UPS Fire Suppression System – Tube-Based Direct Low Pressure (DLP) Technology A Complete Guide by Fire Engineering Technology

UPS Fire Suppression System – Tube-Based Direct Low Pressure (DLP) Technology

A Complete Guide by Fire Engineering Technology

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are the backbone of every mission-critical facility—data centers, telecom sites, industrial automation, hospitals, banks and IT infrastructure. As power electronics operate continuously, the risk of electrical short circuits, overheating, cable insulation failure and battery-related ignition becomes a major fire hazard.
Traditional suppression methods often fail to address cabinet-level fire outbreaks, making localized protection essential.

Tube-Based Direct Low Pressure (DLP) Fire Suppression System is the smartest and most reliable solution to protect UPS panels, battery cabinets and power electronic enclosures. This blog explains how DLP technology works, its components, benefits, installation guidelines and why it is the best choice for UPS fire safety.


What Is a Tube-Based DLP Fire Suppression System?

A DLP (Direct Low Pressure) system is a compact, automatic fire suppression technology that uses a heat-sensitive polymer detection tube routed inside the UPS cabinet. The tube works as both fire detector and extinguishing agent delivery line, providing instant suppression exactly at the point of fire.

When high temperature builds up at any location inside the UPS, the tube bursts at that hotspot, releasing the fire-suppression agent directly onto the source—ensuring immediate localised extinguishing without damaging the entire room or equipment.


Why UPS Systems Need Tube-Based Fire Protection?

UPS cabinets contain:

  • High-current busbars

  • SMPS boards

  • Transformers & rectifiers

  • Battery strings

  • Control circuits

  • Cable joints and terminals

These components run continuously and generate heat. Even a single loose connection or dust accumulation may create sparks or arc faults. Fires inside UPS cabinets spread rapidly and are difficult to detect externally.

Tube-based DLP systems offer:

  • Ultra-fast response

  • No dependency on smoke detectors

  • Fire control directly on the ignition point

  • Protection even in small, enclosed volumes

  • No need for room sealing

  • Minimal agent use and zero residue (with clean agents)


How the Tube-Based DLP System Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Fire Starts Inside UPS Cabinet

Due to overheating, short circuit or battery failure.

2. Heat Sensing Tube Detects Fire

Special polymer tubing softens & bursts at a preset temperature (typically 90–120°C).

3. Tube Burst Creates Immediate Discharge Path

The tube near the hotspot ruptures, forming a nozzle.

4. Suppression Agent Releases Directly on Fire

Clean agent exits at low pressure, instantly knocking down flames.

5. Panel/UPS Shutdown Optional

System can be integrated with:

  • Alarm panel

  • BMS

  • Remote monitoring

  • Auto power cutoff signals


Core Components of UPS DLP Fire Suppression System

1. Heat-Sensitive Detection Tube

  • Fire detection + discharge in one

  • Routes inside UPS and battery cabinets

  • Temperature-responsive and reliable

2. Low-Pressure Agent Cylinder

Stores extinguishing agent such as:

  • FK-5-1-12 (clean agent)

  • Novec-type agents

  • Low-conductivity suppression liquids (optional)

3. Pressure Gauge & Switch

Monitors system health; sends alarms if pressure drops.

4. End-of-Line Adapter

Ensures the tube loop is sealed and monitored.

5. Optional Electrical Release / Solenoid Valve

Enables remote OR automatic activation.

6. Master Control Unit (MCU)

Displays:

  • Fire

  • Fault

  • Gas release

  • Power failure

  • Shutdown relay outputs


Advantages of Tube-Based DLP Systems for UPS Protection

? Direct Fire Attack → Fastest Extinguishing

Agent released exactly where the fire begins.

? No Electricity Shutdown Needed for Activation

System operates purely by heat, independent of power.

? 100% Safe for Electronics

Clean agents are non-conductive, residue-free and safe for live electrical equipment.

? Compact & Space Saving

Fits inside the cabinet; no piping or room sealing required.

? Highly Reliable with Low Maintenance

Simple construction reduces failure rates.

? Ideal for Retrofit Projects

Easily installed on existing UPS cabinets without structural changes.

? Cost-Effective Fire Safety

Uses minimal extinguishing agent compared to room flooding systems.


Where DLP Systems Are Used in UPS Installations

? UPS Panels

Control, power and inverter modules.

? Battery Cabinets (VRLA / Li-ion / SMF)

Prevents thermal runaway escalation.

? Server Power Distribution Units

Critical IT infrastructure.

? Data Center Electrical Rooms

? Industrial UPS Systems

Automation, CNC, PLC, robotics, etc.


