Fire Suppression System , Fixed fire fighting - Gaseous fire protection system , Gas flooding systems , FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM , Kitchen fire suppression system , Electrical Panels tube based automatic fire gas suppression system , Vehicle fire suppression system
26-Sep-2025
Electrical panels such as LT panels, HT panels, MCC panels, PCC panels, VFD panels, PLC panels, and server racks are the backbone of every industrial and commercial facility. But they are also high-risk zones for electrical fires caused by short circuits, arc flashes, loose terminations, and overheating.
The most reliable and widely used technology today is the Fire Trace Tube-Based Fire Suppression System, an automatic fire detection and extinguishing solution designed to suppress fires inside enclosures before they spread.
?? In this complete guide, we’ll explain panel-wise fire risks, fire codes, suppression design, and Google-popular fire safety solutions.
Google’s most searched questions on this topic are:
Why do electrical panels catch fire?
How to protect MCC panels from fire?
Which fire suppression system is best for control panels?
Overloaded circuits (LT & MCC panels)
Arc flash (HT panels)
Faulty breakers or MCCBs (PCC panels)
Continuous operation (VFD, PLC, Server racks)
Dust, moisture & overheating
?? A tube-based automatic fire suppression system ensures fast, localized protection inside electrical panels, meeting NFPA 2001 and NBC 2016 fire codes.
Keywords embedded: electrical panel fire suppression system, automatic fire extinguishing for panels, fire protection for MCC panels, NFPA fire suppression
Many people search for “How does a fire trace tube system work?” and “What is tube-based fire suppression?”
Step-by-step working:
Fire Detection Tube: Heat-sensitive polymer tubing runs inside the panel near risk zones.
Automatic Detection: At ~110–150°C, the tube bursts at the fire point.
Instant Suppression: Fire is extinguished using CO2, FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230), or ABC dry chemical powder.
System Integration: Can trigger alarms, trip supply, and connect with SCADA/BMS.
This is why it’s often called Automatic Fire Detection and Suppression System or Fire Trace Tube Extinguisher System.
Keywords embedded: tube-based fire suppression system, automatic fire detection tube, fire trace suppression system, clean agent fire extinguishing
Risk: Overheating from feeders, short circuits, loose connections.
Solution: Direct fire trace tube suppression system with CO2 or Novec 1230 for clean extinguishing.
Search keywords: LT panel fire suppression, automatic fire extinguisher for LT panels, low tension electrical panel fire protection
Risk: Arc flash, insulation breakdown, heavy current fault.
Solution: Indirect release tube system with agent released via nozzles for full coverage.
Search keywords: HT panel fire suppression, arc flash fire safety, high voltage panel fire protection system
Risk: Motor overload, short circuit, sparking in starters.
Solution: Direct release suppression system with clean agent for sensitive components, or ABC powder where safe.
Search keywords: MCC panel fire suppression system, motor control panel fire protection, automatic fire extinguisher for MCC panels
Risk: High load capacity, dust, cable fires.
Solution: Tube-based suppression system with CO2 or FK-5-1-12 for non-residue fire safety.
Search keywords: PCC panel fire suppression, power control center fire safety, CO2 fire suppression for PCC panels
Risk: Overheating drives, inverter component failure, fire in semiconductors.
Solution: Novec 1230 clean agent suppression system (tube-based) for safe, residue-free protection.
Search keywords: VFD panel fire suppression, inverter fire protection system, clean agent fire safety for drives
Risk: Sensitive automation electronics, relay heating, wiring faults.
Solution: Tube-based clean agent suppression system to prevent fire without damaging control boards.
Search keywords: PLC panel fire suppression, automation panel fire protection, automatic clean agent fire extinguisher
Risk: Cable fires, UPS overheating, constant high heat load.
Solution: Tube-based Novec 1230 / FK-5-1-12 suppression system – ideal for mission-critical systems with zero downtime.
