Fire Protection Systems: Installation Guidelines

Installing such systems is a complex and responsible process. The safety of the facility and people depends on how correctly the system is installed and how thoroughly the design details are planned.

But as they say, let's begin step by step.

Fire Suppression Installation

Installation of fire suppression systems is typically the most expensive phase in fire safety projects. Key design requirements include:

• Fire suppression systems must be modular and connected to individual control units;
• control units, detectors, and other fire protection equipment must have independent power sources;
• in high-risk areas, stationary self-activating aerosol and powder-based fire suppression units are optimal.

Overall, fire suppression system design is customized for each facility, depending on factors such as area, building category, and occupancy.

If you plan to install a fire suppression system, contact reliable and well-established companies. In Ukraine, this is "Fire Surveillance – Donetsk" (13 years in the industry). In Russia, it's LLC "Vostil" (6 years), and "Titan" (18 years in the industry).

Installation costs vary significantly depending on multiple factors. The average cost for fire surveillance and maintenance per 150 sq.m. is 90 UAH/month (360 RUB).

Installation of Fire Detectors

Photo 1 — Fire Detector

The reliability of the system depends on selecting the correct detector type. It must detect fire signs promptly and avoid false alarms.

When installing fire detectors, follow these key guidelines:

• Smoke detectors are typically installed in areas where smoke is expected during a fire;
• Manual fire alarms should be placed in well-lit, easily accessible locations;
• Installation standards also require heat detectors in standard-height, small-sized, enclosed spaces.

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems

Automatic fire suppression installation is essential for immediate system activation upon fire detection. Major types include:

Wet sprinkler systems (for buildings up to 20 m in height, these are fixed installations);

• foam-based;
• gas-based;
• aerosol-based;
• powder-based.

All these systems are controlled by automatic fire alarm systems or have independent control structures.

Before installation, review technical documentation required for fire prevention activities on-site. This information is available in the handbook by Sobur S.V.

Leading suppliers of fire detectors include "Stem" and "IRSÉT-Center." The average price for fire detectors varies by type and ranges from 15–250 UAH/unit (60–1000 RUB).

Installation of Fire Hydrants

Fire hydrants are a primary protection measure against fire. Reliable, failure-free operation and easy access are essential for rapid fire suppression.

Installation standards require fire hydrants to be within 50 meters of any point in the building. Special supports made of steel, cast iron, or plastic must be used.

Below is a schematic of fire hydrant installation.

Figure 1 — Fire Hydrant Installation Schematic. Section 1

Figure 2 — Fire Hydrant Installation Schematic. Section 2

Fire hydrant installation services in Ukraine and Russia are provided by "Varent-Servis" and the "PTO" group of companies, respectively. Installation costs are negotiable and depend on the model and type. The average price for a fire hydrant ranges from 1500–2000 UAH (6000–8000 RUB).

Foam Fire Suppression Systems

Photo 2 — Foam Fire Suppression System

Among the most popular fire suppression systems are foam-based installations. They are widely used to protect equipment in chemical and industrial facilities, fuel storage sites, and other locations handling flammable or easily ignitable liquids.

The principle of operation is similar to water-based systems, but foam systems include additional equipment for foam generation. Water sources are typically municipal water supplies not intended for drinking. Therefore, maintenance of foam fire suppression systems is nearly identical to that of other fire protection systems.

Leading manufacturers of foam fire suppression systems include "SABO Española" and "NTO Plamya." Average prices vary; for example, a foam extinguisher costs approximately 100–500 UAH (600–3000 RUB).

Powder Fire Suppression Systems

Photo 3 — Powder Fire Suppression System

These systems are widely used in administrative, residential, and public buildings, storage areas, offices, tunnels, and more. They are suitable for both local and full-area fire suppression.

Powder-based suppression systems offer several advantages over traditional methods (foam, water, aerosol, gas):

• usable in unheated spaces with temperatures ranging from -50°C to +50°C;
• effective against flammable liquids, solid combustibles, and electrical equipment under voltage;
• fire suppression at the earliest stage of detection;
• effective for fires in open areas.

These systems are highly reliable during operation.

One of the most well-known manufacturers is the Russian company "Eternis." Product prices range from 1600–2000 UAH (6500–8000 RUB).

