Indirect Low Pressure Fire Suppression System - Electrical Panels & Switchgear

Indirect Low Pressure Fire Suppression System for Electrical Panels & Switchgear

Complete Guide by Fire Engineering Technology

Indirect Low Pressure Fire Suppression System – Electrical Panels & Switchgear

The Indirect Low Pressure (ILP) Fire Suppression System for Electrical Panels & Switchgear is an advanced automatic clean agent fire suppression solution designed to protect LV, MV, and HV electrical panels, switchgear, MCC panels, PCC panels, and control cabinets from fire hazards caused by short circuits, overheating, arcing, loose connections, and insulation failure.

In an ILP fire suppression system, the extinguishing agent such as Novec 1230, FM-200, or CO2 is stored in a low-pressure cylinder and released indirectly through engineered discharge nozzles. Fire detection is achieved using Linear Heat Sensing (LHS) cable, smoke detectors, or heat detectors installed inside the electrical enclosure. Upon detection, the system triggers rapid agent discharge to suppress Class A, B, C and electrical fires without water, residue, or damage to sensitive components.

Designed as per NFPA-2001, BIS, IS 2189, and ISO standards, the ILP fire suppression system for electrical panels ensures fast response, high reliability, minimal downtime, and low maintenance. It is ideal for industrial plants, data centers, substations, commercial buildings, EV charging infrastructure, and critical power facilities, providing safe, compliant, and damage-free fire protection.


What is an Indirect Low Pressure Fire Suppression System?

An Indirect Low Pressure Fire Suppression System is an automatic fire protection system where the detection mechanism and extinguishing discharge operate independently. Heat detection is achieved through external sensors such as heat sensing tubes or linear heat detector cables, which trigger a valve or solenoid to release a clean extinguishing agent stored at low pressure.

Unlike direct systems where the tube itself bursts and releases the agent, indirect systems use controlled nozzles for precise and uniform distribution, making them ideal for electrical environments.


Why Electrical Panels & Switchgear Need Indirect Suppression

Electrical enclosures present unique fire risks:

  • Confined spaces cause rapid heat build-up

  • Flammable insulation materials

  • High electrical load concentration

  • Delayed detection due to closed cabinets

  • Risk of total panel failure

Indirect low pressure systems offer fast response and minimal collateral damage, preserving expensive electrical components and maintaining operational continuity.


System Working Principle

  1. Heat Detection
    Heat sensing tube or Linear Heat Detection (LHD) cable monitors the internal temperature of the panel.

  2. Trigger Activation
    When the preset temperature is reached, the detection line triggers a mechanical actuator or solenoid valve.

  3. Agent Discharge
    The low pressure cylinder releases agent through a network of calibrated nozzles.

  4. Fire Suppression
    The clean agent suppresses the fire by cooling, oxygen displacement, or chemical interruption.

  5. System Reset / Alarm Notification
    Alarms and system indicators signal activation for prompt maintenance.


Key System Components

  • Low Pressure Agent Cylinder (CO2 / FM-200 / Novec 1230)

  • Heat Sensing Tube / Linear Heat Sensor Cable

  • Solenoid Valve or Mechanical Actuator

  • Nozzle Distribution Network

  • Pressure Switch

  • Control Panel Interface

  • Manual Release Mechanism

  • Alarm & Monitoring Unit

  • Mounting Brackets & Fittings


Types of Agents Used

  • CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

  • FM-200 (HFC-227ea)

  • Novec 1230 (FK-5-1-12)

  • Inert Gas Mixtures

These agents are residue-free, non-conductive, and safe for electrical systems.


Applications in Electrical Infrastructure

  • LT & HT Panels

  • MCC & PCC Panels

  • Distribution Boards

  • Switchgear Cabinets

  • Transformer Control Panels

  • VFD Panels

  • PLC Control Panels

  • Substation Panels

  • UPS Panels


Advantages of Indirect Low Pressure System

 Controlled and precise discharge
 Reduced system pressure risk
 Safe for sensitive electronics
 Uniform agent coverage
 Early fire detection
 Minimal false activation
 Easy scalability
 Complies with global safety norms


Compliance & Standards

  • NFPA 2001 – Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems

  • NFPA 12 – CO2 Systems

  • ISO 14520

  • UL & CE Standards

  • PESO / BIS / TAC Norms (India)


Installation Process

  1. Site Risk Assessment

  2. Panel Layout Design & Coverage Planning

  3. Cylinder Mounting

  4. Detection Tube Routing

  5. Nozzle Placement Optimization

  6. Electrical Integration

  7. System Testing & Commissioning

  8. Maintenance Training


Maintenance & Inspection

  • Periodic pressure checks

  • Detection tube condition evaluation

  • Valve functionality testing

  • Panel inspection after activation

  • Annual system certification


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is the system safe for live electrical panels?
Yes, clean agents used are non-conductive and safe for energized panels.

Q2. What is the typical response time?
Activation occurs within 10–20 seconds after detection.

Q3. Can it integrate with BMS or alarms?
Yes, it supports full integration with fire alarms and BMS systems.

Q4. How much area can one system protect?
Coverage depends on panel volume and agent type; it can be customized.

Q5. Is it suitable for retrofit installations?
Yes, the system can be easily retrofitted into existing panels.


Why Choose Fire Engineering Technology?

Fire Engineering Technology delivers industry-proven indirect low pressure fire suppression solutions with precision engineering, certified components, and high-performance reliability for electrical panel protection. Our systems ensure asset safety, operational continuity, and compliance with international fire safety standards.


Conclusion

The Indirect Low Pressure Fire Suppression System for Electrical Panels & Switchgear is a critical safety investment for modern infrastructure. By combining advanced detection with controlled clean agent discharge, it provides superior protection against electrical fires while safeguarding expensive equipment and minimizing downtime.

Protect your power infrastructure with intelligent fire suppression solutions by Fire Engineering Technology – where safety meets innovation.

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