Fixed fire fighting systems

Fixed gaseous extinguishing systems are widely used in a variety of commercial applications to protect property and assets from fire. They have been used for over 50 years and historically, halon and carbon dioxide were the gases that were primarily employed. Halon was a versatile fire extinguishing gas with both efficient extinguishing characteristics and suitable for use in occupied areas. Carbon dioxide also extinguishes fires effectively but is employed at toxic concentrations and as such has restricted areas of use.

 

Halon has largely been phased out for environmental reasons associated with the damaging effect it has on the ozone layer. Current systems now typically employ carbon dioxide, inert gases (or blends of inert gases) or chemical agents (such as halocarbons).

Fixed fire fighting systems must be carefully selected following an assessment of both the risk of fire and the risks associated with the operation of the fire fighting system.

Provided the system is chosen correctly, it will extinguish the fire rapidly, enabling operations to be re-started following removal of the fire source and reinstatement of the protection system. Key installations may require duplicate systems so that servicing or re-charging of a system does not interrupt business processes.

The systems included in this section are for the protection of specific risks, e.g. computer rooms; switch gear, high risk production lines, commercial kitchen protection systems etc. Great care needs to be taken in the choice of agent with respect to life safety, damage to equipment from bi-products, venting and the time it takes to have the system operational again after a discharge incident.

LPCB approves the following products:-

  • Condensed aerosol extinguishing generators
  • Direct low pressure (DLP) application systems  
  • Fine water spray components
  • Fixed fire extinguishing systems for catering equipment
  • Gaseous system components
  • Gaseous systems

 In addition to careful product/system selection, it is recommended that all systems are designed, installed and commissioned by third party approved contractors who have demonstrated their competence. LPCB approves contractors to LPS 1204: Requirements for contractors engaged in the design, installation and commissioning of fixed fire systems.

Download free copies of applicable standards:

LPS 1204 - Requirements for firms engaged in the design, installation and commissioning of fire fighting systems

LPS 1223 - Requirements and testing procedures for the LPCB certification and listing of fixed fire extinguishing systems for catering equipment

LPS 1230 - Requirements for fire testing of fixed gaseous fire extinguishing systems

LPS 1656 - Requirements and test methods for the LPCB approval of Condensed Aerosol Extinguishing Generators

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