Direct Low pressure system - Fire detection tube technology , FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM , Electrical Panels tube based automatic fire gas suppression system
26-Nov-2025
The Electrical Cabinet Fire Suppression System using Direct Low Pressure (DLP) technology is a compact, fast-acting automatic fire suppression solution designed to protect electrical cabinets, control panels, switchgear, PLC panels, MCC and PCC panels from fire risks caused by short circuits, overheating, arcing, loose wiring, and component failure.
This DLP fire suppression system uses a heat-sensitive polymer detection tube installed inside the electrical cabinet. The tube continuously monitors temperature and functions as both a fire detector and discharge mechanism. When abnormal heat or flame is detected, the tube bursts at the hottest point and releases a clean agent fire extinguishing gas such as Novec 1230, FM-200, or CO2 directly onto the fire source, ensuring instant and localized suppression.
The electrical cabinet DLP fire suppression system effectively controls Class A, B, C and electrical fires without water, residue, or damage to sensitive components. Designed in accordance with NFPA-2001 and BIS fire safety standards, it is ideal for industrial plants, data centers, substations, commercial buildings, EV charging panels, and critical power installations, offering rapid response, minimal downtime, space-saving design, and low maintenance fire protection.
A cabinet fire suppression system is an automatic, self-activating fire protection system installed inside electrical or electronic enclosures. It uses advanced detection methods and extinguishing agents to identify the presence of fire and extinguish it rapidly without the need for human intervention.
These systems are commonly available in:
Indirect low pressure systems
Aerosol suppression systems
The most popular technology for cabinets today is the tube-based heat sensing automatic fire suppression system due to its reliability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness.
Fires inside cabinets are dangerous because they:
Start silently and spread rapidly
Occur in enclosed spaces with high heat concentration
Often go unnoticed until major damage occurs
Cause complete system shutdown and costly downtime
Pose risk to personnel and entire facilities
Installing a dedicated cabinet fire suppression system ensures:
Early detection and instant suppression
Prevention of fire spread
Protection of sensitive electronics
Compliance with safety standards
Reduction in insurance risks and claims
Fires within cabinets are usually triggered by:
Electrical short circuits
Overloaded circuits
Loose wiring and terminals
Component overheating
Ageing insulation
Spark from contactors and relays
Dust accumulation
External heat sources
These risks make automatic cabinet fire suppression a critical safety requirement in modern electrical infrastructure.
This system uses a heat-sensitive polymer tube that both detects and discharges the extinguishing agent. When exposed to fire, the tube bursts and releases the agent directly at the fire source.
Key Features:
No external power required
Early detection at ignition point
Simple and cost-effective
Highly reliable
Here, the tube acts only as a detection line. When it bursts, it activates a valve and the agent is discharged through separate nozzles.
Best for larger enclosures or multi-zone cabinets.
Uses condensed potassium-based aerosol to suppress fire. Ideal for sealed cabinets but requires correct volume calculation.
Uses agents like FK-5-1-12 or HFC-227ea for uniform suppression throughout the enclosure.
Fire Initiation
Overheating or short circuit creates sparks or flames inside the cabinet.
Heat Detection
The heat sensing element (tube or detector) reacts to rising temperature.
System Activation
The system automatically releases the extinguishing agent.
Fire Suppression
The agent cools the fire and breaks the combustion chain.
System Isolation
Power shutdown and alarm signals may be triggered for safety.
The entire process typically occurs within seconds, preventing escalation.
Common agents include:
FK-5-1-12 / Novec 1230 – Clean, residue-free and safe for electronics
HFC-227ea (FM-200) – Effective and fast acting
CO2 – Suitable for non-occupied enclosures
Dry Chemical Powder – For industrial environments
Aerosol Agents – Compact and maintenance-friendly
Selection depends on:
Cabinet size
Type of equipment
Fire risk category
Environmental constraints
These systems are widely used in:
Electrical LT & HT Panels
MCC & PCC Panels
Control Panels
Server Racks & Data Cabinets
UPS & Battery Cabinets
PLC Panels
CNC Machine Control Panels
Telecommunication Cabinets
Solar Inverter Cabinets
Wind Turbine Control Units
Railway Signalling Cabinets
DG Set Control Panels
Automatic operation
Fast response time
No need for human intervention
Protects expensive equipment
Minimizes downtime
Prevents total loss
No water damage
Compact and easy installation
Reliable even during power failure
Proper design includes:
Cabinet volume measurement
Heat load calculation
Selection of suitable agent
Tube routing near risk areas
Cylinder capacity sizing
Pressure rating and compatibility
Integration with alarm system
Ventilation and enclosure sealing
Install cylinder securely outside the cabinet
Route heat sensing tube inside near critical components
Avoid sharp bends and hot surfaces
Ensure correct spacing of clamps
Test pressure and connections
Label system clearly
Professional installation ensures reliable performance during emergencies.
Visual inspection of tube and cylinder
Pressure gauge monitoring
Check for physical damage
Functional testing
Pressure switch verification
System documentation update
Cylinder refilling
Tube replacement
Full recommissioning
Proper maintenance extends system life and ensures readiness.
