Fire suppression system for Electrical Panels , Fire Suppression System , Fixed fire fighting - Gaseous fire protection system , FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
13-Sep-2025
Electrical panels are the heartbeat of industries, commercial complexes, and data centers. They control power distribution, automation, and mission-critical operations. However, they are also one of the leading causes of industrial fire accidents due to short circuits, loose connections, and overheating.
Even a small spark inside an LT/HT panel, MCC, or control cabinet can escalate into a major fire, causing downtime, equipment failure, financial losses, and safety risks.
To solve this, Fire Engineering Technology, a trusted manufacturer of fire suppression systems, introduces the Detection Tubing Concept – an automatic, localized, and residue-free fire suppression solution designed specifically for electrical panels.
Short Circuits: Faulty wiring, insulation breakdown, or damaged cables.
Loose Connections: Causes arcing, sparking, and localized heating.
Overcurrent & Overload: Excessive current flow generates heat in conductors.
Faulty Circuit Breakers/Relays: Failure to trip during faults leads to overheating.
Arcing Faults: Arcs inside panels ignite nearby combustible material.
Mechanical Damage: Vibrations, poor installation, or wear & tear leading to exposed conductors.
Overheating of Components: Busbars, transformers, and switches generate excessive heat.
Dust Accumulation: Dust particles ignite under heat or arcing conditions.
Humidity & Moisture: Leads to corrosion, insulation breakdown, and sparking.
Inadequate Cooling/Ventilation: Heat build-up accelerates failure and ignition.
Ambient High Temperature: Overloads panel beyond safe thermal capacity.
Combustible Insulation: PVC and plastic-coated wires catch fire quickly.
Oil/Fumes: Leakage of lubricants or vapors from nearby equipment.
Corrosion: Deteriorates conductor resistance, leading to hotspots.
Continuous 24/7 Operation: No downtime for inspection or cooling.
Improper Load Distribution: Overloading specific circuits.
Human Error: Poor maintenance, mishandling, or ignoring warning signs.
Unauthorized Modifications: Unsafe alterations and bypassing protection devices.
Rodent Infestation: Chewing wires and insulation causing short circuits.
Nearby Combustibles: Paper, wooden enclosures, or flammable storage near panels.
Seismic Vibrations: Loosening of contacts leading to sparks.
Lightning or Power Surges: High voltage spikes damaging insulation and breakers.
Electrical panel fires are caused by electrical faults (short circuits, arcing, overloads), thermal build-up, environmental factors (dust, moisture), material vulnerabilities, operational issues, and external hazards.
Conductive Risk: Water conducts electricity, creating electrocution hazards.
Equipment Damage: Damages sensitive electronics, switchgear, and control panels.
Collateral Damage: Spreads fire if it contacts flammable oils or energized parts.
Downtime: Requires extensive cleanup and long restoration time.
Residue Issues: Leaves corrosive foam residues inside panels.
Cleanup Required: Equipment must be dismantled, cleaned, and re-commissioned.
Not Suitable for Enclosures: Foam is ineffective in sealed electrical cabinets.
Residue Damage: Leaves fine powder that corrodes electrical circuits.
Visibility Loss: Creates a dust cloud, hindering visibility during emergencies.
Reignition Risk: Fire may restart if powder is not applied at the ignition point.
High Maintenance: Cleanup is time-consuming and costly.
Human Dependency: Requires trained personnel to be present during fire.
Delayed Response: Fires in panels spread within seconds, making manual action ineffective.
Limited Reach: Cannot access enclosed or hidden compartments inside electrical panels.
? Non-Automatic: Most systems rely on human intervention.
? Not Localized: Fires start inside panels, where conventional systems can’t directly suppress.
? High Downtime: Cleanup and restoration time after discharge is significant.
? Non-Compliant: Many traditional methods don’t meet modern fire codes for electrical/electronic systems (e.g., NFPA 2001, ISO 14520).
Traditional firefighting methods (water, foam, powder, manual extinguishers) are unsafe, damaging, and ineffective for electrical fire protection. Instead, industries require automatic, residue-free, and localized systems such as Clean Agent or Detection Tubing Fire Suppression Systems offered by Fire Engineering Technology.
Electrical panels, CNC machines, battery racks, and control cabinets are among the most fire-prone areas in industries. Fires here spread rapidly, causing downtime, equipment failure, and safety hazards. Traditional firefighting methods like sprinklers, foam, or powder are ineffective, damaging, or too slow for enclosed electrical spaces.
