Fire Suppression Systems

What is a Fire Suppression system?

A Fire Suppression system suppresses a fire through releasing an agent to either reduce the oxygen, reduce the chemical reaction within the atmosphere or cool the fire.

Once a fire has been detected, by either the manual or automatic detection, a notification is sent to the panel which in turn releases the agent.

Fire Suppression systems are being installed to protect all industries across the UK from Restaurants and Bakeries to Offices and Food manufacturers.

Why have a Fire Suppression system Installed?

The need for a Fire Suppression system is driven by either:

1. Your insurance company has stated the requirement

2. Your company has identified a fire risk that needs a solution that does not rely on a member of staff to alert people and extinguish the fire.

We know from experience that choosing the correct Fire Suppression system for your organisation can be a bit of a minefield.

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There are a few essential points to consider:

Your building/risk area/asset is likely to be unprotected or have no staff presence more during unoccupied hours than normal working hours.

The type of detection available should be considered carefully, as this is the main part of a fire suppression system.

Other areas of the risk should be considered, can the fire spread to other areas away from the risk.

What is the potential down time of the equipment/asset if there was a fire? Try and work this out in production hours lost or business interruption as well as the cost of the asset.

What will the system need to interface with?

What is my organisations’ policy on agents/sustainability that could potentially be used for suppressing the fire?

Have you considered any clean up requirements after discharge of the agent?

Will I need a spare reserve of agent should the system trigger (downtime for re-fill and re-charge can be up to 10 working days)?

What agent is suitable and could it cause damage – e.g. water is not the only solution.

Will I need to vent the area after discharge?

Does the area I am protecting have good integrity – will it retain the agent to suppress the fire?

Gas Fire Suppression

Watermist Fire Suppression

Watermist Fire Suppression

Kitchen Fire Suppression (Ansul)

Frequently Asked Questions – Fire Suppression Systems

A fire suppression system is a fixed system that automatically releases an extinguishing agent (gas, water-mist, inert, etc.) when a fire is detected, aiming to suppress the fire rather than relying solely on manual intervention.

You might need it if:

  • Your insurance requires it.
  • You have assets (e.g., server rooms, production equipment) where downtime or damage must be minimised.
  • You have areas with no staff presence for long periods, or where rapid suppression is critical.

Typical suppression types include:

  • Gas-based suppression (clean agents, inert gases) that reduce oxygen or interrupt the chemical reaction.
  • Water-mist systems that use fine water droplets for cooling and limiting fire growth.
  • Kitchen-type suppression systems (for cooking oils/flammable vapours) like factory-installed modules.

Key factors include:

  • The specific hazard you are protecting (equipment, storage, kitchen, heritage assets).
  • Whether there is staff presence or the area is unmanned for long periods.
  • Whether the fire could spread to other areas.
  • Business impact of downtime.
  • Environmental / clean-up implications of agent discharge.
  • Integrity of the protected space (can the agent be retained, does the area need venting).

Typically:

  • Site survey to identify hazards and assets.
  • Review of any insurance or legal requirements.
  • Selection of appropriate agent/system type.
  • Review of detection, activation method, interface with other systems.
  • Addressing downtime, clean-up, venting, and maintenance implications.

These are highlighted in SS Systems’s page.

  • Systems require regular inspection, testing, and servicing to remain effective.
  • After a discharge, there may be a refill/recharge period (which could involve downtime). SS Systems note refill downtime can be up to 10 working days.
  • Clean-up and correct reset procedures are important.

Yes, the system must be designed to ensure that activation doesn’t endanger people (e.g., release of inert gas in an occupied space must be hazard-assessed). Evacuation routes and detection must be integrated. Clear procedures must be in place.

It is essential that the fire suppression system links to your fire detection/alarm panel so that once a fire is detected (automatic or manual), the suppression agent is released swiftly and other systems (alarms, evacuation, ventilation) respond accordingly.

Yes, there are suppression systems designed for sensitive environments (e.g., heritage, electrical rooms) where water damage must be minimised. SS Systems mention their experience in such sectors.

  • Ensure your installer is approved, accredited and compliant with relevant British and international standards.
  • You should receive design documentation, commissioning records, maintenance schedules, and agent certification.
  • Ensure that your insurance provider accepts the system and that it’s compatible with your business continuity planning.

