People commonly confuse the terms passive fire protection and active fire protection. These are different concepts, but they are intended to work together and complement one another, while being used properly. Active fire protection, also known as AFP, is very important part of every fire protection. It is characterized by systems and items that require a certain amount of response and motion.
First things that we need to mention while talking about active fire protection are:
- Fire suppression – every fire situation can be controlled or extinguished – automatically or manually. Manual type includes the use of a standpipe system or a fire extinguisher. Automatic one includes a fire sprinkler system, firefighting foam system or a gaseous clean agent. It is usually found in large commercial areas such as kitchens or other areas with high-risk fire level.
- Sprinkler systems – they are installed in all kinds of buildings – both, residential and commercial. Usually installed at ceiling level and connected to a reliable water source. That system helps to reduce the growth of the fire inside the building, increasing life safety and limiting serious structural damages.
Another important part of AFP is fire detection. It includes smoke and heat sensors. Both these systems are effective tools at letting people know if and where the fire is detected in the building. Building regulations require installation of an integrated fire detection system. That kind of system alerts people by triggering the fire alarm and also summon emergency services. Some of the fire detection systems have a feature that sends and alert to local fire department.
Between AFP components we can also find a hypoxic air fire prevention, also known as oxygen reduction system. It is based on a permanent reduction of the oxygen that is concentrated in the protected areas. Unlike traditional fire suppression method, this one can prevent fire instead only extinguish it after detection.
All active fire protection systems have to be installed and maintained in accordance with guidelines and they have to cooperate with local building codes and the fire code.
Both, active and passive fire protection systems, are very important components, that make every building safe. We can’t assume one system is better that another – they both need to be implemented to maximize efficiency and safety inside the building. Ignoring one of them may be very tragic in case of a fire situation. To ensure that a building has total fire protection, both active fire protection and passive fire protection systems should be working together in unison.
Omega’s professionals are quality trained individuals with knowledge of the most revelant safety features, including spreading and constantly improving technologies. We always take care of your business and house as good as we can, having on mind your desires, needs and the latest safety rules and technologies. Our technicians are here to help you make your facilities highly protected with the best solutions, so you won’t have to worry about any safety aspects. Our goal is to help you choose solutions that fit best all your needs for simplicity, reliability and ease of maintenance. We provide simple systems but also ones containing specialized, customizable features.