The Most Common Types of Fire Suppression Systems Today

Fire and explosions have always been serious threats to both lives and property, from residential homes to factories, warehouses, or data centres. Therefore, choosing and installing a suitable fire protection system is one of the most important steps to ensure the safety of your facility.

Currently, the market offers a variety of fire protection systems with different operating principles and applications, including water-based, gas-based, foam-based, chemical-based, and hybrid systems. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for specific environments.

In this article, BaoTín Steel will help you explore in detail the most common fire protection systems available today, enabling you to make informed, effective, and cost-efficient choices for your facility.

Water-based fire protection system

Water fire suppression systems are among the most common and longstanding solutions in fire prevention and firefighting. Their main operating principle is using water to cool the flames, reduce temperature, and remove oxygen — the three essential elements that sustain combustion. Water can be sprayed directly or in the form of mist to enhance cooling efficiency and heat absorption.

Common types of water fire suppression systems

Wet Pipe Sprinkler System

• The pipes are always filled with water; when a sprinkler head detects heat, water is immediately discharged.
• Advantages: Simple, quick response, cost-effective.
  Disadvantages: Prone to freezing in cold environments.

Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

• The pipes are filled with pressurised air; water is only released when the system is activated.
• Suitable for environments at risk of freezing, such as cold storage or outdoor warehouses.

Pre-action System

• Requires two activation steps: fire detection plus sprinkler head activation.
• Ideal for places with high-value assets that require avoiding accidental water discharge (e.g., museums, archives).

Deluge System

• All sprinkler heads open simultaneously when a fire is detected, releasing water at once.
• Used in high fire-risk areas such as aircraft hangars and fuel storage facilities.

Water Mist System

• Sprays ultra-fine water droplets to rapidly cool and effectively reduce oxygen.
• Causes minimal damage to electronic equipment and saves water.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Water Fire Suppression Systems

Advantages:

• Relatively low investment and maintenance costs

• Easy to install and replace components

• Highly effective for Class A fires (wood, paper, fabric, plastics)

Disadvantages:

• Can cause serious damage to electronic equipment

• Ineffective for fires involving flammable liquids or gases

• Some systems are prone to freezing if not installed in appropriate environments

• Water mist systems may be unsuitable for areas with strong ventilation

Common Applications of Water Fire Suppression Systems

• Residential buildings, apartments, and hotels

• Warehouses, supermarkets, shopping centres

• Schools, offices

• Industrial plants without highly flammable materials

Gas Fire Suppression Systems

Gas fire suppression systems operate based on two main principles:

• Reducing the oxygen concentration in the space to prevent fire spread (using inert gases)

• Interrupting the chemical reaction of the flame (using chemical gases)

Unlike water-based systems that may damage equipment, gas fire suppression leaves no residue, is non-conductive, and is especially suitable for sensitive environments such as server rooms, data centers, museums, and more.

Common types of gas fire extinguishing systems

Types of Gas Fire Suppression Systems

Inert Gas Systems

• Uses naturally occurring gases such as Nitrogen, Argon, or Inergen.
• Mechanism: Reduces oxygen concentration to a level that prevents combustion but is still breathable for humans.
• Safe for people and the environment; non-corrosive to equipment.

Clean Agent Systems

• Examples include FM-200 and Novec 1230.
• Mechanism: Absorbs heat or disrupts the chemical chain reaction of the fire.
• Leaves no residue and does not harm electronic equipment.
• Environmentally friendly; does not harm the ozone layer.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Systems

• Mechanism: Displaces oxygen and cools the flames.
• Leaves no residue and is relatively low-cost.
  ⚠️ Important Note: Not safe for occupied spaces, as it can cause suffocation very quickly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gas Fire Suppression Systems

Advantages:

• Does not damage electronics, data systems, or valuable artifacts

• Leaves no residue or moisture after discharge

• Highly effective for electrical fires, liquid fires, and enclosed spaces

• Some gases (like Inergen and Novec 1230) are safe for humans and environmentally friendly

Disadvantages:

