Both homes and commercial buildings need fire protection systems to protect both occupants and the structure itself. A fire protection system can help keep you and your family or employees safe. The right system can prevent a fire from spreading and becoming more destructive while allowing the occupants time to escape.
We suggest incorporating this system into your home during the design phase rather than waiting until the construction is finished. This way, the system is ready to operate when you move in and can be concealed in the home’s design rather than an afterthought.
Four Main Types Of Systems
Many think of a sprinkler system or fire extinguishers as full fire protection. But these can also be part of a comprehensive system to protect the entire structure.
1. Fire detection systems—smoke, heat, and flame detectors, along with control panels, detect the signs of fire and send immediate alerts to one or more locations. Automated systems monitor the detectors 24/7 and perform testing in real-time.
2. Fire suppression systems—water sprinklers, foam systems, and gaseous suppression systems immediately contain, reduce, and/or eliminate fires before they spread. Gaseous suppression systems utilize chemical agents or inert gases in areas where water might be problematic. These systems either reduce the oxygen levels in the area or inhibit the chemical reactions that promote combustion.
3. Fire extinguishers—quick and portable, these allow occupants to easily grab one and stop a fire when and where it starts:
a. Water, suitable for Class A fires, such as paper, cloth, and wood fires
b. Dry chemical, suitable for Class A, B, and C fires, including gases, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment
c. CO2, suitable for Class B and C fires, which reduce oxygen and extinguish the fire without leaving residues
d. Foam, suitable for Class A and B fires, which creates a buffer between the oxygen source and the fire, smothering it
4. Passive fire protection systems—these slow the fire’s spread by containing it in one place.
a. Dampers stop the spread of fire and smoke through the HVAC system by automatically closing when it detects heat
b. Fire-rated Doors and Partitions are made from fire-resistant materials and designed to withstand fire and heat for a specific time so that occupants can safely evacuate
c. Fire-resistant materials used in walls, floors, and ceilings offer additional protection from the spread of fire and smoke and can contain fire damage.
By understanding each type of fire protection system, both homeowners and business owners can consider the right ones for their needs and how to integrate them into their new or remodeled structure.
Fire Escapes
If a fire should break out, does everyone know how to exit? Homeowners and businesses will have different needs, but everyone should know how to get out in the event of a fire.
Commercial buildings need clearly marked fire escape doors that immediately trigger an alarm when opened. For buildings with more than one level, external stairs and ladders may be appropriate to help everyone evacuate quickly.
Systems should be regularly inspected to ensure they are in top working condition.
Integrating Fire Protection Into Your Design
By adding a fire protection system during the design phase, you can protect your home or commercial building from the day you take occupancy.
When you come to Pro Draft to design or remodel your new home or commercial building, we can work with you to find the right fire protection system for your needs. We can seamlessly integrate the system into the design so that it meets all safety codes, blends in, and doesn’t disturb the aesthetic. Finding the right system for your home or office will keep your family, your business, and your property safe for years to come.
