Fire Suppression Systems

Detection tells you a fire has started. Suppression puts it out — or contains it — before it can spread. Automatic fire suppression systems are the most effective way to protect lives, property, and business continuity in commercial, industrial, and high-value environments. Lance Security designs, supplies, installs, and maintains a full range of fire suppression systems across Kenya, from conventional sprinkler systems in office buildings and hotels to specialised gas suppression in data centres and server rooms.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler systems remain the most widely installed and proven automatic fire suppression technology in the world. They work by releasing water directly over the area where heat is detected, controlling or extinguishing the fire at its source. Contrary to popular belief, sprinkler heads activate individually — only the heads directly above the fire discharge water, minimising water damage to the rest of the building.

Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems

The pipes are permanently filled with pressurised water. When a sprinkler head is activated by heat, water flows immediately. Wet pipe systems are the simplest, most reliable, and most affordable sprinkler type, and they are the standard choice for offices, hotels, retail spaces, and residential buildings in Kenya. Since Kenya's climate does not present a freeze risk, wet pipe systems are suitable for virtually all indoor applications.

Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems

The pipes are filled with pressurised air or nitrogen rather than water. When a sprinkler head activates, the air escapes, a valve opens, and water fills the pipe and discharges. Dry pipe systems are used in environments where water in the pipes could freeze or where accidental pipe damage could cause unwanted water release — cold storage facilities, unheated warehouses, and parking garages.

Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems

Pre-action systems add an extra layer of confirmation before water enters the pipes. Typically, a fire detection system (smoke or heat detectors) must first confirm the fire, and then the sprinkler head must activate due to heat. This double-trigger mechanism virtually eliminates accidental discharge, making pre-action systems the preferred choice for environments where water damage from a false activation would be catastrophic — museums, archives, libraries, data centres, and telecommunications facilities.

Gas Suppression Systems

For environments where water would cause as much damage as fire — server rooms, data centres, electrical switchgear rooms, archives, and art storage — gas suppression systems extinguish fire without leaving any residue.

FM200 (HFC-227ea)

FM200 is a clean agent that suppresses fire by absorbing heat energy from the combustion process. It is safe for occupied spaces at design concentrations, leaves no residue, and does not damage electronics or sensitive equipment. FM200 is the most widely specified clean agent for IT environments in Kenya. The agent is stored in cylinders within or adjacent to the protected room and is released through a network of nozzles within 10 seconds of activation, achieving extinguishment before the fire can cause significant damage.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Suppression

CO2 suppresses fire by displacing oxygen in the protected space. It is highly effective for industrial applications such as generator rooms, paint spray booths, and printing presses. However, CO2 is dangerous to human life at extinguishing concentrations, so it is only used in spaces that are either normally unoccupied or equipped with pre-discharge alarms and time-delay evacuation systems. All CO2 systems we install comply with strict safety protocols including lockout procedures and warning signage.

Kitchen Hood Suppression

Commercial kitchens — in hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and institutional canteens — face a specific fire risk from cooking oils and fats. Kitchen hood (wet chemical) suppression systems are installed within the extraction canopy above cooking equipment. When a fire is detected (by fusible links or heat detectors), the system discharges a wet chemical agent that simultaneously cools the oil and forms a blanket that prevents re-ignition. The system also shuts off the gas supply to cooking appliances. Kitchen suppression is required by most insurance underwriters for commercial cooking operations in Kenya and is essential for compliance with fire safety certification.

Design Considerations

Every suppression system must be carefully designed to match the specific hazard, room dimensions, ventilation, and occupancy of the protected area. Our design process includes:

• Hazard analysis — Identifying the fire risk (ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, electrical equipment, cooking oils) to select the correct suppression agent and system type.
• Hydraulic calculation (sprinklers) — Calculating pipe sizes, water flow rates, and pressure requirements to ensure every sprinkler head delivers adequate water density. This is especially important in Kenya where municipal water pressure can vary.
• Agent quantity calculation (gas systems) — Determining the exact volume of suppression agent needed based on room volume, ceiling height, and leakage area.
• Integration with fire alarm — Gas and pre-action systems are interlocked with the fire alarm and detection system for automatic activation and for pre-discharge warnings that allow personnel to evacuate.
• Water supply assessment — For sprinkler systems, we assess whether the available water supply (mains, tank, or pump) meets the required flow and pressure. Where necessary, we specify fire pumps and dedicated water storage tanks.

Kenya Fire Code Compliance

The Kenya Building Code requires automatic fire suppression in certain building categories, including high-rise buildings, large commercial and assembly occupancies, underground car parks, and buildings with specific hazard classifications. Insurance companies in Kenya increasingly mandate suppression systems as a condition of cover, particularly for warehouses, factories, and hotel properties. Lance Security ensures every system we design and install satisfies both the regulatory requirements and your insurer's conditions, and we provide the documentation needed for fire safety certification and insurance compliance.

Maintenance

Fire suppression systems must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they will function when needed. Sprinkler systems require quarterly visual inspections, annual flow tests, and periodic internal pipe inspections. Gas systems need six-monthly checks of cylinder pressure, weighing of agent, and testing of detection and release circuits. Kitchen systems require six-monthly inspections and agent replacement after any discharge. We offer comprehensive fire safety maintenance contracts covering all suppression system types.

Protect your building, your people, and your business continuity with a professionally designed suppression system. Request a free fire suppression assessment from Lance Security today.