Search keywords: server rack fire suppression, data center fire safety, UPS panel fire protection, clean agent suppression for servers
? Automatic 24/7 fire safety for electrical panels
? Fast detection and suppression (within seconds)
? Localized fire extinguishing at the source
? Clean agent suppression → no residue, safe for electronics
? Complies with NFPA 2001, NBC 2016, IS 1646
? Reduces insurance claims and plant downtime
Popular search keywords integrated: best fire suppression system, automatic electrical fire extinguisher, NFPA compliant fire suppression, clean agent fire suppression system
NFPA 2001 – Clean Agent Fire Suppression
NFPA 70 (NEC) – Electrical Code for safety
NBC 2016 India – Fire safety for industries & commercial facilities
IS 1646 & IS 3034 – Indian fire codes for electrical safety
UL & FM Approvals – Required for international projects
?? Many companies now search for “Is tube-based fire suppression NFPA compliant?” → Yes, it meets NFPA, NBC, and IS standards.
Keywords: NFPA fire suppression system, NBC fire code India, UL approved fire suppression system, electrical fire protection codes
Definition: NFPA 2001 covers the design, installation, and maintenance of clean agent fire suppression systems such as FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230), HFC-227ea, and CO2 alternatives.
Application to Tube-Based Systems: Fire detection tube (polymer tubing) acts as the automatic fire detection & discharge mechanism inside the electrical panel.
Agent Types Allowed:
FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230) – Environmentally safe, residue-free
HFC-227ea – Widely used clean agent
CO2 – Effective but requires ventilation precautions
Panel Protection Use-Case: Ideal for LT, HT, MCC, PCC, VFD, PLC panels and server racks where electronic safety is critical.
Design Considerations (NFPA 2001 aligned):
Clean agent concentration must reach minimum extinguishing level within 10 seconds.
Enclosure integrity test required to prevent leakage.
Suppression system must not damage sensitive electronics.
Cylinder must be sized based on panel volume and hazard level.
Performance: Ensures localized suppression inside panels with no residue, unlike water-based systems.
Environmental Compliance: Agents under NFPA 2001 must have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP).
Safety Integration: System can be linked to alarm, power shutdown, and SCADA monitoring.
Maintenance: Annual inspection, hydro-testing, and pressure checks required as per NFPA guidelines.
Compliance Advantage: Installing a tube-based NFPA 2001 clean agent system in electrical panels helps meet insurance requirements, NBC 2016 India, and IS 1646 fire safety codes.
? Keywords included: NFPA 2001 clean agent fire suppression, tube-based fire suppression, automatic fire extinguishing system for electrical panels, clean agent for MCC panels, Novec 1230 fire suppression, NFPA compliant fire protection
Overview:
NFPA 70, also called the National Electrical Code (NEC), is the primary U.S. standard for safe electrical design, installation, and maintenance.
It works alongside NFPA 2001 (Clean Agent Fire Suppression) to ensure fire protection in electrical enclosures such as LT, HT, MCC, PCC, VFD, and PLC panels.
Key Safety Provisions Relevant to Fire Suppression:
? Wiring Methods: Prevents overheating, loose terminations, and cable faults that often trigger panel fires.
? Overcurrent Protection: Requires fuses, MCCBs, and relays to reduce risk of short circuits and arc flash fires.
? Equipment Enclosures: Panels must be properly sealed, ventilated, and accessible to prevent fire spread.
? Hazardous Locations: Special enclosures and suppression solutions (tube-based systems) recommended in explosive or chemical environments.
? Grounding & Bonding: Proper grounding reduces fault currents and fire hazards in MCC and HT panels.
? Integration with Fire Suppression: NEC supports automatic shutdown links between suppression systems (tube-based clean agent) and electrical supply.
Role in Tube-Based Suppression Systems:
Ensures that fire detection tubing and cylinders are installed without violating electrical clearance and spacing requirements.
Mandates that suppression equipment is UL-listed and compatible with electrical panels.
Allows integration of alarm circuits and automatic trip features with suppression systems for added safety.
Compliance Benefits:
Reduces fire hazards in electrical distribution systems.
Supports insurance compliance when combined with NFPA 2001 suppression.
