The difference between manual and automatic fire extinguishing systems: which is better?

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When fighting a fire, every second counts. Choosing the right fire suppression system plays a vital role in reducing damage and protecting life and property. Fire suppression systems fall into two main categories: manual and automatic, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll look at the key differences to help you choose the best option.

Manual fire extinguishing systems

These systems refer to equipment that requires human intervention to activate and control them. The most important examples of these systems are fire extinguishers and fire boxes (hosrils).

Fire extinguishers: These extinguishers, which are produced in various types of powder, gas (CO2) and foam, are very effective for controlling small fires and in the early stages. Their use requires training, but due to their ease of access, they are considered the first firefighting tool in any environment.
Fire boxes: These systems include a hose reel with a special nozzle that is connected to the building’s water network. In the event of a fire, by opening the valve and pulling the hose, water is directed to the fire site.

Advantages of manual systems:

Low initial cost: The cost of installing and maintaining capsules and boxes is lower than that of automatic systems.
Direct control: The user can specify exactly where the extinguishing agent should be sprayed.

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Disadvantages of manual systems

Dependence on human resources: If a trained person is not present, or if a fire occurs during non-working hours, these systems are practically useless.
Delayed response: Manual activation takes time and the fire may spread rapidly in the first few seconds.
Risk to the user: Using these systems exposes the individual to direct risk of fire and smoke.

Automatic fire extinguishing systems

These systems are activated automatically, without the need for human intervention. They are connected to fire alarm systems and take action as soon as smoke, heat or flame is detected. The most common examples are:

Sprinkler systems: These systems consist of a network of pressurized water pipes and heat-sensitive sprinklers. Each sprinkler has a heat sensor that activates when the ambient temperature reaches a certain level, releasing water in a spray pattern onto the fire.
Gas extinguishing systems: These systems are designed for sensitive environments such as server rooms, museums, and data centers. They use gases such as FM-200 or NOVEC 1230, which extinguish fires without damaging electronic equipment and without leaving residue.

Benefits of automatic fire extinguishing systems:

Immediate response without delay: These systems take action in the initial moments of a fire, without the need for humans, and prevent it from spreading.
24-hour operation: Even during non-working hours or when no one is on site, the system intelligently protects the environment.
Reducing Damage: By containing the fire at the moment it starts, financial and human losses are significantly reduced.

Disadvantages of automatic systems:

High initial cost: Installing these systems, especially gas systems, has a higher initial cost.
Complexity in installation and maintenance: These systems require design and installation by professionals and periodic maintenance.

In answer to the question of which system is better, it should be said that these two systems are complementary, not alternatives.
- Manual systems are essential for initial response to small, localized fires by trained personnel.
- As the second layer of defense and the main protector, automatic systems ensure that the fire is contained even if the fire spreads or if there is no human presence.
Therefore, the best approach is to have both types of systems side by side in a business or residential environment. By doing so, you will not only comply with legal requirements, but also provide the highest level of safety for your people and assets.

Imen Datis Asia Company, as a company approved by the fire department, in addition to consulting in order to obtain fire department approval, is an importer and supplier of all types of fire equipment, including fire pumps, fire valves, fire alarm and extinguishing equipment, and all types of fire sprinklers. It is one of the best and most reliable domestic and foreign brands.

For more information and price inquiries, please contact our experts.

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Imen Datis Asia Company, relying on up-to-date knowledge, continuous activity and cooperation with highly specialized forces, is now recognized as one of the leading private sector companies in the field of safety and firefighting industry. This company is always trying to continuously and dynamically play a role in expanding the safety and firefighting infrastructure of our beloved country of Iran and take great steps towards achieving goals such as the development and industrialization of new technologies.