Fire suppression systems are an important part of any building’s fire protection strategy. They are designed to extinguish fires quickly and effectively, limiting damage to property and protecting the lives of building occupants. In this article, we will explore the different types of fire suppression systems available, specifically Inergen, FM 200 System & Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression System, and how they are used for building protection in compliance with the Civil Defence regulations in Abu Dhabi.
- Inergen System: Inergen is a fire suppression system that uses a mixture of three naturally occurring gases: nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. The system works by releasing the gas mixture into the protected area, displacing the oxygen and creating an atmosphere that is not capable of supporting combustion.
The Inergen system is effective for use in computer rooms, data centers, and other areas where electronic equipment is sensitive to the residue left by water or other extinguishing agents. Inergen is a clean agent and does not leave any residue after it is discharged. It is also non-toxic and non-corrosive, making it safe for use in areas where people work or live.
- FM 200 System: FM 200 is another clean agent fire suppression system. It uses a chemical called HFC-227ea to extinguish fires. The chemical is stored as a liquid and is released as a gas when the system is activated. Like the Inergen system, FM 200 is effective in areas where water or other extinguishing agents may damage sensitive equipment.
FM 200 is safe for use in occupied spaces, as it is non-toxic and non-corrosive. It is also environmentally friendly, as it has a short atmospheric lifetime and does not contribute to ozone depletion.
- Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression System: Kitchen fires can be particularly dangerous, as they can quickly spread and cause extensive damage. A kitchen hood fire suppression system is designed to quickly extinguish fires in commercial kitchens, protecting both property and people.
The system works by detecting a fire in the kitchen hood or exhaust system and releasing a chemical agent to extinguish the fire. The agent is typically a wet chemical that is specifically designed for use in kitchen fires. The wet chemical is discharged from nozzles located above the cooking equipment, ensuring that the fire is quickly extinguished.
- Fire Suppression Systems and Civil Defence Regulation: In Abu Dhabi, the use of fire suppression systems is regulated by the Civil Defence. The Civil Defence sets out specific requirements for the installation, maintenance, and testing of fire suppression systems to ensure that they are effective and reliable in the event of a fire.
For example, the Civil Defence requires that all fire suppression systems be installed by certified professionals and that the design of the system be approved by the authorities. The system must also be maintained and tested regularly to ensure that it is in good working condition and capable of extinguishing a fire when needed.
- Benefits of Fire Suppression Systems: The benefits of fire suppression systems are clear. They can help to limit the spread of fires, protecting property and lives. They are particularly effective in areas where water or other extinguishing agents may cause damage, such as computer rooms or commercial kitchens.
In addition to their effectiveness in extinguishing fires, fire suppression systems can also help to reduce downtime and lost productivity following a fire. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on sensitive electronic equipment or other specialized equipment to operate.
- Conclusion: Fire suppression systems, such as the Inergen system, FM 200 System & Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression System, are an essential part of any building’s fire protection strategy. They can help to quickly extinguish fires, limiting damage to property and protecting the lives of building occupants.