Aligns with NBC 2016 (India) and IS 1646 for international safety.
? Keywords embedded: NFPA 70 NEC electrical code, electrical panel fire safety, MCC panel NEC compliance, automatic fire suppression in electrical enclosures, NEC fire protection code, tube-based fire suppression safety
Overview:
The National Building Code of India (NBC 2016, Part 4 – Fire and Life Safety) provides mandatory guidelines for fire prevention, detection, and suppression in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings.
It aligns with NFPA standards and supports the use of automatic fire suppression systems such as tube-based clean agent suppression for electrical enclosures.
General Fire Safety Provisions (NBC 2016):
? Mandatory Fire Protection: All high-rise buildings, industrial units, and hazardous occupancies must install fire detection & suppression systems.
? Electrical Panel Safety: Electrical rooms, LT/HT panels, MCC, PCC, and server racks must be equipped with automatic fire suppression.
? Portable Extinguishers: Panels must have suitable extinguishers (CO2 / clean agent) installed nearby as per IS 2190.
? Automatic Fire Suppression Systems: Encourages clean agent and localized suppression for enclosures where water is unsuitable.
? Integration with Alarm & Shutdown: Suppression systems must connect with building fire alarms and automatic power shutdown circuits.
? Maintenance: Quarterly inspections and annual testing required for compliance.
Panel-Wise Relevance of NBC 2016:
LT / HT Panels: Must be protected by automatic fire suppression systems since these are high-risk power distribution points.
MCC Panels (Motor Control Centers): Fire risk due to overload → NBC recommends localized suppression (tube-based CO2 / Novec 1230).
Server Racks & Data Centers: NBC mandates clean agent suppression (FK-5-1-12, Novec 1230, Inert gas) as water is not suitable.
Control Rooms & PLC Panels: NBC requires enclosure-based automatic suppression systems with clean agents for sensitive electronics.
Approved Suppression Agents under NBC 2016:
Clean agents (FK-5-1-12 / Novec 1230, HFC-227ea) – Environmentally safe, no residue.
CO2 systems – For unoccupied electrical rooms and panels.
Dry chemical systems – Where residue is acceptable.
Compliance Benefits:
Meets statutory fire safety requirements for industries & commercial buildings.
Reduces insurance premium and ensures claim acceptance.
Ensures business continuity by protecting critical electrical assets.
Mandatory for factories, IT hubs, hospitals, malls, warehouses, data centers.
? Keywords embedded: NBC 2016 fire safety India, NBC fire code for industries, electrical panel fire suppression NBC, tube-based fire suppression compliance, clean agent suppression NBC guidelines, automatic fire safety systems India
Overview:
IS 1646:2018 lays down fire safety requirements for electrical installations in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings.
Focuses on fire prevention, detection, and suppression in LT panels, HT panels, MCC, PCC, VFD, PLC panels, and server racks.
Key Provisions Relevant to Electrical Panels:
? Wiring & Cabling: Must be fire-retardant, low-smoke, and halogen-free (FRLSH).
? Panel Rooms: Electrical rooms must have automatic fire detection and suppression systems.
? Suppression Recommendation: Water-based systems are prohibited inside live panels → NBC & IS 1646 allow CO2 and clean agent suppression (Novec 1230, FK-5-1-12).
? Automatic Systems: Encourages tube-based automatic fire suppression for enclosed panels.
? Maintenance: Regular inspection, testing, and record-keeping mandated.
Keywords: IS 1646 fire safety, electrical panel fire protection IS code, tube-based suppression IS compliance, FRLSH cabling fire safety
Overview:
IS 3034:1993 deals specifically with fire safety in electrical installations for industrial facilities.
Ensures safe design, layout, and suppression in high-risk electrical systems.
Key Provisions Relevant to Electrical Panels:
? Panel Layout: Electrical panels must be enclosed, segregated, and accessible.
? Fire Suppression: Electrical switchgear and MCC panels must have automatic extinguishing systems using clean agents or CO2.
? Prohibited Systems: Sprinklers and water-based systems not allowed inside electrical enclosures.
