be easier for you to rule out the right system for your building. Don’t forget that the primary purpose of the fire protection systems is to control the fire emergency and protect people and buildings from the wrath of fire!