To solve this, Fire Engineering Technology introduces the FireFinder Detection Tubing Fire Suppression System – a unique, automatic, localized fire suppression solution designed for high-risk enclosures. This system provides early detection and direct suppression at the source of fire, ensuring asset protection with minimal downtime.
The FireFinder system is a pre-engineered, automatic fire suppression solution that uses a specialized heat-sensitive detection tube to both detect and suppress fires. Unlike traditional systems, it does not require electrical power or complex electronics, making it fail-safe and always active.
Detection Tube Installation – A flexible polymer tube runs throughout the risk zone (inside electrical panels, CNC enclosures, battery racks, etc.).
Heat & Flame Sensing – The tube continuously senses temperature. At the point of fire, the tube bursts when exposed to extreme heat.
Direct Agent Discharge – The suppression agent (Clean Agent like Novec™ 1230/FM-200™ or CO2) is released instantly through the burst, directly onto the fire.
Immediate Extinguishing – The fire is suppressed within seconds, preventing escalation and collateral damage.
? Automatic & Self-Activating – No electricity or manual action required
? Localized Suppression – Directly attacks the fire at its source
? Fast Response (<10 seconds) – Immediate fire control, minimizing damage
? Compatible Agents: Novec™ 1230, FM-200™, CO2 (customized to risk type)
? Compact & Easy Installation – Fits inside panels, cabinets, or machines
? Zero Residue (Clean Agents) – Safe for electronics & sensitive equipment
? Low Maintenance & Cost-Effective – Minimal servicing required
? Compliant with NFPA & ISO Standards
LT Panels (Low Tension Distribution)
HT Panels (High Tension Distribution)
PCC (Power Control Centers)
MCC (Motor Control Centers)
VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breaker Panels)
Control & Automation Cabinets
The Clean Agent FireFinder Tube Suppression System is a pre-engineered automatic fire detection and suppression solution developed by Fire Engineering Technology. It is specifically designed for the protection of enclosed electrical and electronic equipment such as LT/HT panels, MCCs, PCCs, CNC machines, data cabinets, UPS panels, and battery enclosures.
Detection Tube:
Flexible polymer tube, heat-sensitive
Operating pressure: 16–18 bar (depending on agent used)
Bursting temperature: ~110°C – 150°C
Dual function: fire detection & suppression agent discharge
Cylinder & Valve Assembly:
Seamless steel/aluminium cylinder
Agent capacity: 2 kg to 9 kg (scalable as per risk size)
Valve: High-pressure discharge valve with safety burst disc
Suppression Agent:
FK-5-1-12 (Novec™ 1230) or HFC-227ea (FM-200™)
Non-conductive, residue-free, safe for Class A, B, C fires
Environmental: Zero ODP; Novec™ 1230 has GWP < 1
The polymer detection tube is installed inside the risk enclosure (electrical panel, CNC machine, or cabinet).
During fire, the localized temperature rise softens the tube wall.
At the hottest point, the tube bursts open, acting as a nozzle.
The stored clean agent is released instantly through the burst, directly onto the fire source.
Suppression achieved in under 10 seconds, ensuring fire does not spread beyond the enclosure.
Automatic, self-activating (no electricity required)
Localized suppression at ignition point
Compact design, easy installation in existing enclosures
Safe for sensitive electrical/electronic equipment
No residue, no cleanup, minimal downtime
Compliant with NFPA 2001, ISO 14520, EN 15004 standards
Cylinder pressure monitoring via pressure gauge
LT & HT Panels, MCC, PCC, VCB panels
Server racks & data centers
CNC & EDM machines with oils/coolants
Battery energy storage systems (BESS)
Control cabinets & telecom equipment
Laboratories, archives & museums
Fast Activation: Direct discharge at fire point < 10 seconds
Residue-Free: Clean agents ensure no damage to equipment
Environmentally Safe: Novec™ 1230 option with zero ODP, ultra-low GWP
Scalable: Available in 2 kg, 4 kg, 6 kg, 9 kg cylinder configurations
Fail-Safe Operation: Works during power failure
? Summary:
The Clean Agent FireFinder Tube Suppression System by Fire Engineering Technology is a compact, automatic, and environmentally responsible fire suppression system that combines detection and suppression in a single tube-based design. It is best suited for electrical panels, CNC machines, and sensitive enclosures where traditional suppression methods are ineffective or damaging.