? Emergency Preparedness: Mandates fire detection, alarms, and suppression for critical electrical areas.
? Industrial Application: Especially relevant to factories, refineries, power plants, and chemical industries.
Keywords: IS 3034 fire code, industrial electrical fire protection India, MCC panel fire safety IS code, clean agent suppression Indian standard
Both IS 1646 & IS 3034 recognize that electrical panels cannot be protected by water or foam systems.
They encourage use of CO2 and clean agent systems, making tube-based fire suppression systems an ideal solution.
Ensures fast, localized suppression for LT/HT panels, MCC, PCC, PLC, VFD panels, and server racks.
Compliance helps meet insurance, NBC 2016, and NFPA 2001 requirements.
Ensures legal compliance with Indian fire safety codes.
Reduces electrical fire risks in industrial buildings.
Protects expensive electrical assets without downtime.
Required for factories, IT hubs, hospitals, malls, and power utilities.
? Keywords embedded: IS 1646 fire code, IS 3034 fire safety, Indian standards for electrical panel fire suppression, tube-based fire suppression compliance India, CO2 fire suppression IS code, clean agent fire suppression Indian standard
When industries and EPC contractors execute international projects, compliance with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and FM (Factory Mutual Global) approvals becomes a mandatory requirement for all fire suppression systems and components.
These certifications are recognized worldwide and ensure that the fire suppression system is safe, reliable, and tested for global standards.
Overview: UL is a U.S.-based safety certification organization that tests and certifies fire safety products.
Relevance to Fire Suppression Systems:
UL 2166 – Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems (Novec 1230, HFC-227ea).
UL 299 & UL 711 – Portable extinguishers and system approvals.
UL-listed fire detection tubing, cylinders, and nozzles are required for international acceptance.
Why It Matters: UL ensures that suppression systems used in electrical panels (MCC, LT, HT, PLC, VFD, server racks) meet stringent fire safety performance tests.
Keywords: UL approved fire suppression system, UL listed fire safety equipment, UL fire certification for panels, tube-based suppression UL standard
Overview: FM Global is an international insurance and risk management company that certifies equipment for loss prevention.
Relevance to Fire Suppression Systems:
FM 5600 – Approval standard for clean agent fire extinguishing systems.
FM-approved cylinders, valves, and tubing ensure system reliability under industrial conditions.
Why It Matters: FM approval is often required by multinational clients, consultants, and insurers for projects in oil & gas, power plants, data centers, and industrial facilities.
Keywords: FM approved fire suppression system, FM global certification fire safety, FM approval for clean agent suppression, FM approved tube-based suppression
Ensures global acceptance of fire suppression systems in electrical panels.
Required for international EPC contracts, oil & gas projects, IT data centers, and MNC compliance audits.
Guarantees system safety, reliability, and NFPA compliance.
Reduces insurance risk and supports FM Global insured facilities.
Demonstrates that tube-based fire suppression systems (CO2, Novec 1230, FK-5-1-12) are tested and approved for critical use.
Projects in Middle East, Europe, USA, and Asia-Pacific often mandate UL/FM approved suppression systems.
Essential for data centers, airports, refineries, oil rigs, metro projects, and industrial facilities.
Helps in winning global tenders by meeting consultant and insurer specifications.
