Tube-Based Fire Suppression System | Supply, Installation, Testing, Commissioning, AMC, Refilling

1. Introduction

With increasing fire incidents in industrial electrical panels, CNC machines, data centers, commercial kitchens, battery rooms, and transformers, Tube-Based Fire Suppression Systems have emerged as a cost-effective, automatic, localized fire protection solution across India.

These systems:

• ? Detect & extinguish fires automatically

• ? Don’t need electricity to operate

• ?? Are compact & easy to retrofit

• ?? Ideal for industrial, commercial, and data-critical environments

But reliable fire protection depends not only on installation, but also on proper commissioning, periodic maintenance, testing, refilling, and timely replacement of aging components as per IS / NFPA / NBC / OEM guidelines.

?? This Fire Engineering Technology guide covers the entire lifecycle of tube-based systems — from supply to long-term servicing.

2. Applicable Standards & Codes

Standard	Description	Key Relevance
IS 15496:2004	Inspection & Maintenance of Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems	Maintenance, testing, tube replacement, records
IS 2190:2010 / 2024	Selection, Installation & Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers	Refilling, hydrotesting intervals
NFPA 2001	Clean Agent Fire Suppression	Annual inspections, enclosure integrity, component life
NFPA 12	CO2 Systems	Cylinder maintenance, refilling, safety
NBC 2016 Part 4	Fire & Life Safety	Mandates periodic AMC, logbooks, training, audits
OEM Guidelines	Manufacturer technical recommendations	Specific to tube materials, pressure tolerances, replacement intervals

?? These codes are enforced during Fire NOC renewals, insurance audits, and factory safety inspections across India.

3. Supply & Installation

?? Supply Scope Includes:

• ? Agent Cylinder (Clean Agent FK-5-1-12 / HFC-227ea or CO2)

• ? Polymer Detection & Discharge Tube

• ? Fittings, burst valves & nozzles

• ? Manual actuator / pressure switch (optional)

• ? Mounting hardware, clamps, accessories

• ? Documentation, GA drawings, datasheets

?? Installation Best Practices:

• Route tube close to fire-prone areas (bus bars, cable terminations, CNC spindles, kitchen hoods).

• Avoid sharp bends, UV exposure, and mechanical stress.

• Use OEM fittings only — poor-quality joints are prone to leaks.

• Ensure secure mounting and proper nozzle alignment.

• Label system clearly for Fire NOC.

?? Fire Engineering Technology provides Pan-India installation teams trained as per IS/NFPA standards.

4. Testing & Commissioning

Stage	Test	Purpose
Pre-Commissioning	Pressure & leak test of tubing & fittings	Ensures no leaks or blockages
Functional Simulation	Without agent discharge	Verifies actuation & detection path
Full System Commissioning	Live discharge test (sample enclosure)	Confirms system readiness
Documentation	Checklists, GA drawings, test certificates	Required for NBC/Fire NOC compliance

?? Testing & commissioning must be witnessed by client safety officer and documented with signed reports & photos.

5. Maintenance & AMC

Regular AMC ensures system health & compliance.

?? Monthly (Visual)

• Tube inspection for cracks, discoloration

• Cylinder gauge check

• Mounting hardware, nozzle obstruction check

• Manual release accessibility

• Logbook entry

Quarterly

• Cylinder pressure/weight check

• Tube routing & connection inspection

• Alarm & interlock simulation test

• Tube section replacement if damaged

• Service report submission

?? Half-Yearly

• Functional discharge simulation

• Interlocks (AHU/power/gas cut-off) test

• Enclosure integrity (for clean agent systems)

• Detailed fitting inspection

?? Annually

• Cylinder hydrotesting (every 5 years)

• Tube replacement if 5+ years old

• Full functional discharge test (sample enclosure)

• Mock drill & staff training

• Documentation update (drawings, reports)

6. Refilling & Recharging

Condition	Action	Standard
Post discharge	Immediate refill & tube replacement	IS 15496, NFPA 2001/12
Low pressure / weight loss	Refill after leak check	IS 2190
Expired agent (wet chemical/CO2)	Replace agent	OEM / NFPA
Cylinder hydrotest due	Hydrostatic test, refill	IS 2190

?? Always refill through authorized, certified refilling stations with traceable batch certificates.

7. Testing Requirements

Test	Frequency	Remarks
Visual Check	Monthly	Tube, fittings, gauges
Functional Simulation	Quarterly / Half-Yearly	Without discharge
Full Flow Test	Annual	For sample zone
Hydrostatic Testing	Every 5 years	Cylinder integrity
Enclosure Integrity (Clean Agent)	Annually	NFPA 2001 compliance

8. Spare Parts Lifespan

Component	Typical Lifespan	Replacement Interval	Notes
Detection Tube	5–7 years	Every 5 years	Critical — replace on schedule
Cylinder	15–20 years	Hydrotest every 5 yrs	Replace if failed
Fittings & Burst Valves	8–10 years	During AMC	Check corrosion
Gauges	5–10 years	Replace if faulty	Check monthly
Nozzles	10+ years	Clean every AMC	Replace if blocked
Clamps & Connectors	5–7 years	As needed	Especially in humid/kitchen areas
Manual Actuator	8–10 years	AMC check	Replace if jammed
Pressure Switch	5–8 years	Replace if faulty	Test annually

?? Tubes and cylinders are the most critical. Many failures in India occur because tubes are not replaced even after 10+ years.

9. Record-Keeping & Documentation

As per NBC 2016, IS 15496 & Fire NOC requirements:

• AMC logbook with date-wise records

• Cylinder weight/pressure logs

• Hydrotest & refill certificates

• Spare replacement history

• Updated GA drawings

• Staff training & drill records

?? Fire authorities and insurance companies check these during audits & claims.

10. Fire Engineering Technology – Pan-India Expert

Fire Engineering Technology (est. 2014) is a leading Indian manufacturer & service provider for:

• ? Tube-based Clean Agent & CO2 Fire Suppression Systems

• ?? Industrial, commercial & kitchen applications

• ?? Service coverage: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi NCR, Tamil Nadu & more

• ?? Hydrotesting, refilling, AMC, design & certification

?? All installations & maintenance follow NFPA / IS / NBC standards with OEM-certified components.

Conclusion

Tube-based fire suppression systems offer fast, automatic protection — but only if supplied, installed, tested, commissioned, and maintained correctly.

Following OEM + IS / BIS + NFPA + NBC guidelines ensures:

• ?? Reliable fire suppression performance

• ?? Fire NOC & insurance compliance

• ?? Extended system life & safety

• ?? Minimum downtime in critical installations

?? Trust Fire Engineering Technology for end-to-end solutions — from supply & installation to AMC, refilling, testing, and spares — Pan India.