Fire Suppression Systems vs Fire Sprinkler Systems: The Differences Explained

Fire suppression systems and fire sprinkler systems may seen similar, but they serve very different purposes. Whilst both are automatic fire protection systems designed to control or extinguish fires, they are technically and functionally different. Choosing the wrong system can result in unnecessary damage, higher downtime, or inadequate protection.

That’s why many businesses choose to use both systems side by side to offer a range of protection for different risks. In this article, Aerocom shares expert insight into the key differences between the two, and how to decide which is right for your premises.

What is a fire suppression system?

Fire suppression systems are automatic fire protection systems that use extinguishing agents other than water. These systems suppress or extinguish a fire while minimising any damage that might be caused to equipment or surroundings.

When a fire is first detected, a control panel will activate the system, releasing a suppression agent into the protected area. The fire will then be extinguished by cooling, oxygen displacement or chemical interruption of the combustion process.

These systems are usually found in data centres, server rooms, electrical cabinets and switchgear or around industrial machinery and plant equipment. It is also preferred in environments where water damage can be costly or unacceptable.

What is a fire sprinkler system?

Sprinkler systems are water-based automatic fire protection systems that are designed primarily to control fires and prevent their spread. They have a network of pipes connected to a water supply, allowing individual sprinkler heads to activate independently when they are exposed to heat. Only the sprinkler head closest to the fire will activate and discharge water directly onto it.

These are mostly commonly found in residential buildings, offices and commercial premises, but they are also popular in warehouses, storage facilities, retail areas and public buildings.

Types of fire suppression systems

There are several different fire suppression systems available depending on the environment in which they are used for. Gas fire suppression systems use inert gases or clean agents to extinguish fires by reducing the oxygen levels in the area or interrupting the combustion process. These are popular as they leave no residue and require minimal levels of cleanup, making them suitable for enclosed spaces that contain electrical equipment.

Foam systems have been designed for flammable liquid and fuel fires, as they create a blanket that smothers the flames and prevents reignition. These systems are common in industrial, chemical and fuel storage environments.

Chemical systems can use wet or dry chemical agents to interrupt the chemical chain reaction of a fire. These systems are required in specialised environments such as commercial kitchens or areas with specific industrial hazards.

There are also aerosol suppression systems which can discharge fine solid particles into the protected area. These are most effective in small, enclosed spaces such as electrical enclosures and machinery compartments.

Types of fire sprinkler systems

A wet pipe fire sprinkler system has pipes which are permanently filled with water. This simple design offers high levels of reliability and is suitable for heated buildings where freezing is less likely.

There are also dry pipe systems for cold or unheated environments, where the pipes are filled with air or nitrogen, and water is only released after sprinkler activation.

A pre-action system combines different detection systems with sprinkler activation. This requires detection before the water enters the pipes and can therefore reduce the risk of accidental discharge. This is particularly important in environments that might hold sensitive equipment.

Deluge fire sprinkler systems allow all the sprinkler heads to open simultaneously, releasing water across an entire protected area and are used in high-hazard environments where rapid fire spread is more likely.

Fire suppression vs fire sprinklers: key differences

One of the key differences between suppression and sprinkler systems is the extinguishing method. Whilst fire suppression systems rely on gas, foam, chemical or aerosol agents, fire sprinkler systems only use water as the extinguishing medium.

Water usage is an important differentiator, as very little of it is used in the suppression systems, whilst sprinkler systems are completely reliant on it.

Fire suppression systems also tend to be suitable for electronics and high value assets as they can protect them from water damage.

The speed of response is also an important consideration as fire suppression systems will activate rapidly within enclosed areas, whilst sprinkler systems tend to only activate once sufficient heat levels have reached a specific sprinkler head.

Maintenance can also vary, as fire suppression systems require specialist inspection and servicing, whilst the sprinkler systems follow well-established inspection and maintenance standards.

Benefits of fire suppression systems

Many businesses and buildings prefer fire suppression systems to minimise the damage that is caused by a fire and water, lowering the risk of any secondary losses, whilst also speeding up the cleanup process.

Fire suppression systems also offer rapid control thanks to the quick extinguishment at the source of the fire, helping to limit its spread within protected enclosures.

These systems are ideal for any high value environments that are home to critical equipment and infrastructure. They are best placed to help support business continuity and asset protection.

Benefits of fire sprinkler systems

Fire sprinkler systems have been in use for many years as they have a proven track record of reliability. They have a long-standing reputation for fire protection in real-world fire scenarios that allow businesses to feel confident in their use.

They also offer cost-effective coverage across large areas and have much lower installation costs per square metre than suppression systems.

Fire sprinkler systems are widely accepted for compliance requirements. They are recognised by building regulations and insurers and are commonly required in many building types.

Which system is right for you?

You should consider the occupancy levels and layout of your building, as well as the presence of any sensitive or critical areas. It is also vital to think about the risk of fire within your building and identify the natures of the materials and processes within it. You then need to think about the likelihood and speed of fire development to choose the system that is best placed to deal with it.

Compliance is a very important consideration as building regulations and fire safety standards will outline what levels of fire protection are required as a minimum. Your insurers and fire risk assessors will also have their own recommendations.

Fire suppression systems and fire sprinkler systems serve different but complementary roles. It is therefore not a case of choosing the best one but identifying the solution that is better suited to your risk levels, environment and compliance requirements. A professional assessment can be important in determining the most appropriate fire protection strategy for your building.