Fire Suppression System
Any system designed to detect and suppress or extinguish fires, including sprinklers, clean agents, wet chemical, and dry chemical systems.
In Detail
Fire suppression systems encompass all fixed systems designed to detect and control or extinguish fires. Major types include: wet sprinkler systems (water-filled pipes, most common), dry sprinkler systems (air-filled pipes for cold environments), pre-action systems (require detection activation before water enters pipes, used in sensitive areas), deluge systems (open heads, all activate simultaneously), clean agent systems (FM-200, Novec 1230, Inergen — for data centers and electronics), wet chemical systems (kitchen hood suppression), and dry chemical systems (industrial applications). Each system type has different inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements specified by various NFPA standards (25, 2001, 17, 17A, 96). Fire protection contractors must be qualified and often licensed for each system type they service.
Related Terms
Sprinkler Inspection
Regular examination of automatic fire sprinkler systems to verify they are in proper working condition and ready to operate.
Kitchen Hood Suppression
Wet chemical fire suppression systems installed in commercial kitchen exhaust hoods to extinguish cooking fires.
Clean Agent System
A gaseous fire suppression system that extinguishes fires without leaving residue, designed for protecting sensitive equipment.
NFPA 25
The National Fire Protection Association standard for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.