• Higher installation and maintenance costs compared to water systems

• Requires a sealed (enclosed) space for effective suppression

• Certain gases (like CO₂) are hazardous to humans if evacuation is delayed

• Requires specialised design, operation, and post-discharge ventilation systems

Common Applications of Gas Fire Suppression Systems

• Server rooms, data centres, substations

• Electrical equipment rooms, control panels, and control rooms

• Museums, libraries, and archives of valuable or irreplaceable items

• Industrial facilities with sensitive or high-precision electronic processes

Foam Fire Suppression Systems

Foam fire suppression systems work by discharging a foam solution — a mixture of foam concentrate and water — to blanket the burning surface. This foam layer prevents oxygen from coming into contact with the fuel, cools the flames, and suppresses the release of flammable vapours.
This method is particularly effective for Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and industrial solvents.

Common Types of Firefighting Foam

Foam Types by Expansion Ratio

Low, Medium, and High Expansion Foam

• Selected based on the nature of the fire and the space being protected

• Low-expansion foam is suitable for large open areas

• High-expansion foam is ideal for enclosed spaces like tunnels, basements, or sealed storage rooms

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)

• Creates a water-based film to prevent fire spread; specialised for fuel and hydrocarbon fires

• Easy to deploy and offers rapid suppression

• Commonly used in airports, fuel stations, and industrial facilities

Alcohol-Resistant AFFF (AR-AFFF)

• Effective against polar solvents such as alcohols, ketones, and esters

• Commonly used in chemical plants and facilities handling speciality fuels

Fluorine-Free Foam

• Environmentally friendly alternative, free of PFAS contaminants

• Increasingly recommended for use in modern fire protection systems due to its low environmental impact

Advantages and Disadvantages of Foam Fire Suppression Systems

Advantages:

• Highly effective for Class B fires involving flammable liquids

• Prevents fire spread by forming a sealing blanket over the fuel source

• Some systems use less water compared to sprinkler systems

• Can be integrated with deluge systems for large-area fire containment

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for fires involving electrical equipment (risk of equipment damage)

• Foam cleanup is more complex than with water or gas systems

• Requires regular maintenance and inspection of foam concentrate quality

• Certain foams may be corrosive or hazardous if not handled properly

Common Applications of Foam Fire Suppression Systems

• Fuel storage facilities, fuel pump stations

• Chemical plants and oil refineries

• Aircraft hangars, ports, and maritime zones

• Industrial kitchens (using wet chemical foam for cooking oil fires)

• Warehouses storing paints, solvents, and other flammable liquids

Other Fire Suppression Systems

Dry and Wet Chemical Fire Suppression Systems

Dry and wet chemical fire suppression systems use chemical agents to interrupt the combustion reaction, create a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, and in some cases, particularly with wet chemicals, provide cooling and re-ignition prevention.

Dry Chemical Suppression

Agents Used: ABC powder, BC powder, and Class D powder (for combustible metals)
Effectiveness:

• Class A fires (solids like wood, paper, fabric)

• Class B fires (flammable liquids)

• Class C fires (flammable gases and electrical)

• Class D fires (combustible metals like magnesium, sodium)

Advantages:

• Rapid-fire knockdown

• Versatile and easy to use in many environments

Disadvantages:

• Leaves significant powder residue

• Can be corrosive or damaging to sensitive electronic equipment

Common Applications:

• Fuel stations

• Paint rooms

• Chemical storage areas

• Waste treatment plants

Wet Chemical Suppression

Agent Used: Potassium carbonate solution (or similar potassium-based compounds)
Effectiveness: Specifically designed for Class K fires (cooking oils and fats)

Advantages:

• Forms a soapy foam layer that smothers hot oil and prevents re-ignition

• Highly effective in suppressing kitchen grease fires

Disadvantages:

• Limited application; mainly suitable for commercial kitchens

Common Applications:

• Industrial kitchens

• Restaurants

• Hotels

• Food trucks

Hybrid Fire Suppression Systems

Hybrid fire suppression systems combine multiple extinguishing methods — such as water mist, inert gas, and chemical agents — to maximise fire suppression effectiveness in complex or high-risk environments.

