What are the fire extinguishing systems in buildings?
Fire-fighting systems in buildings are fundamental considerations when fitting out or constructing any new facility—especially service facilities such as companies and factories, which are more prone to fires. These systems play a vital role in protecting lives and property from sudden fire risks and rely on advanced technologies to detect the fire location and extinguish it quickly.
In this article, we explain the types of fire-fighting systems in buildings. These systems vary so the appropriate system can be selected based on the nature of the building where it will be installed and the types of risks it may face.
What are fire-fighting systems in buildings?
The primary goal of fire-fighting systems in buildings is to reduce the significant risk posed by different types of fires, protect the lives of people inside the facility, and minimize damage the building could sustain due to a fire.
This makes these systems indispensable in various facilities—particularly service facilities—as they are more susceptible to fires than other types of premises.
You can call us at Al-Safi to get the best advice for providing the right suppression system for all fire classes.
What are the types of fire-fighting systems in buildings?
Companies specializing in fire projects always strive to provide the highest level of safety across facilities of all types. The types of fire-fighting systems in buildings differ based on the extinguishing medium. These include:
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Water fire-fighting system:
Water-based fire-fighting equipment differs from the overall building fire system. This type—among the best dedicated fire-fighting media—relies on water spray and pressure to extinguish fires.
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CO₂ (carbon dioxide) fire-fighting system:
This system is designed around carbon dioxide gas, which helps extinguish fires. Cylinders are filled with CO₂ in liquid form, which becomes gas when a fire occurs. This type is typically used for fires caused by electrical faults.
A CO₂ fire-fighting system consists of:
- Wiring network, fire alarm bell, and associated piping.
- Cylinders containing carbon dioxide.
- A piping network responsible for discharging the gas when a fire occurs.
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FM-200 gas fire-fighting system:
This system is designed for locations with a high incidence of electrical fires. It is also suitable for solid-material fires, which is why it is preferred in hospitals, museums, banks, and monitoring/control rooms.
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Foam fire-fighting systems:
Foam systems rely on air-filled bubbles formed from an aqueous solution. A key advantage is that foam has a lower density than most flammable liquids, allowing it to separate fuel from air and cool the surface to stop the fire.
Components of a building fire-fighting system
Most fire-fighting systems share similar components, though details vary depending on the extinguishing medium. Common components include:
- An audible alarm system that alerts occupants to a fire and the need to evacuate immediately.
- Equipment used to suppress fires via automatic sprinklers.
- Drainage networks and supply piping.