Exploring Water Mist, Gas Suppression, and Sprinklers for Different Sectors
Fire safety is a legal requirement for businesses across the UK, and as regulations tighten, many organisations are investing in automatic fire suppression systems to enhance protection. While traditional manual methods, such as portable extinguishers, are still important, automatic suppression systems provide a fast, reliable, and often life-saving response—especially when a building is unoccupied or fire risk is high.
But does your business need one? In this blog, we’ll explore what automatic fire suppression systems are, their different types, which sectors they’re commonly used in, and whether they’re right for your premises.
What Is an Automatic Fire Suppression System?
An automatic fire suppression system is designed to detect and control a fire without the need for human intervention. As soon as heat, smoke, or flames are detected, the system activates automatically to suppress or extinguish the fire, often before it has a chance to spread.
The main purpose of these systems is to:
- Protect life and property
- Minimise downtime
- Control or extinguish a fire before emergency services arrive
These systems are typically connected to a fire alarm system, providing a comprehensive fire protection solution.
Types of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems
There are several types of automatic fire suppression systems available, each suited to different environments and risks. Here are the most common ones:
1. Sprinkler Systems
How They Work
Sprinkler systems use water to control or extinguish fires. Each sprinkler head operates individually when the heat from a fire reaches a specific temperature—usually around 68°C. Only the sprinkler heads closest to the fire activate, reducing water damage elsewhere.
Best Suited For:
- Commercial buildings
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Residential blocks
- Retail spaces
Advantages:
- Cost-effective and reliable
- Proven to reduce fire-related injuries and property damage
- Long-established technology with consistent performance
Considerations:
- Water damage may be an issue in premises with sensitive equipment or valuable stock
- May not be suitable for environments where freezing temperatures are common unless additional measures are taken
2. Water Mist Systems
How They Work
Water mist systems release a fine mist rather than large water droplets. This mist cools the flames and displaces oxygen, suppressing the fire with minimal water usage. They use less water than traditional sprinklers, making them more environmentally friendly and reducing water damage.
Best Suited For:
- Heritage buildings and listed properties
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Data centres
- Commercial kitchens
- Hotels and leisure facilities
Advantages:
- Minimal water damage
- Effective on a wide range of fires, including those involving electrical equipment
- Can be retrofitted into existing buildings with minimal disruption
Considerations:
- More expensive to install than conventional sprinkler systems
- Specialist maintenance required to ensure correct performance
3. Gas Suppression Systems (Clean Agent Systems)
How They Work
Gas suppression systems use inert or chemical gases to displace oxygen or interrupt the combustion process, extinguishing the fire without the use of water. These are often called “clean agent” systems because they leave no residue and require no cleanup.
Common Agents Used:
- FM-200 (HFC-227ea)
- Novec 1230
- Inert gases like Argonite or Inergen
Best Suited For:
- IT server rooms and data centres
- Museums and archives
- Laboratories
- Telecommunications facilities
- Medical facilities
Advantages:
- No water damage—ideal for protecting sensitive equipment and assets
- Rapid fire suppression
- Safe for occupied spaces when designed correctly
Considerations:
- Higher upfront costs
- Requires a sealed environment to be effective
- May require specific health and safety measures for safe evacuation during activation
4. Foam Suppression Systems
How They Work
Foam systems are typically used in high-hazard environments involving flammable liquids. They discharge a foam that blankets the surface of a burning liquid, cutting off the oxygen supply and preventing vapours from reigniting.
Best Suited For:
- Fuel storage depots
- Aircraft hangars
- Chemical processing plants
- Industrial manufacturing facilities
Advantages:
- Highly effective on flammable liquid fires (Class B fires)
- Can suppress vapours to prevent re-ignition
- Covers large areas quickly
Considerations:
- Not suitable for environments where water or foam discharge could damage assets
- Requires proper disposal and cleanup of foam agents after activation
Who Needs an Automatic Fire Suppression System?
While not every building legally requires an automatic fire suppression system, many businesses benefit from the extra protection. You should seriously consider installing one if:
- Your premises store high-value goods or sensitive equipment
- You operate in a high-risk industry (chemical processing, oil and gas, manufacturing)
- You run a data centre, server room, or IT hub where water-based systems are impractical
- You manage multi-occupancy residential buildings, care homes, or hospitals, where occupants may need additional protection
- Your building contains historic or irreplaceable assets that cannot withstand traditional suppression methods
- You need to minimise downtime after an incident, as manual suppression or firefighting can cause disruption
Are Automatic Fire Suppression Systems Legally Required?
In the UK, specific legislation and building regulations determine whether a suppression system is legally required.
- Building Regulations Approved Document B sets out guidelines for fire suppression in certain building types, including high-rise residential buildings.
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, which may recommend suppression systems as part of a comprehensive fire strategy.
- Recent updates, such as the Building Safety Act 2022, focus on higher-risk buildings, which may trigger the need for additional suppression systems.
Sectors Where Suppression Systems Are Often Required:
- High-rise residential blocks (new buildings over 18 metres often require sprinklers)
- Care homes and healthcare buildings
- Industrial facilities handling hazardous materials
- Certain types of public and commercial buildings depending on risk assessments
Cost Considerations and Maintenance
The cost of an automatic fire suppression system depends on:
- The type of system
- The complexity and size of your building
- Industry regulations and risk levels
- Ongoing servicing and maintenance requirements
Typical Maintenance Includes:
- Regular inspections by certified professionals
- Pressure testing (for gas systems)
- Replacement of agents (gas or foam systems)
- Checking nozzles, pipes, and activation devices
- Compliance with BS EN 12845 (for sprinklers) and BS 5306-0/1 (for maintenance of systems in the UK)
Failing to maintain your system can lead to non-compliance and insurance issues, as well as leaving your property vulnerable in the event of a fire.
Should You Invest in an Automatic Fire Suppression System?
An automatic fire suppression system can provide essential protection for your business, safeguarding lives, property, and assets. Whether it’s a sprinkler system for a warehouse, a water mist system for a heritage building, or a gas suppression system for a data centre, choosing the right solution depends on your specific risks and operational needs.
At Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy, we offer expert advice on fire protection and prevention. Contact us today on 07585 896648