Author: WSFP

Similarities Between FM 200 and NOVEC 1230 Fire Protection

Both FM 200 and NOVEC 1230 are clean agents used for fire suppression in occupied settings that are sensitive to water. They are both considered halon replacements that are discharged within ten seconds as a non-toxic gas, suitable for Class A, B, and C fire hazards. NOVEC 1230 has been replacing FM 200 systems, here’s why!

NOVEC 1230 v FM 200 Use in Occupied Areas

Clean agent systems are often used in areas that are occupied, meaning they have to be considered safe for human contact. Both NOVEC 1230 and FM 200 have been deemed safe and do not displace oxygen, keeping the area safe as people evacuate.

NOVEC 1230 is efficient at a lower concentration, giving a larger margin of error to retain the No Observable Adverse Effects Level (NOAEL). NOVEC 1230 is used at a 4-6% concentration with a NOAEL of 10% while FM 200 is used at a 6.7-8.7% concentration with a NOAEL of 9%. While both are considered safe, NOVEC 1230 has a larger margin of error for concentration level fluctuation.

Environmental Impact

Fire suppression systems have been a concern for environmentalists, as chemical compounds release gas that can cause damage to the environment. This is why FM 200 was developed, to replace the halon systems that were seen as damaging. FM 200 doesn’t cause any ozone depletion, making it a much safer alternative to halon. Now, NOVEC 1230 has been developed as an improved alternative, with a much lower global warming potential and atmospheric lifetime than the former FM 200.

Storage

Both NOVEC 1230 and FM 200 clean agent fire suppression systems are stored in cylinders. NOVEC 1230 is stored as a liquid and requires a larger storage area than FM 200 which is stored as a gas. Both of these systems are deployed as a gas but differ in how the chemical compound is stored and the amount necessary to safely deplete any flames.

We Can Recommend the Best System for You!

At WSFP, we design and install fire suppression systems that are best suited for your application! We are recommending the NOVEC 1230 systems for new builds that have the capacity for increased cylinder storage due to the lesser environmental impact and improved safety for occupied spaces. Contact us today and we can help you determine which system fits the safety needs of your property!

Western States Fire Protection Launches Awareness Campaign for Honeywell’s Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS)

Western States Fire Protection has begun a new campaign intended to connect clientele life safety systems to a centralized cloud platform. The Honeywell Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS) campaign is meant to support system integrators and facility managers with enhanced fire safety services. While the NFPA has found that 92% of sprinkler systems activated properly in the event of a fire, that still leaves 8% of systems that do not discharge. The number one reason was due to the system being previously shut off and not properly reactivated.

What is CLSS?

A CLSS system begins with a cloud-based platform which is connected to one or more fire alarm panels in a building, allowing users to monitor all system functions in real time. This allows users to better understand the ins and outs of the relevant fire system, including the ability to suggest upgrades and needs before parts of the system give out or become obsolete. These systems are easy to monitor on a variety of platforms ranging from desktop to mobile and are backed with cybersecurity protocols to help keep your systems safe.

Benefits of Honeywell CLSS for system integrators and providers:

  • Real-time insight into the health and status of the fire alarm and all connected peripherals in the relevant system.
  • Detailed system statuses allow for targeted repair and maintenance.
  • Remote capabilities for technicians to disable outputs, activate sounders, reset the panel(s), confirm location through LED activation, and even update device labels using their phone or tablet.
  • Assist in providing end-user life cycle costs and reports.
  • Generates digital compliance reports post-maintenance or inspection.

CLSS for system owners and facility management:

  • Predictive display of lifetime cost for fire system maintenance and repair.
  • Stores proof of compliance with all mandated requirements.
  • Cross-site connectivity that allows site managers to react quickly to incidents based on operational information.
  • A holistic view of all your facilities that ensures all sites are operating properly and tracks operational compliance, as well as all events such as fire, faults, troubles, and disablements.
  • Built-in cybersecurity technology that proactively monitors the cybersecurity landscape and help to safeguard data stored.

Building a Better Future with CLSS

With this new campaign, WSFP’s vision is to provide top-tier protection and compatibility. If you have a Honeywell system, or any fire protection/life safety system that does not have centralized cloud compatibility, this may be a sign to switch. Contact your local branch today for more information on the advantages of monitoring with CLSS.

Differences Between Fire Sprinklers & Pre-Action Systems

Fire Sprinkler Systems 

 

Fire sprinklers come in a variety of forms, wet pipe systems being a common choice. Wet pipe sprinkler systems in their most basic form are pipes filled with water that once activated, can flow freely to extinguish a fire. They are very easy to install and maintain, adding to their popularity. 

 

As the most basic type of sprinkler, wet pipe systems are the most affordable and effective option. There isn’t any delay in the release of the water, making them the perfect choice for buildings where fire can spread easily and excessive water damage isn’t a primary concern. 

 

Pre-action Systems 

 

Pre-action fire sprinkler systems consist of pipes that are filled with compressed air and closed sprinkler heads. The valves hold the water source from the pipe system and open once the system is activated. If a fire is detected, the pre-action valves are activated and water fills the pipes and is then a wet-pipe system. Each sprinkler head is then opened individually upon necessity. 

 

Reducing the damage caused by unnecessary sprinkler deployment is the primary reason for pre-action systems. If the fire is contained in a small area and easily extinguished by only a few sprinklers, the amount of water released into the building is minimized. In buildings with many assets that will be damaged by water, pre-action sprinklers are worth the investment. 

 

Pipe freezing, corrosion, or damage that causes water to leak is another reason pre-action sprinklers can minimize water damage to the building. If pipes aren’t properly maintained, inspected and temperature regulated, they could burst or break releasing water everywhere. Pre-action systems are dry pipe systems, meaning they don’t contain any water, protecting the building from accidental water damage. 

