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What is a CO2 Fire Suppression System?

co2 fire suppression system cylinders

What is a CO2 fire suppression system?

Because of its ability to quickly displace oxygen, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas has long been used as a fire suppressor in a variety of safety and industrial applications. While some suppression agents like water reduce the heat of fire, a CO2 fire suppression system displaces the oxygen to suppress the fire. 

How does a CO2 fire suppression system work?

A CO2 fire suppression system works by releasing carbon dioxide gas into a protected area to displace oxygen, which is essential for combustion. When a fire is detected, the system activates and discharges CO2 rapidly, reducing the oxygen concentration to a level that can no longer sustain the fire. Carbon dioxide is non-conductive and does not leave behind any residue, making it particularly effective for use in areas with sensitive equipment, such as data centers, power plants, and marine vessels.

Upon fire detection, the control panel triggers the release of CO2 gas from the storage cylinders through a network of piping and nozzles, distributing the gas evenly throughout the area. At the same time an alarm is sounded to warn any occupants to leave the room immediately.

Due to its rapid and effective suppression properties, CO2 systems are ideal for environments where minimizing fire damage and ensuring continuity of operations are crucial. However, safety measures must be in place, as CO2 is hazardous to humans at high concentrations and CO2 levels above 5% are an asphyxiant.

Key Components of a CO2 Fire Suppression System

The key components of a CO2 fire suppression system include CO2 storage cylinders, discharge nozzles, piping networks, fire detectors, and a control panel. The CO2 storage cylinders are designed to store carbon dioxide under high pressure until it is needed for fire suppression.

These cylinders are equipped with release valves that activate when the system detects a fire. The carbon dioxide then travels through a network of piping to reach strategically placed discharge nozzles, which ensure that the CO2 is evenly distributed throughout the protected area to extinguish the fire.

Fire detectors and the control panel are crucial components for monitoring and activating the system. The detectors, which can be smoke, heat, or flame sensors, continuously monitor the protected area for signs of a fire. Additional components like manual pull stations and warning alarms may also be present to allow manual activation and to alert personnel to evacuate the area before CO2 is discharged. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the fire suppression process.

 

Where are CO2 fire suppression systems used?

CO2 fire suppression systems are commonly used across a wide variety of applications where rapid fire control is crucial, and water-based systems may cause damage to equipment or materials. These systems are especially common in facilities with valuable or sensitive assets, as CO2 does not leave any residue after discharge.

Below are some key industries and environments where CO2 fire suppression systems are commonly deployed:

  • Data Centers and Server Rooms: Protecting sensitive electronic equipment from both fire damage and water damage is critical in data centers, making CO2 an ideal fire suppression choice.
  • Power Generation Facilities: Electrical hazards in power plants, such as turbines and transformers, benefit from the non-conductive properties of CO2.
  • Marine Vessels: CO2 systems are used in engine rooms and cargo holds of ships, where space is confined and other suppression agents may be impractical.
  • Industrial Manufacturing: Facilities with flammable liquids or combustible materials, such as chemical plants, often use CO2 systems to quickly suppress fires without contaminating products.
  • Automotive Paint Booths: The highly flammable chemicals used in paint booths require fast-acting fire suppression that will not damage the painted surfaces or cause an unsafe environment.

These specialized applications highlight the flexibility and effectiveness of CO2 fire suppression systems in protecting valuable assets, preventing equipment downtime, and minimizing fire-related damage.

One particular partner, Fire Systems, Inc. also uses CO2 systems primarily in rooms that hold printing presses or chemical rooms according to Geoff Zimbelman at Fire Systems, Inc.

"CO2 flooding systems require 34% CO2 concentration to extinguish a normal fire, while some chemical fires require 65-70%."

 

Benefits of Using CO2 Fire Suppression Systems

CO2 fire suppression systems offer several benefits, making them a popular choice for environments where traditional fire suppression methods may not be suitable.