Installation Guidelines (Best Practices)

  • Tube routing should cover heating components:

    • Busbars

    • Transformers

    • Battery terminals

    • Power modules

  • Secure tubing every 25–30 cm

  • Avoid sharp bends or edges

  • Install cylinder outside or near cabinet

  • Integrate with alarm / BMS for remote alert

  • Ensure cabinet volume is correctly calculated for agent sizing

  • Conduct periodic pressure checks & visual inspections


Maintenance Requirements

Monthly

  • Visual inspection of tube & cylinder pressure

  • Ensure no mechanical damage or loose routing

Quarterly

  • Alarm testing

  • End-of-line pressure check

Annually

  • Complete system audit

  • Replace aged components if needed

  • Re-pressurization (if required)


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will the system damage UPS electronics?

No. Clean agents used in DLP systems are non-conductive and residue-free.

2. Does the tube burst every time?

Yes, a burst occurs at the fire point. After discharge, only the tube must be replaced.

3. Can it work without electrical power?

Yes, the system is fully mechanical and heat-activated.

4. Is it suitable for Li-ion battery cabinets?

Yes—when designed with correct tube routing and agent selection.

5. How long does installation take?

Typically 1–2 hours per cabinet depending on size.

1. What makes tube-based DLP systems different from normal fire suppression systems?

Unlike traditional systems that detect smoke or heat in the room, a DLP system detects fire inside the UPS cabinet itself, using a heat-sensitive tube that bursts at the fire point and discharges agent instantly.


2. Is the system fully automatic?

Yes. No electricity, sensors or human intervention is required. Fire activates the system instantly.


3. What temperature does the tube burst at?

Typically 90°C to 140°C, depending on the selected tube material. Custom activation temperatures are also available.


4. Are these systems approved or certified?

Tube-based systems follow international clean agent safety standards. Certifications depend on manufacturer (UL-listed components, ISO approvals, etc.).
Fire Engineering Technology systems comply with applicable safety norms for clean agents and tube technologies.


5. Can it be used in energized electrical equipment?

Yes—clean agents used in DLP systems are non-conductive, safe for energized equipment, and do not cause short circuits.


6. Does it leave residue after extinguishing?

No. Clean agent systems used in UPS protection are zero residue and do not harm electronics.


System Operation & Technical FAQs

7. How quickly does the system activate?

Activation is instant—the tube bursts the moment surrounding temperature reaches its designed limit, allowing rapid extinguishing before fire spreads.


8. What kind of fire does this system handle?

Class C (electrical fires) and Class A (insulation/cable fires).
It is not intended for deep-seated chemical fires or open-area fires.


9. Does the system need pressure to stay active?

Yes. The agent cylinder is pre-pressurized. A pressure gauge and pressure switch continuously monitor system readiness.


10. What happens if the tube gets damaged accidentally?

A pressure drop will be detected, triggering a fault alarm (if connected to MCU), ensuring safety before the system becomes inactive.


11. Can the system be integrated with UPS shutdown signals?

Yes. The optional master control unit provides NO/NC relays that can signal:

  • UPS shutdown

  • Battery isolator cut-off

  • Main breaker trip

  • Local/remote alarms


12. How long does the suppression agent discharge last?

Typically 5–20 seconds, depending on the cylinder size and nozzle opening.


13. What is the lifespan of the detection tube?

3 to 5 years depending on environment, UV exposure, and cabinet temperature. Regular inspection is required.


Installation & Compatibility FAQs

14. Can the system be installed in any UPS cabinet size?

Yes, the tube is flexible and customizable. It can be installed in:

  • Small indoor UPS

  • Large data-center UPS modules

  • Battery racks and enclosures

  • Telecom/equipment cabinets


15. Is cabinet modification required?

No major modifications. Tube routing requires simple clamps and fittings, making it ideal for retrofit.


16. Does the system require room sealing?

No. Unlike room-flooding gas systems, DLP protects only the cabinet, so room sealing is unnecessary.


17. How do I know the system is healthy?

A quick visual check of pressure gauge + tube condition.
If connected to MCU → automatic fault/alarm monitoring.


18. Can it work in high-temperature rooms?

Yes, as long as room temperature stays below 50–55°C. The tube only bursts at high localized heat inside UPS, not ambient heat.


Why Choose Fire Engineering Technology (FET)?

Fire Engineering Technology is a leading manufacturer of heat-sensing tube-based automatic fire suppression systems for electrical panels, UPS systems, battery cabinets, DG sets, CNC machines and enclosures.

Our systems are:

  • Precision engineered

  • Highly reliable

  • Easy to install

  • Tested for instant activation

  • Compliant with global safety practices

We provide complete solutions including design, supply, installation & AMC support.


Conclusion

A Tube-Based Direct Low Pressure (DLP) Fire Suppression System is the most advanced and cost-effective method to safeguard UPS systems from internal electrical fires. With ultra-fast activation, clean agent discharge and minimal maintenance, it ensures uninterrupted power and protects valuable IT infrastructure from catastrophic damage.

You can contact us on the details Given Below

Enquire Now