 

Which one is best for your application? 

 

Choosing a sprinkler system that is right for your specific application can be tricky! You can trust the fire protection experts at Western States Fire Protection to plan, design, implement, and service all of your fire protection needs across the United States! Our team of professionals can assess your building, risks, and assets and recommend the fire protection that best suits your needs. 

Deluge Systems vs. Pre-action Sprinklers

Deciding which fire protection system is right for your needs can be difficult. Let’s discuss the difference between two popular options, deluge and pre-action. Deluge systems are filled with unpressurized air and open sprinkler heads, while pre-action systems are filled with pressurized air and each sprinkler head is activated individually depending on the location of the fire. 

Deluge Systems

Deluge Systems are activated by smoke or heat detectors, which can preempt flames. A flood of water or foam is released through an open-sprinkler, nozzle, or foam generator through an unpressurized piping system that is directly connected to a water source. This system employs all of its open heads at once, releasing water or foam quickly for hazardous areas, unlike a standard sprinkler system with closed heads that requires each individual sprinkler head to be activated before opening. 

The pipes in a deluge sprinkler system are filled with unpressurized air. Water isn’t released into the pipe until the system is activated, making it a dry pipe system. Dry pipe systems are less likely to encounter corrosion problems and issues with freezing temperatures, as the pipes don’t contain any water. 

These systems are a very popular option in industrial applications where fires can spread rapidly. Chemical plants, aircraft hangars, and power plants are some of the most common applications for a deluge system, as valuable assets need to be protected against the rapid spread of fire. 

Pre-Action Sprinklers

Pre-Action Sprinklers are activated by heat, smoke, or flames. A combination of wet and dry pipe sprinklers are activated and the pipes are filled to extinguish the hazard and protect the area around it. Each sprinkler head is individually opened, releasing water on the affected area, not the entire building. This two-step activation protects assets from unnecessary damage. 

The pipes in a pre-action sprinkler system are filled with pressurized air to protect assets from any damage in the instance of accidental valve openings. Once the system is employed there is a two-step activation process. Water fills all of the pipes, and the sprinkler heads are opened to release the water onto the affected area..

Water-sensitive environments can be damaged by an overblown protection area. Pre-action systems only employ sprinklers in the directly affected areas, making them the best option for process control rooms, data centers, computer rooms, freezer warehouses, archives, museums, and libraries. This requires a more complex design, increasing both installation and maintenance costs. However, these costs can be greatly offset by the risk of damage to valuable assets in the event of a fire.

Western States Fire Protection 

Western States Fire Protection develops and installs quality sprinkler systems you can trust. We can customize your system for the safety of your building’s occupants, equipment, and other assets. Our team is experienced in all types of fire systems and can guide you through the options to match you with the correct protection. 

If you would like more information on which fire protection system is best for your commercial or residential space, contact Western States Fire Protection today! 

Commercial versus Residential Fire Protection

Commercial versus Residential Fire Protection

Commercial buildings are typically larger and more complex than residential homes. As a result, commercial properties often require more complex fire protection measures than homes. In addition, commercial properties are used for various purposes including retail, entertainment, food service, and more, and their fire protection systems must be adapted accordingly.

Residential Fire Protection

Some common forms of fire protection that can be found in homes include:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire sprinkler systems

Residential Sprinkler Systems

One big difference between commercial and residential fire protection is that in many homes, fire sprinkler systems are not required by law. Commercial properties are required to have fire sprinkler systems. Many homeowners choose to install fire sprinkler systems to help keep their property and people safe, and they may see a reduction in insurance premiums when sprinklers are present.

Residential sprinkler systems are typically less complex than commercial sprinklers. They are usually connected to the domestic water supply and may have smaller sprinkler heads that blend in with the home’s aesthetics. The standards and requirements for residential fire sprinkler systems can be found in NFPA 13D.

Commercial Fire Protection

Commercial applications typically require more complex fire protection measures than residential homes. Some common fire protection systems that are found in commercial buildings include:

  • Fire sprinkler systems
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Fire alarm and detection systems
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Alarm monitoring systems

The fire protection systems that are found in commercial buildings will vary depending on building size, type of occupancy, and local or state regulations.

Commercial Sprinkler Systems

NFPA 13, the Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, requires fire sprinkler systems in these commercial buildings:

  • All new commercial structures with a fire area of more than 5,000 square feet must have automatic fire sprinkler systems installed.
  • Any remodeling or expansion that extends the fire area beyond 5,000 square feet, or any single tenant increase in occupancy requiring a new certificate of occupancy, will require sprinkler systems to be installed throughout the building.
  • Buildings more than 55 feet tall must have automatic sprinkler systems installed in all of the structures.
  • Sprinkler systems are required in townhomes with more than two residential occupancy units within a structure.

Commercial Fire Suppression

In some commercial settings, fire suppression systems that go beyond basic traditional sprinkler systems are required. For example, data centers, restaurants, and museums may need suppression systems that utilize agents other than water to protect against fire.

Commercial Alarm & Detection

When it comes to fire alarm and detection systems in commercial buildings, uniquely designed systems that include interlinked elements and a central control panel are required. Many commercial alarm systems are required to have 24/7 monitoring and are required to be inspected and tested on a regular basis by fire protection professionals.

WSFP Provides Residential & Commercial Fire Protection

Western States Fire Protection can provide commercial and residential fire protection systems. We can design and install fire sprinkler, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems to fit the unique requirements of your building. We can also provide inspections, testing, and service for your commercial fire protection systems to keep them functional and code compliant. Contact us today to learn more about our services.