One of the key advantages is that carbon dioxide is a clean, residue-free extinguishing agent. Unlike water or foam-based systems, CO2 leaves no trace after discharge, which is crucial for protecting sensitive electronics, valuable equipment, and materials that could be damaged by water. This makes CO2 ideal for data centers, power plants, and manufacturing facilities that handle delicate machinery or valuable assets. CO2 has also been a proven gaseous fire suppression agent as far back as the beginning of the 1960's.

Another benefit of CO2 fire suppression systems is their rapid fire suppression capability. CO2 works by displacing oxygen and reducing it to a level where combustion cannot be sustained, effectively and quickly extinguishing a fire.

The system's ability to respond rapidly minimizes the spread of fire and potential damage, thereby reducing downtime and repair costs. Additionally, CO2 is non-conductive, making it safe for use in electrical environments where other fire suppression agents might pose a hazard.

Additionally, CO2 is effective on a wide range of flammable and combustible materials, and is approved for suppression of Class A, B and C hazards. 

Comparing CO2 Fire Suppression to Other Fire Protection Methods

When comparing CO2 fire suppression systems to other fire protection methods, it’s important to consider the specific needs of the environment being protected. Unlike water-based systems, such as sprinklers, CO2 fire suppression does not leave behind any residue or water damage, making it ideal for areas containing sensitive electronic equipment or valuable materials that could be damaged by water. This makes CO2 systems preferable in data centers, power plants, and environments where avoiding collateral damage is essential.

Compared to chemical clean agent systems like FM-200 or Novec 1230, CO2 fire suppression systems are more cost-effective and offer rapid extinguishing capabilities without leaving any residue. However, CO2 systems can be hazardous to humans at high concentrations, which makes them better suited for unoccupied areas or spaces where appropriate safety measures can be enforced. On the other hand, sprinkler systems and clean agents are safer for occupied areas but may not offer the same level of fire suppression speed and efficiency as CO2. By understanding these differences, businesses can make informed decisions about the most suitable fire protection method based on their specific requirements.

 

What NFPA code is the standard for CO2 extinguishing systems?

If you utilize CO2 as your suppression agent then you'll be required to meet NFPA 12 standards.

NFPA 12 details the requirements for testing a CO2 suppression system including the points in the room, timing requirements, and the necessary concentration thresholds. Typically, industrial suppression systems utilize banks of high pressure CO2 cylinders to release CO2 in a 100% concentration to displace the oxygen as quickly as possible.

These standards require full discharge tests and evacuation plans in order to ensure that the air be tested for normal levels before personnel can return to work.

See this video example of a co2 fire suppression system discharging to see what happens during testing. Another great example of CO2 fire suppression testing can be seen here. 

 

Safety Considerations for CO2 Fire Suppression Systems

 

Safety considerations for CO2 fire suppression systems are essential, as carbon dioxide can be hazardous to humans at high concentrations. CO2 works by displacing oxygen, which effectively suppresses a fire but can also pose significant risks to personnel in the protected area. Therefore, CO2 fire suppression systems are generally recommended for unoccupied spaces or areas where stringent safety protocols can be implemented to ensure human safety. It is crucial that all personnel are trained in safety procedures, including evacuation protocols, to avoid exposure to CO2 during discharge.

Key safety measures include:

 

  • Warning Alarms: Audible and visual alarms are installed to alert individuals before CO2 is discharged, ensuring they have time to evacuate.
  • Manual Pull Stations and Abort Switches: These allow personnel to delay or abort system activation if people are still present in the protected area.
  • Proper Ventilation: Effective ventilation should be in place to quickly dissipate CO2 after discharge, allowing for safe reentry.
  • Training for Personnel: Regular training in safety procedures, including evacuation plans and system operation, is essential to ensure everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.

 

These safety considerations help ensure that while the CO2 fire suppression system effectively controls fires, it also minimizes the risk to human health, making it a reliable choice for fire protection in controlled environments.