The CO2 FireFinder Tube Suppression System is a pre-engineered, automatic fire suppression solution designed for localized protection of high-risk industrial enclosures. Using CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) gas as the extinguishing medium, this system provides fast, efficient, and residue-free suppression, making it ideal for CNC machines, electrical panels, DG sets, turbines, and unmanned industrial spaces.
Developed by Fire Engineering Technology, the system combines a heat-sensitive detection tube with a CO2 suppression cylinder to ensure direct fire suppression at the point of origin.
Detection Tube
Flexible, heat-sensitive polymer tubing
Working pressure: 16–18 bar
Bursting temperature: ~110°C – 150°C
Functions as fire detector and discharge nozzle
CO2 Cylinder & Valve Assembly
Seamless steel cylinder with safety burst disc
Agent storage: 2 kg to 9 kg (expandable as per risk size)
Valve type: High-pressure discharge valve with tubing connector
Extinguishing Agent: CO2 Gas
Suppresses fire by displacing oxygen around the ignition point
ODP = 0, GWP = 0 (environmentally neutral)
Non-conductive, residue-free, effective for Class B & C fires
The polymer detection tube is routed inside the CNC machine or electrical enclosure.
In the event of a fire, the tube bursts at the hottest point.
The CO2 gas is released instantly through the burst point directly onto the fire.
Fire is suppressed within seconds by oxygen displacement and cooling effect.
? Automatic Activation: No power supply or electronics needed
? Localized Suppression: Direct discharge inside the enclosure
? Residue-Free: No cleanup required after discharge
? Fast Response (<10 seconds): Stops fire at the ignition stage
? Compact & Cost-Effective: Easy to retrofit into CNC machines & panels
? Compliant with NFPA 12 & international CO2 system standards
CNC & EDM machines with cutting oils and lubricants
Electrical LT/HT panels, MCC, PCC, VCB enclosures (unmanned)
DG sets, turbine enclosures & compressors
Industrial cabinets & machinery spaces
Paint booths and hazardous processing areas
?? High Effectiveness: Quickly extinguishes Class B & C fires
? Protects Equipment: Non-conductive gas, safe for electrical systems
?? Low Cost: Economical compared to clean agents
?? Environment-Friendly: No ozone depletion or global warming impact
?? Safety Note: Not recommended for occupied areas due to asphyxiation risk
The CO2 FireFinder Tube Suppression System by Fire Engineering Technology is a powerful, automatic, and localized fire suppression solution ideal for CNC machines, electrical panels, and unmanned industrial enclosures. With its fast activation, zero residue, and cost-effectiveness, it provides industries with reliable protection for critical equipment and processes.
Tube-based fire suppression systems are widely used to protect electrical panels, CNC machines, battery storage systems, and industrial enclosures. These systems use a heat-sensitive detection tube that detects and releases fire suppression agents automatically at the source of fire.
The two most common variants are:
CO2 Gas Tubing Fire Suppression Systems
Clean Agent Based Tubing Fire Suppression Systems
Both provide fast, automatic, and localized protection, but they differ in agent type, safety, applications, and cost.
CO2 is stored in a high-pressure cylinder connected to a detection tube.
When fire occurs, the tube bursts at the hottest point.
CO2 gas is discharged directly onto the fire, suppressing it by displacing oxygen and cooling the flames.
Fast suppression in under 10 seconds
Non-conductive and residue-free
Cost-effective and widely available
?? Not safe for occupied areas (asphyxiation risk)
CNC & EDM machines with oils and lubricants
DG sets, turbine enclosures, compressors
Unmanned electrical panels (LT/HT, MCC, PCC)
Paint booths and industrial cabinets
Stores halocarbon clean agents like FK-5-1-12 (Novec™ 1230) or HFC-227ea (FM-200™).
Detection tube bursts on fire exposure.
Agent is discharged instantly, extinguishing fire by absorbing heat and interrupting combustion.
Residue-free, non-conductive, safe for electronics
? Safe for humans in occupied spaces
Environmentally friendly (Novec™ 1230 has Zero ODP & very low GWP)
Higher cost compared to CO2 systems
Both CO2 Gas Tubing and Clean Agent Tubing Systems provide automatic, localized, and fast suppression for high-risk equipment.
Choose CO2 Tubing for CNC machines, turbines, DG sets, and unmanned industrial enclosures where cost and fire severity are key.
Choose Clean Agent Tubing for electrical panels, server rooms, battery storage, and occupied spaces where safety and zero-residue protection are critical.
With proven expertise, Fire Engineering Technology designs and manufactures both systems, offering industries reliable, NFPA-compliant, and tailored fire suppression solutions.