Cabinet fire suppression systems are typically aligned with:
NFPA 2001 – Clean Agent Systems
UL Approval for heat sensing tubes
IEC Electrical Safety Standards
ISO Fire Safety Guidelines
Local Fire Authority Regulations
Compliance ensures legal safety and insurance acceptance.
What is a Cabinet Fire Suppression System?
It is an automatic fire protection system designed to detect and suppress fires inside enclosed cabinets such as electrical panels, control panels, server racks, and UPS cabinets at the earliest ignition stage.
Why is cabinet fire suppression important?
Because electrical cabinet fires spread rapidly and often go unnoticed. Suppression systems prevent catastrophic damage, downtime, and safety hazards.
Is a cabinet fire suppression system mandatory?
While not always legally mandatory, it is strongly recommended by safety standards, insurance companies, and industrial best practices.
How does a Direct Low Pressure (DLP) system work?
A heat sensing tube bursts at the fire location, releasing the extinguishing agent directly at the source, suppressing the fire instantly.
What is the difference between Direct and Indirect Low Pressure systems?
Direct systems discharge agent through the burst tube itself, while indirect systems use the tube only for detection and discharge through separate nozzles.
Does the system require electricity to operate?
No, the core suppression mechanism is pneumatic and works without electrical power.
How fast does the system activate?
Typically within 2 to 10 seconds after fire detection.
Can the system detect smoke?
No, tube-based systems respond to heat, not smoke. They activate when temperature reaches the designed threshold.
Where can cabinet fire suppression systems be installed?
They can be installed in LT panels, MCC panels, PLC cabinets, server racks, UPS panels, CNC control panels, telecommunication cabinets, solar inverter enclosures, and DG control panels.
Is the system suitable for server rooms and data centres?
Yes, clean agent-based cabinet suppression systems are ideal for electronics and data centres.
Can one system protect multiple cabinets?
Generally, each cabinet requires its own dedicated system for effective protection.
Is it suitable for outdoor cabinets?
Yes, with proper enclosure rating and UV-resistant tubing, it can be used outdoors.
Which agent is best for electrical cabinets?
Clean agents such as FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230) are ideal due to their non-conductive and residue-free properties.
Is CO2 safe for cabinet suppression?
CO2 is effective but must only be used in normally unoccupied or sealed enclosures due to oxygen displacement risks.
Does the agent damage electronic components?
No, clean agents do not harm sensitive electronics or leave residue.
How is the system installed inside the cabinet?
The heat sensing tube is routed near high-risk components while the cylinder is mounted securely outside or beside the cabinet.
Can it be installed in existing panels?
Yes, it is ideal for both new installations and retrofitting.
Does it affect cabinet operation?
No, it does not interfere with normal cabinet functioning.
What temperature triggers the system?
Typically between 110°C to 180°C based on tube specifications.
Can the system malfunction?
When installed and maintained correctly, it is highly reliable with minimal failure risk.
Does vibration or humidity affect performance?
No, systems are designed to withstand standard industrial conditions.
How often does the system need inspection?
Visual inspections monthly and detailed servicing annually are recommended.
What happens after discharge?
The cylinder must be refilled and the tube replaced before resuming operation.
What is the system lifespan?
Typically 5–10 years depending on usage and environmental conditions.
Does the tube need replacement periodically?
Yes, as per manufacturer guidelines or if damaged or aged.
Which standards apply to cabinet fire suppression systems?
NFPA 2001, UL standards for heat sensing tubes, ISO fire safety codes, and local fire authority regulations.
Is the system compliant with insurance requirements?
Yes, when installed as per standards and certified by authorized manufacturers.
What is the cost of a cabinet fire suppression system?
Cost varies based on cabinet size, agent type, and system capacity.
Is it cost-effective?
Yes, it saves significantly by preventing equipment damage and downtime.
Can the system be reset after discharge?
No, it must be professionally serviced and recommissioned.
Can alarms be integrated?
Yes, pressure switches can trigger alarms and shutdown signals.
Is remote monitoring possible?
Yes, integration with SCADA or BMS systems is possible.
Will it trigger in high ambient temperature?
It is designed to withstand suitable ambient ranges, and only activates at critical heat levels.
How do I select the right system?
Consult a certified manufacturer like Fire Engineering Technology for proper risk assessment.
Are spare parts easily available?
Yes, spare tubes and refilling services are available.
Can it be customized?
Yes, systems are tailored based on cabinet size and risk profile.
Is training required to operate?
No manual operation is required; basic awareness training is sufficient.
What if a fire starts in multiple points?
The tube layout covers critical areas to address multiple ignition sources.
What if the system activates accidentally?
It will still require full servicing before reuse.
Is reinstallation required after panel modification?
Yes, system layout must be revised accordingly.
Best system for electrical cabinets? → Tube-based clean agent system
Works without power? → Yes
Safe for electronics? → Yes
Maintenance heavy? → No
Installation time? → 2–4 hours per cabinet (approx.)
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A Cabinet Fire Suppression System is no longer a luxury but a critical safety necessity in modern electrical and industrial environments. From electrical control panels to server racks, early fire detection and suppression protect assets, personnel, and operations from catastrophic loss.
With options like tube-based direct low pressure systems, aerosol units, and clean agent systems, businesses can choose tailored protection based on their needs. Investing in a reliable cabinet fire suppression system ensures not only safety but also long-term operational stability and peace of mind.
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