 

To protect human life in an emergency, facilities that use CO2 as a fire suppressor are required by regulatory agencies to follow the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for design, installation and testing of CO2 systems. These standards include requirements for full discharge tests and an evacuation plan for personnel. Once the fire emergency is over, the standard requires the air be tested for normal CO2 levels before personnel can return to work.

NFPA 12 lays out very clear standards for how a fire suppression system must be tested including the speed at which specified concentration levels of CO2 are achieved and how long those levels are maintained.

For reference, according to ASHRAE, the recommended CO2 level in buildings should be no more than 700 parts per million (ppm) above outdoor air. Since outdoor air is approximately 400ppm, indoor CO2 levels should be no more than 1,100ppm. If the levels are higher than average, proper ventilation is required to suffice to ensure safety.

By measuring the CO2 levels both vertically and horizontally over time, the installer can draw a 3-dimensional map of the affected area, and can furthermore determine when it is safe to re-enter the space. Additionally, this data may be required by insurance carriers and regulated by local and national agencies. This means an individual will have to complete three tests one at each height in the discharge space OR purchase three devices to measure the different heights during a single test for efficacy.

What are the requirements for a CO2 fire suppression system?

One of the primary requirements is that the system must be designed according to recognized codes, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), specifically NFPA 12, which outlines the standards for CO2 fire extinguishing systems. The design must include adequate storage of CO2 cylinders, appropriate piping and discharge nozzles for effective distribution, and reliable detection systems that can accurately identify fire hazards.

In addition, the average CO2 fire suppression system protecting an enclosed room starts at 34% CO2 concentrations. CO2 fire suppression system requirements state that systems should protect areas of high voltage and begin concentration levels of 50% CO2.

 

CO2 Fire Suppression System Products

CO2 Fire Suppression System

Our CO2 Sampling Data Logger remains the most trusted 100% CO2 data logger in the field because it exceeds the NFPA requirements for specific codes and tests. Furthermore, it was designed to simultaneously measure multiple gas concentrations using fast and accurate sampling methods while also data logging.

To implement this NFPA set testing, CO2Meter.com has worked with several industry professionals to provide devices like the CM-1000 in order to test and verify CO2 levels. In addition, we have worked with worldwide fire protection and industrial companies like TYCO-SimplexGrinnell, ORR Protection, and Mitsubishi Hitachi Power to design a device that meets all the standards for CO2 fire suppression laid out in NFPA 12.

Some permitting/regulatory agencies may require an oxygen depletion test as well which will validate the absence of oxygen in the space. These tests are often requested as back-up data to the initial CO2 test or as testing when other inert gases like Argon or Nitrogen are used as a suppressant. In these cases we recommend our 0-25% Oxygen Sampling Data Logger.

Additionally, some fire inspectors are starting to require the addition of a fixed CO2 monitor where the high-pressure CO2 cylinders or low-pressure bulk storage tanks are housed. Storing the massive amount of gases required to operate a suppression system leaves the end user susceptible to potential CO2 leakage. While neither the NFPA nor the International Fire Code have yet to expand CO2 monitoring requirements beyond beverage delivery systems both organizations are considering language that would expand the monitoring requirement to all stored gases.

In these cases where a fixed monitor is required we recommend our Remote CO2 Storage Safety Three Alarm Monitor or our Remote Oxygen Depletion Safety Alarm.

Is a CO2 Fire Suppression System Right for Your Business?

Determining whether a CO2 fire suppression system is right for your business depends on the specific fire risks and operational needs of your facility.

CO2 fire suppression systems are particularly well-suited for environments where traditional water-based systems could cause damage, such as data centers, power plants, or industrial facilities with sensitive machinery. Since CO2 leaves no residue and is non-conductive, it is ideal for protecting valuable assets, equipment, and materials that could be compromised by water or chemical agents.

If your business handles electrical components, flammable liquids, or operates in an environment where avoiding collateral damage from fire suppression is critical, a CO2 system may be the best choice. For more information regarding fire suppression testing and CO2 safety equipment, contact a CO2Meter expert today.

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