Typical Examples:

• Victaulic Vortex System: Combines water mist with nitrogen gas to simultaneously cool the fire and displace oxygen

• Water mist + inert gas: Enhances fire suppression while minimising equipment damage

• Hybrid systems in data centres: Provide both sensitive equipment protection and efficient resource use

Advantages

• High flexibility for complex or mixed-risk environments

• Minimises property damage (low water use, non-corrosive agents)

• Increases safety for electronics and sensitive assets

• Complies with strict international standards and insurance requirements

Disadvantages

• Complex systems require specialised design, integration, and operation

• High installation and maintenance costs

• Limited adoption in some countries (e.g., Vietnam), with a lack of standardisation

Common Applications

• Data centres and large server rooms

• Turbine enclosures, generator rooms, museums, archives

• Specialised industrial facilities: petrochemical plants, electronics manufacturing

• Premium buildings or facilities requiring maximum fire safety

Overview Comparison of Fire Suppression Systems

When selecting a fire suppression system, it’s important to consider more than just the cost. Factors such as the operating environment, type of fire risk, and the level of equipment protection are also critical.

To help you gain a clearer, more comprehensive understanding, below is a quick comparison table of the most common fire suppression systems in use today:

Additional Information on Fire Classes:

• Class A: Ordinary solid materials (wood, paper, fabric)

• Class B: Flammable liquids

• Class C: Flammable gases

• Class D: Combustible metals

• Class K: Cooking oils and fats (industrial kitchens)

I hope that with this comparison table, you will be able to quickly evaluate and select the most suitable fire suppression system for the building or facility you are managing or planning to construct.

Suggestions for choosing fire protection systems according to each environment

You might not know, each working or living environment carries different fire and explosion risks. Therefore, there is no “best” fire suppression system — only the most suitable one. Below are some recommendations from Thép Bảo Tín based on practical experience:

Offices – Shops – Restaurants

Recommendations:

• Sprinkler or water mist systems

• Clean agent gas systems (for computer rooms, servers)

• Wet chemical systems (for restaurant kitchens)

Factories – Production Workshops – Warehouses

Recommendations:

• Deluge sprinkler systems (for hazardous storage areas)

• Foam systems (for flammable liquids and oils)

• Dry chemical systems (for paint workshops, storage tanks, electrical rooms)

Server Rooms – Data Centres – Electrical Rooms

Recommendations:

• Inert gas or clean agent systems (Inergen, Novec 1230)

• Hybrid systems (water mist + gas) for high protection requirements

Prioritise systems that leave no residue and ensure equipment safety in sealed environments.

Fuel Storage – Gas Stations – Chemical Storage

Recommendations:

• Foam fire suppression systems (AFFF, AR-AFFF)

• Deluge foam combined systems

Industrial Kitchens – Restaurants – Hotels

Recommendations:

• Wet chemical fire suppression systems (for cooking oils)

• Specialised Class K fire extinguishers

Should be combined with automatic hood ventilation and activation systems.

Bao Tin Steel – Your Trusted Supplier of Fire Protection Equipment

Whether you are operating a large-scale factory, a high-security data centre, or simply want to protect your small apartment, choosing the right fire suppression system is always a crucial priority.

Each type of fire suppression system—water, gas, foam, chemical, or hybrid—has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding their operating principles, suitable environments, and the specific nature of fires will help you not only optimise fire extinguishing effectiveness but also save on investment and long-term maintenance costs.

👉Instead of making a random choice, let Bao Tin Steel accompany you every step of the way.

Contact us now for a free consultation:

Website: www.thepbaotin.com
Hotline: +84 932 059 176
Email: kinhdoanh@thepbaotin.com
Address: 551/156 Le Van Khuong, Hiep Thanh Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City

Bao Tin Steel – Your Trusted Fire Protection Supply Solution for Every Project.

Tiger Steel is a subsidiary of Bao Tin Steel.