? Keywords embedded: UL approved fire suppression system, FM approved clean agent suppression, UL/FM certification for fire safety, international fire suppression standards, tube-based suppression UL/FM compliance
Fire Safety Standards & Approvals for Electrical Panel Fire Suppression
| Standard / Code | Requirement / Scope | Relevance to Tube-Based Fire Suppression in Electrical Panels |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 2001 – Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems | Specifies use of clean agents (Novec 1230, FK-5-1-12, HFC-227ea) for total flooding & local applications | Tube-based suppression systems using clean agents comply with NFPA 2001 for enclosed electrical panels (MCC, VFD, PLC, LT, HT panels) |
| NFPA 70 (NEC) – National Electrical Code | Governs electrical wiring, panel installation, and overcurrent protection to reduce fire risks | Ensures tube installation does not violate wiring clearances and allows integration of suppression with trip circuits & alarms |
| NBC 2016 (India) – National Building Code | Mandatory fire protection for industries, data centers, hospitals, commercial & high-rise facilities | Recommends automatic suppression systems for electrical rooms, panels, and server racks; tube-based clean agent systems are compliant |
| IS 1646 – Fire Safety of Buildings (Electrical Installations) | Requires FRLSH cabling, suppression for electrical rooms & panels, and regular inspections | Encourages CO2 / clean agent tube-based suppression for LT/HT/MCC panels instead of water-based systems |
| IS 3034 – Fire Safety of Industrial Electrical Installations | Fire safety design for industrial panels, switchgear, MCC, PCC, and control systems | Mandates automatic extinguishing systems inside panels; tube-based clean agent suppression is an ideal solution |
| UL (Underwriters Laboratories) | UL 2166 – Clean Agent Systems; UL listed suppression components for global acceptance | UL-certified tubing, cylinders, and nozzles ensure international approval of tube-based fire suppression systems |
| FM Global (Factory Mutual) | FM 5600 – Approval for clean agent systems; equipment reliability & loss prevention | FM-approved tube-based systems are often mandatory for oil & gas, data centers, EPC & multinational projects |
Every panel — LT, HT, MCC, PCC, VFD, PLC, and Server Racks — faces different fire risks. The most effective solution is the Tube-Based Fire Suppression System, also called Fire Trace Tube Automatic Fire Extinguishing System.
It offers:
Automatic fire detection and suppression inside panels
Compliance with NFPA & NBC codes
Business continuity with reduced downtime
Safe clean agent options for electronics
?? To protect your facility, choose a UL-certified and NFPA-compliant fire suppression company for panel-wise solutions.
About the Manufacturer:
Fire Engineering Technology (FET) is a leading Indian manufacturer and supplier of fire suppression systems, specializing in tube-based and clean agent fire extinguishing solutions.
FET designs systems compliant with NFPA 2001, NFPA 70 (NEC), NBC 2016, IS 1646, IS 3034, and provides equipment with UL & FM approvals for international projects.
Manufacturing Role & Expertise:
? Tube-Based Fire Suppression Systems: Custom-built solutions for LT, HT, MCC, PCC, VFD, PLC panels, and server racks.
? Clean Agent Systems: Uses FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230), HFC-227ea, CO2, and ABC powder depending on application.
? UL-Listed & FM-Approved Products: Ensures systems meet international tender requirements.
? Turnkey Solutions: From design, supply, installation, and maintenance to compliance documentation.
? Sector Coverage: Provides solutions for industries, oil & gas, data centers, healthcare, transport, renewable energy, and commercial complexes.
Role in Fire Safety Industry:
?? Standard Compliance Partner: Ensures that every installation meets global codes (NFPA, UL, FM) and Indian codes (NBC, IS 1646, IS 3034).
?? Innovation in Fire Protection: FET’s direct low-pressure (DLP) fire suppression tube systems provide localized, automatic fire detection and suppression inside electrical enclosures.
?? Insurance & Audit Support: Helps clients comply with factory act requirements, third-party inspections, and insurance mandates.
?? Export & Global Projects: Supplies UL/FM-approved suppression systems for EPC contractors and multinational corporations.
?? Customized Design: Offers panel-wise fire suppression solutions based on panel type (LT, HT, MCC, PLC, VFD, servers) and fire risk profile.
Why Choose Fire Engineering Technology (FET):
? Proven track record in tube-based suppression manufacturing.
? India’s trusted brand for electrical panel fire suppression systems.
? Expertise in compliance with NFPA, NBC, IS, UL & FM.
? Wide client base across industries, IT, oil & gas, and government projects.
? Keywords embedded: Fire Engineering Technology manufacturer, tube-based fire suppression manufacturer India, clean agent fire suppression supplier, UL/FM approved fire suppression company, electrical panel fire safety manufacturer.
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