CO2 fire suppression is ideal in areas where human occupancy is minimal or absent, because high concentrations of CO2 can cause asphyxiation.
Examples: CNC machines, turbine enclosures, compressor rooms, generator sets, and transformer vaults.
CO2 is highly effective for Class B (flammable liquids/oils) and Class C (electrical fires) where fire risk is severe.
Used in CNC & EDM machines containing flammable cutting fluids, paint booths, and fuel-handling areas.
CO2 is generally less expensive than clean agents like Novec™ 1230 or FM-200™.
Best for industries where large-scale protection is required but budget constraints exist.
Like clean agents, CO2 leaves no residue, making it suitable for electrical equipment and machinery.
However, unlike clean agents, CO2 requires ventilation after discharge before re-entry.
Clean agents (Novec™ 1230/FM-200™): Safe for occupied areas, eco-friendly, but more costly.
CO2: Preferred where human safety is not a factor and fast, cost-effective suppression is needed.
CO2 fire suppression is used instead of clean agent suppression when:
The area is unoccupied/unmanned
The fire risk is high (flammable oils, fuels, heavy industrial hazards)
Budget constraints favor a lower-cost solution
Residue-free protection is required, but ventilation can be managed after discharge
?? In contrast, clean agent suppression is the preferred choice for occupied areas, sensitive electronics, and data-critical environments such as control rooms, data centers, archives, and laboratories.
Tube suppression systems, such as detection tubing with CO2 or clean agent discharge, are widely used for electrical panels, CNC machines, battery systems, and control cabinets. They are pre-engineered, localized, automatic systems. While they are not always covered under one single dedicated international code, they must comply with existing fire safety standards for gaseous suppression and industry best practices.
NFPA 2001 – Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems (applies to Novec™ 1230, FM-200™, etc.).
NFPA 12 – Standard for CO2 Fire Extinguishing Systems.
NFPA 70 (NEC) – Electrical code; ensures enclosures are designed to reduce electrical fire risks.
NFPA 75 – Fire Protection for Electronic Equipment (applicable for panels, server racks, data centers).
ISO 14520 / EN 15004 – Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems (covering clean agents and inert gases).
ISO 6182-17 – Fire Protection – Automatic Sprinkler Systems (pre-engineered small enclosures).
EN 12094 – Components for Fixed Fire Suppression Systems – Functional requirements.
Tubing systems and clean agent cylinders should be UL-listed or FM-approved for safety and reliability.
Detection tubing often carries UL 2166 certification (for pre-engineered clean agent systems).
IS 15493:2004 – Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems – General Requirements.
IS 6382 & IS 16018 – Fire safety norms for extinguishing systems.
NBC 2016 – Part 4 – Fire & Life Safety, covering gaseous fire suppression recommendations.
? Systems must be pre-engineered and tested by manufacturer as per NFPA/ISO standards.
? Design concentration of agent (clean agent or CO2) must comply with NFPA 2001 / NFPA 12.
? Safety for humans must be considered – clean agent tubes can be installed in occupied spaces, CO2 only in unoccupied zones.
? Cylinder pressure monitoring and periodic hydrostatic testing as per NFPA / IS standards.
? Annual inspection and maintenance in line with NFPA 10 & NFPA 2001 service requirements.
? Agents like Novec™ 1230 / FK-5-1-12 recommended due to zero ODP & low GWP, ensuring compliance with global environmental norms.
Tube-based fire suppression systems are recommended under NFPA, ISO, EN, and Indian NBC standards as pre-engineered gaseous suppression systems. While there isn’t one single “tube suppression” code, compliance is achieved by following the applicable gaseous fire suppression standards (NFPA 2001 for clean agents, NFPA 12 for CO2) along with UL/FM approvals and NBC 2016 guidelines in India.
Tube-based fire suppression systems provide a smart, automatic, and localized solution for protecting high-risk enclosures such as electrical panels, CNC machines, battery racks, and control cabinets. Unlike traditional methods, these systems detect and suppress fires at the source within seconds, ensuring minimal downtime, zero residue, and maximum asset protection.
By using clean agent or CO2 options, tube suppression systems can be customized for both occupied and unmanned areas, meeting NFPA, ISO, and NBC standards. With their compact design, low maintenance, and reliable performance, tube-based systems are an ideal choice for industries seeking 24/7 protection and compliance with modern fire safety norms.
Choose Fire Engineering Technology’s tube suppression systems – a trusted, automatic, and eco-friendly fire protection solution for today’s critical applications.
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