5/20/2019 Wet Chemical vs.

Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems

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Wet Chemical vs. Dry Chemical Fire

Suppression Systems
by National Fire Fighter Wildland Corp. | Wednesday, November 18, 2015 | 0 comment(s)

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5/20/2019 Wet Chemical vs. Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems

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A re in a domestic or commercial setting can be a life threatening event. For this reason, advanced
technological devices are available for use in e ectively suppressing life-threatening ames.
Because of di erent environments and di erent types of res, re ghting systems cannot rely on
just one type of chemical to suppress res. Flames may bear di erent characteristics, depending on
their origin, and therefore, they may require di erent chemical treatments.
There are two primary types of re suppression systems used today: wet and dry chemical re
suppression.

WET CHEMICAL FIRE SUPPRESSION

The wet chemical suppression system is what most people understand as the traditional re
suppression system, for instance in a commercial kitchen. This extinguishing method is speci c to
the cooking res that may occur in residential and commercial settings. The suppressant is a liquid
substance that, when sprayed onto the a ected area, cools the ames immediately. Its
e ectiveness is due in part to its immediate response to re. When the liquid comes into contact
with cooking oils and fats, it reacts to produce foam, subsequently cooling the a ected area and
preventing the re from reigniting.
Wet chemical suppression systems are required to comply with NFPA 17A (standard for wet
chemical extinguishing systems) and NFPA 96 (Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection
for Commercial Cooking Operations).

DRY CHEMICAL SUPPRESSION

Dry chemical suppression systems are most commonly used in industrial settings, such as paint
spray booths and large o -road equipment. Dry chemical systems utilize Class ABC or Class BC dry
chemical compounds to e ectively extinguish res where and when water is rendered inaccessible.
Since dry chemical systems are rechargeable, electrical extinguishing systems that are installed
easily into the commercial and industrial setting, these systems provide easy accessibility and are
e cient to use. Because they are non-conductive, they can be utilized to not only quell res in
ordinary combustible materials, but also on ammable liquid res that involve live electrical
equipment.
Dry chemical systems are required to comply with NFPA 17 (Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing
Systems) and NFPA 33 (Standard for Spray Application to safely use on ammable and combustible
materials).
Choosing the Right Fire Suppression System
Fire suppression systems assist in early detection and help to quickly suppress potentially life and
property threatening res. It is critical to have the right system installed for your environment and
application. If you are unsure of what type of re suppression system is ideal for your equipment,
click here to contact a technician in your area who can explain your options and help you choose
the right system for your needs.
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