Hints & Tips When Considering Fire Suppression Systems for Your Business

Before investing in any suppression system, conduct a comprehensive fire risk assessment.
This will identify:

  • What hazards are present.
  • Which areas need protection (e.g. server rooms, kitchens, plant rooms).
  • Whether suppression is required in addition to detection or sprinklers.

A professional risk assessment ensures the system is proportionate, effective, and compliant.

Unlike traditional sprinklers that use large amounts of water to extinguish flames, fire suppression systems are designed to detect and control fires automatically, often before they spread.
They can use agents such as:

  • Clean gas (e.g. FM200, Novec 1230) – ideal for IT rooms or sensitive equipment.
  • Inert gas (e.g. IG-55, IG-541) – environmentally friendly and safe for valuable assets.
  • Water mist – uses fine droplets to cool and suppress fires with minimal water damage.
  • Wet chemical – designed for kitchens and cooking areas.

Understanding the difference helps you choose the system best suited to your business operations.

Every environment has unique risks, the right suppression method depends on your setting:

  • Data centres & comms rooms: Gas-based clean agent systems prevent electrical damage.
  • Kitchens: Wet chemical systems suppress grease and oil fires safely.
  • Manufacturing or warehouse sites: Water mist or inert gas systems handle wide-area risks.
  • Museums or heritage buildings: Clean agent systems protect delicate assets without residue.

Don’t assume one solution fits all; a tailored approach always provides better protection.

Your suppression system should integrate seamlessly with your fire alarm and detection systems.
Automatic activation relies on accurate detection, usually via heat or smoke sensors connected to your alarm panel.
Ensure your chosen provider is experienced in multi-system integration.

Some suppression systems, particularly gas-based ones, can reduce oxygen levels in the protected area.
That’s why clear evacuation procedures, warning systems, and fail-safes (such as pre-discharge alarms and delays) are vital to protect personnel before release.

After activation, some systems require professional recharging or cylinder refilling, which may take several days.
To minimise downtime:

  • Work with a provider offering fast-response maintenance.
  • Have a business continuity plan for affected areas.
  • Schedule regular testing to ensure readiness without triggering a full discharge.

Ensure your system and installer comply with relevant British Standards, such as:

  • BS EN 15004 – Gas extinguishing systems.
  • BS 8489 – Industrial and commercial water mist systems.
  • BS 5306-4 – Fire extinguishing installations.

Also verify that your installer is BAFE SP203-3 certified, this guarantees competence and accountability.

Many older gas suppression agents (like Halon) are now banned due to environmental regulations.
Modern systems use eco-friendly and ozone-safe agents such as Novec™ 1230 or inert gases, which provide fast suppression with minimal environmental harm.

Some suppression systems require sealed rooms to retain gas concentration, while others need dedicated pipework, vents, or pressure-relief systems.
Discuss these requirements during design to avoid surprises during installation.

While installation cost is important, also budget for:

  • Ongoing maintenance and inspections.
  • Periodic cylinder pressure checks.
  • Replacement agent costs (if discharged).
  • Training for your staff.
  • Choosing the right system upfront can reduce long-term costs and downtime.

Your employees should understand:

  • How suppression systems work.
  • What to do if one activates.
  • Evacuation routes and shut-off procedures.
  • Training prevents panic and ensures the system performs as intended.

A qualified provider (like SS Systems) will:

  • Design the system based on your risk profile and environment
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant fire safety standards
  • Offer reliable maintenance and support contracts
  • Help integrate your suppression, detection, and alarm systems into a cohesive safety strategy.

Bonus Tip: Review your suppression system annually, as your business evolves, so do your fire risks. Expansion, layout changes, or new equipment can all affect system performance and compliance.

Our Clients

Some of the clients we have the pleasure of working with

“Our existing intruder system and devices had become obsolete and did not meet with current installation standards. SS Systems provided a modern hybrid system that provided a logistical solution without disruption to the fabric of the property. SS Systems now provide us with the necessary support and ongoing preventative maintenance service.” – Phil Blunt, Owner, Adby Farm

CHAS Accredited Company
Construction Line Certified Company
CHAS Accredited Company
Construction Line Certified Company

Contact us today for a Free Site Survey to ensure you meet your Fire Safety and Security requirements.

If you would like to find out more about the services we offer, simply leave us your details and one of our friendly team will get in touch and arrange a call back or site visit.