UPS Fire Suppression System – Indirect Low Pressure (ILP) & Nozzle-Based Technology

A Complete Guide for Data Centers, Industries & Critical Power Infrastructure

UPS Fire Suppression System – Indirect Low Pressure (ILP) System

The UPS Fire Suppression System – Indirect Low Pressure (ILP) System is a reliable automatic clean agent fire suppression solution designed to protect UPS cabinets and battery rooms from fire risks caused by overheating, electrical faults, battery failure, short circuits, and thermal runaway. The system is ideal where water-based fire protection systems are unsuitable.

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 UPS enclosure. Upon detection, the control unit activates rapid agent discharge, suppressing Class A, B, C and electrical fires without residue or damage to sensitive electronics.

Designed as per NFPA-2001, BIS, and ISO fire safety standards, the UPS ILP fire suppression system ensures fast response, minimal downtime, low maintenance, and enhanced operational safety. It is widely used in data centers, server rooms, telecom facilities, control rooms, EV charging infrastructure, and critical power applications, providing dependable and compliant fire protection.

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What Is an Indirect Low Pressure (ILP) Fire Suppression System?

The ILP system uses a heat-sensing detection tube for fire detection and a separate nozzle network for agent discharge.

Unlike DLP (Direct Low Pressure) systems where the tube bursts and releases agent directly, ILP systems use the tube only for detection. When the tube bursts due to heat, it triggers the cylinder valve, releasing the suppression agent through dedicated nozzles inside the UPS cabinet.

ILP = Accurate Detection + Controlled Nozzle-Based Discharge

This provides:

• Better distribution

• Higher coverage efficiency

• Consistent agent flow

• Greater suppression control

Ideal for large UPS units, multiple compartments and high-value electronics.

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How ILP Fire Suppression Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Fire starts inside the UPS cabinet

Due to overheating, short-circuit, cable fault or battery terminal ignition.

2. Heat-sensitive tube detects fire

The tube softens and bursts at its activation temperature (typically 100–140°C).

3. Burst triggers system valve (indirect release)

The sudden pressure drop activates the ILP valve on the agent cylinder.

4. Agent flows through dedicated nozzles

Precisely engineered nozzles discharge the agent uniformly inside the cabinet.

5. Fire is extinguished instantly

The clean agent suppresses flames in seconds, preventing UPS damage and downtime.

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Key Components of ILP Fire Suppression System

1. Heat-Sensing Detection Tube

• Detects fire instantly

• Acts as a pneumatic detection line

• Runs across critical fire risk zones inside UPS

2. Clean Agent Cylinder (Low Pressure)

Typically filled with:

• FK-5-1-12

• Novec-type agents

• Low-residue clean agents safe for electronics

3. ILP Activation Valve

Releases agent when tube ruptures.

4. Nozzle Network

Engineered nozzles distribute agent evenly across:

• Power modules

• Battery banks

• Control circuits

• Busbars

5. Tubing, Fittings & Manifold

6. Master Control Unit (optional)

For alarms, BMS integration, and UPS shutdown logic.

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Why Nozzle-Based ILP Systems Are Ideal for UPS

Controlled Discharge

Nozzles ensure uniform agent flow and precise coverage.

Better for Large UPS Cabinets

Multi-compartment UPS units benefit from engineered nozzles instead of tube-only release points.

Higher Reliability

Detection and discharge are separate—improving system stability.

Minimal Agent Consumption

Correctly calculated nozzle flow reduces wastage.

Zero Residue, Safe for Electronics

Clean agent does not harm semiconductors, PCBs, batteries, or busbars.

Compatible with Multi-Cabinet Protection

One ILP cylinder can protect multiple UPS cabinets using a manifold and nozzle lines.

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Suitable Applications

ILP + Nozzle fire suppression systems are widely used in:

• Data center UPS rooms

• Telecom UPS cabinets

• Industrial UPS systems

• Battery banks (VRLA, SMF, Li-ion)

• Power distribution cabinets

• Modular UPS architectures

• Switchgear, PDU and isolation cabinets

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Installation Guidelines for ILP UPS Protection

Tube Placement

Route detection tube across:

• Busbars

• Battery terminals

• Power modules

• Transformer area

• Fan exhaust zones

Nozzle Placement

Nozzles positioned based on:

• Cabinet volume

• Internal design

• Airflow pattern

• Heat concentration zones

Cylinder Location

Mount outside the UPS cabinet for service access.

Integration

Connect with:

• Building management system (BMS)

• Fire alarm control panel (FACP)

• UPS auto shutdown relay

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Advantages of ILP System Over Tube-Direct (DLP)

Feature	ILP System	DLP System
Fire Detection	Tube bursts	Tube bursts
Agent Discharge	Through nozzles	Through burst tube
Ideal For	Large UPS, multi-compartment	Small/medium UPS
Agent Control	Precise, uniform	Localized
Multi-Cabinet Protection	Yes	Limited
Consistency	Very high	Moderate

ILP = Perfect for large UPS & high-value systems
DLP = Ideal for compact UPS cabinets

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Most Common FAQs About ILP UPS Fire Suppression

1. Is ILP safer than direct tube-based systems?

Yes. ILP provides more controlled discharge with nozzles, making it ideal for large UPS units.

2. What clean agent is used?

FK-5-1-12 or equivalent non-conductive, residue-free, environment-safe agents.

3. Does the system work on live electrical equipment?

Absolutely. Clean agents are safe up to high voltage levels.

4. Can one ILP system protect multiple UPS cabinets?

Yes. With proper engineering and a manifold, one ILP cylinder can protect 2–4 cabinets.

5. How fast is the activation?

Instant—tube ruptures within milliseconds of fire, triggering valve release.

6. What maintenance is required?

• Monthly pressure check

• Quarterly functional test

• Annual full inspection

• Tube replaced after discharge

7. Does it require room sealing?

No. ILP is a localized suppression system, not a room flooding system.

8. Is installation difficult?

No. ILP is modular and can be retrofitted without UPS modification.