Fire Suppression Systems

SPECIAL HAZARD SUPPRESSION SYSTEM DESIGN, INSTALLATION, INSPECTIONS & SERVICE

Gene Ptacek and Son Fire Equipment has personnel who are fully trained in all mechanical and electrical aspects of fire suppression systems, with experience in installation and service. 

Fire suppression systems are non-water-based fire extinguisher systems, and are often used in commercial and industrial applications.  These systems can better protect people and equipment in your facility while reducing cleanup costs and downtime after an incident.

Fire Suppression System Design and Installation

At Gene Ptacek and Son Fire Equipment, we can design a fire suppression system that fits the needs of your facility.  Our professional sales staff will assess your facility and recommend different types of suppression systems depending on the application, type of assets, and any special hazards.  Our in-house engineered systems sales staff and designers are NICET certified in Special Hazards and Detection Control.  We are distributors for most major manufacturers and the suppression systems they offer specializing in clean agent, CO2 and dry chemical.  We also provide  kitchen hood fire suppression systems to protect against typical fires that occur in the kitchen.

Suppression System Inspection and Service

The reliability of fire suppression systems is only as good as complying with the required periodic inspection and maintenance requirements.  These services are required by National, State and local governmental agencies, insurance companies and equipment manufacturers.  The different types of suppression systems have different periodic inspection intervals and maintenance requirements. Gene Ptacek and Son Fire Equipment has a staff of professional technicians that are certified, licensed, and manufacture trained to properly maintain your fire protection equipment so that when needed, it will function as required.

  • We maintain your systems installation, inspection and service records in our data base.

Types of Systems

Novec 1230 Fluid

One of the most environmentally friendly agents is manufactured by 3M. It is a long-term, sustainable alternative to halon, HFCs and PFCs as it has 0.0 ozone depletion potential and an atmospheric lifetime of just 5 days. GPS offers Novec-1230 solutions as manufactured by Ansul, Kidde and Firetrace along with their automatic detection and actuation equipment.

FM-200

The firefighting ability of this clean agent is through 80% heat absorption and 20% direct chemical means. Its atmospheric lifetime is determined to be 36.5 years. FM-200 is suitable for protection of data processing centers, telecommunication centers, machinery and other high value assets. When properly designed FM-200 can suppress a surface burning fire in Class A, B, and C hazards.

Inert Agents

This type of suppression systems is the most environmentally friendly as they are a mixture of naturally occurring gases; nitrogen, argon, and CO2. Because inert agents are composed of atmospheric gases, they do not pose the problems of toxicity associated with the chemically derived agents. Inert gas system designs require more cylinder space due to the compressed gas cylinder design.

When properly designed, the carbon dioxide system will suppress fire in Class A, B and C hazards by displacing the air containing oxygen which supports combustion. Due to the method of extinguishment, personnel occupying areas protected by carbon dioxide systems must be evacuated prior to system discharge. For this reason, discharge time delays and alarms are mandatory for occupied hazards. Typical applications protected by CO2 include dip tanks, spray booths, ovens, coating machines, hoods and ducts, process equipment, generator spaces. CO2 can be designed and delivered by both direct local application or by total flooding.

Dependent on the size of the hazard and the required amount of CO2 needed, storage containers can be in high pressure cylinders or bulk-low pressure storage tanks.

The Dry Chemical piped fire suppression systems are designed to provide full-time fire protection in high-risk areas where large, potentially dangerous fires could occur. They use proven technology for fast knock down of the toughest flammable liquid and gas fires and provide a means of detection and suppression for complex hazards that are too difficult and inaccessible for manual means of firefighting.

Typical applications include product transfer and storage areas, paint spray booths, dip and quench tanks, hazardous material storage building and flammable liquid storage areas. There are several dry chemical options that provide protection against Class A, B, C and D hazards.

Design / Installation
  • Detailed consultation and site survey
  • Design & CAD drawings
  • Plans, permits and approvals
  • Efficient, professional on-site coordination and installation
  • Acceptance testing with authority having jurisdiction
  • Employee Training
Inspections / Testing / Maintenance
  • Electronic reports
  • Hydrostatic Testing and Recharging
  • Verify that detection devices are operating properly and in calibration
  • Test the remote pull station
  • Verify electric and gas shutoffs
  • Test electrical interlocks, alarm tie-in, audible, fan.
  • Verify proper nozzle type and coverage
  • Examine cartridges and verify they are of the proper weight and replace at the manufacturer’s required interval.
  • Verify the gauge on pressurized cylinders are at the proper level
  • Examine cylinders to record and verify hydro test dates, or six-year test requirements
  • Examine the regulator to record and verify test dates
  • Puff discharge piping and nozzles to confirm they are clean and free of debris
  • Verify conduit and piping is tightly connected and properly secured.
  • Record any deficiencies discovered during the inspection process
  • We call ahead to schedule inspections to ensure service is performed when due.
Repairs / Emergency Service
  • 24/7 Emergency service
  • In-house bulk CO2 storage tank and recharge agent minimizes customer down time
  • Conduct a thorough examination of the unit.
  • Complete inventory of most manufacturers’ replacement parts.

One Call Does It All!