Fire Suppression Systems Installation: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

03.08.2025

In today’s business landscape, safety is a fundamental pillar of successful operations. Fire suppression systems play a critical role in protecting property, personnel, and a company’s reputation. If you are a business owner or manager seeking reliable fire protection, this guide will help you understand the key aspects of installing such systems.

Our company, with over a decade of experience in fire protection system installation, offers comprehensive solutions that encompass not only fire suppression but also other safety services. We work with various types of facilities and always tailor our approach to meet each client’s unique needs.

This guide covers the main types of fire suppression systems, the stages of their installation, compliance with Ukrainian State Building Codes (DBN) and standards, and the essentials of service and maintenance.

Types of Fire Suppression Systems

Fire suppression systems are classified based on the extinguishing agent used and their operational principles. The choice depends on the type of premises, potential fire sources, equipment value, and environmental considerations. Below are the primary types we recommend for businesses:

Water-Based Systems

These are the most common systems, effective for extinguishing Class A fires (combustion of solid materials like wood or paper). They are divided into sprinkler and deluge systems.

Sprinkler Systems:

Automatically activate when temperatures rise. Each sprinkler operates independently, minimizing water damage. Ideal for offices, hotels, and shopping centers.

Deluge Systems:

Manually or automatically activated over a large area. Used in spaces with a high risk of rapid fire spread, such as warehouses storing flammable liquids.

Advantages: Cost-effective, low operational costs.
Disadvantages: Unsuitable for areas with electrical equipment due to the risk of short circuits.

Gas-Based SystemsГазові системи

These systems use inert gases (e.g., nitrogen, argon) or chemical agents (e.g., FM-200, Novec 1230) and are effective for Class B (liquid fires) and Class C (electrical equipment fires).

Inert Gases:

Reduce oxygen levels in the room without damaging equipment. Safe for people if evacuation is prompt.

Chemical Gases:

Act quickly, leave no residue, and are suitable for data centers, server rooms, and archives.

Advantages: Safe for electronics, rapid fire suppression.
Disadvantages: High cost, require airtight spaces.

Powder-Based Systems

These use dry powder based on salts (e.g., ammonium phosphate) and are effective for Class A, B, C, and even D (metal fires) fires.

Automatic or manual, often combined with other systems. Used in industrial zones, garages, and transportation.

Advantages: Versatility, low cost.
Disadvantages: Leave residue requiring cleanup after activation.

Foam-Based Systems

These use foam to extinguish flammable liquid fires (Class B). Suitable for oil depots, fuel stations, and airports. The foam creates a barrier that blocks oxygen access.

Aerosol-Based Systems

A newer type, where the extinguishing agent is dispersed as an aerosol. Effective for small spaces like electrical panels or vehicles.

When selecting a system, we recommend conducting a facility audit to assess risks, area, and budget. Our company has extensive experience installing all types of systems, ensuring integration with fire alarms and ventilation. Learn more about our offerings in smoke extraction systems and fire alarm systems.

Installation Stages

Installing fire suppression systems is a complex process requiring a professional approach. We break it down into key stages to ensure efficiency and compliance with standards.

1. Design:

The initial stage involves analyzing the facility. Engineers assess the layout, potential fire sources, and system requirements. Specialized software is used to optimize the placement of components (pipes, sprinklers, sensors). Budget and timelines are calculated at this stage.

2. Material and Equipment Preparation:

We procure certified components from trusted suppliers. For water-based systems, this includes pipes and pumps; for gas-based systems, cylinders and pressure sensors.

3. Installation Work:

Laying pipelines or cables.
Installing sensors, detectors, and actuating devices.
Integrating with the central control panel.
Work is performed with minimal disruption to business operations, often during non-working hours.

4. Testing and Commissioning:

Post-installation, the system is checked for leaks, sensor sensitivity, and response speed. We conduct fire simulations to verify performance.

5. Handover:

We provide documentation, conduct staff training, and issue warranty commitments.

The installation process typically takes from a few days to several months, depending on the project’s scale. Our team, with over 10 years of experience, minimizes risks and ensures uninterrupted business operations.

DBN and Standards Requirements

In Ukraine, fire suppression system installation is regulated by State Building Codes (DBN) and other standards to ensure safety and efficiency. We strictly adhere to current requirements to avoid fines and inspection issues.

DBN V.2.5-56:2014 “Fire Protection Systems”: This document outlines general requirements for design, installation, and operation. It classifies facilities by fire hazard level (e.g., high risk for warehouses with flammable materials) and mandates systems in public and industrial buildings.
DBN V.1.1-7:2016 “Fire Safety of Construction Objects”: Specifies norms for calculating fire load, spacing between system components, and integration with evacuation routes.
DSTU EN 12845:2015 “Fixed Firefighting Systems. Automatic Sprinkler Systems”: For water-based systems, it sets requirements for water pressure, sprinkler placement (up to 12 m² per sprinkler), and reservoirs.
DSTU 4490:2005 “Gas Fire Suppression Systems”: Regulates gas systems, including gas concentration calculations and post-activation ventilation.
International Standards: We also align with NFPA (USA) and EN (Europe) standards for complex projects, especially for businesses with international partners.

Important: Projects must undergo review by the State Fire Service before installation. Non-compliance can lead to operational bans. Our company ensures full compliance, including preparation of all required documentation.

Service and Maintenance

A fire suppression system is not a one-time investment but an asset requiring ongoing care. Regular maintenance extends its lifespan and ensures reliability in critical moments.

Scheduled Maintenance:
Monthly or quarterly checks of sensors, pipe corrosion, and extinguishing agent levels. For gas systems, we monitor cylinder pressure.
Repairs and Upgrades:
We promptly address any faults. If your business expands, we offer system upgrades.
24/7 Monitoring:
Integration with dispatch centers for remote monitoring and rapid response to alarms.
Staff Training:
We conduct training on system use, evacuation procedures, and first aid.

Our company offers flexible service contracts with fixed pricing. With over a decade of experience, we maintain hundreds of facilities, ensuring minimal downtime. If you’re interested in fire alarm systems, you can also order them from our company.