Water and Foam Fire Suppression Systems

Photo 4 — Water and Foam Fire Suppression System

Water-based systems use water as the extinguishing agent. They include sprinkler and deluge types. Deluge systems are typically used when effectiveness can only be achieved through simultaneous, fine-water mist coverage over the entire protected area.

Foam systems are used for extinguishing flammable liquids, petroleum products, and other easily ignitable liquids.

These systems have several drawbacks:

• complex maintenance;
• dependence on water supply sources;
• difficulty extinguishing fires in areas with electrical equipment.

Water-based fire suppression systems are manufactured by the "Eternis" group. Their systems cost approximately 4000–8500 UAH (17000–35000 RUB).

Pump-Based Fire Suppression Systems

Photo 5 — Pump-Based Fire Suppression System

Pump-based systems are used in agriculture, fire drainage systems, and fire suppression on municipal and housing facilities. They can be used with sprinkler and deluge systems.

Key requirements for these systems:

• all inlet/outlet pumps must have check valves;
• manifolds must be equipped with measuring instruments and sensors;
• electric pumps must be protected against clogging and rotor seizure.

Minimal basic equipment ensures full and effective operation.

One of the leading manufacturers of pump-based fire suppression systems is the Danish company "Grundfos." The company has been operating since 1945 and produces 16 million pumps annually. Besides manufacturing autonomous pump motors, they produce manhole covers, couplings, and other components.

The Russian plant "Kurs" and "Grundfos" are reliable producers of fire suppression pumps. The average price is 100,000 UAH (400,000 RUB).

Installation of Fire Detectors

Photo 6 — Fire Detectors

Fire detectors are automatic devices used to detect smoke or fire. Upon detection, the sensor sends a signal to the security station, fire department, or control panel.

Types of fire detectors include:

• point smoke detectors;
• linear smoke detectors;
• flame detectors;
• manual fire alarms;
• gas detectors.

When installing any fire detectors, follow established standards, regulations, and guidelines:

• at least two detectors must be installed in a room;
• point detectors should be mounted under ceilings or on load-bearing structures (walls, columns);
• when installing heat or smoke detectors, consider air flow direction in the room;
• installation must follow the technical documentation for the specific detector.

In Ukraine, fire detector installation is handled by "Video Systems Donbass." In Russia, it's "Lan Engineering." The average cost for installing and mounting one detector is 50 UAH (200 RUB).

Gas Fire Suppression Systems

Photo 7 — Gas Fire Suppression System

These automatic fire suppression systems are designed for early fire detection and immediate alarm signal transmission to the control panel. Key advantages include no need for interaction with electrical systems and operation in temperatures from -40°C to +50°C.

Modular gas suppression systems are highly effective for protecting high-value materials and assets. However, they are not used in chemical industry facilities.

Installation and maintenance are performed by specialized companies that design documentation, select equipment, conduct commissioning, assist with facility handover, and provide warranty and post-warranty support.

Companies such as "Akin-M," "Aspekt," and "Imperia" provide sales, installation, and maintenance services for gas fire suppression systems. Prices should be confirmed with the manufacturer.

Modular Fire Suppression Systems

Modular fire suppression systems are used to protect storage and industrial facilities, garages, enterprises, offices, paint and drying rooms, and diesel sites.

Key advantages:

• low consumption of extinguishing agent with high efficiency;
• safe for personnel;
• additives used are certified and safe;
• independent of water supply sources;
• simple installation, operation, and maintenance;
• wide operating temperature range: from -30°C;
• reliable long-term performance.

Below is a schematic of a modular water mist fire suppression system.

Figure 3 — Modular Fire Suppression System Schematic (Fine Water Mist)

Modular systems are produced by "Silny Potok." The average price for such a system is 35,000 UAH (150,000 RUB).

Sprinkler Fire Suppression Systems

Photo 8 — Sprinkler Fire Suppression Systems

These systems are used to extinguish small fires in enclosed spaces. They are fully automatic and do not require human intervention for activation.

The extinguishing agent is standard water, so sprinkler systems are installed in areas where temperatures remain above zero. They are commonly used in modern buildings due to their advantages:

• water effectively extinguishes fire in a room;
• it cools adjacent areas, thereby protecting them from fire spread.

Prices for sprinkler systems start at 30 UAH (150 RUB).

That concludes our overview of currently available fire suppression technologies. As you can see, there are many options. The choice depends on the type of facility to be protected, the extinguishing agent used, and of course, cost.

Read also: Fire Alarm System Installation