Not every fire requires water, and not every extinguisher is suitable for every location. In electrical rooms, server rooms, and sensitive operating areas, using water or dry powder may cause damage greater than the fire itself.

This is where the role of the gas used in fire extinguishing becomes important, as it helps control flames quickly, protects equipment, and leaves no unwanted residues after extinguishing.

However, choosing the right gas should not be random. There are different types, including CO₂, FM200, NOVEC, and inert gases, and each type has specific applications and limitations.

In this article, we explain the types of gas used in fire extinguishing, the differences between them, and how to choose the appropriate system according to your facility’s requirements.

What Type of Gas Is Used in Fire Extinguishing?

When discussing the gas used in fire extinguishing, we are not referring to a single type of gas, but rather several gases selected according to the nature of the location and the type of hazard.

Gas-based fire suppression systems are commonly used in areas where water or powder extinguishers are not suitable, such as electrical rooms, server rooms, and control centers. These systems are divided into several main types:

Fire Suppression Using Inert Gases

Inert gas systems work by reducing the oxygen concentration inside the fire area to a level that does not allow combustion to continue.

These systems are used in sensitive environments because they leave no residues on equipment and are suitable for locations that require precise protection, provided that the system is properly designed and the gas concentration is accurately calculated.

Fire Suppression Using Clean Agents

This category includes clean agents such as FM200 and NOVEC, which extinguish fires quickly without leaving traces or residues after discharge.

Therefore, they are commonly used in:

• Server rooms
• Communication rooms
• Data centers
• Control rooms containing sensitive electronic equipment

Fire Suppression Using Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one of the most common types of gas used in fire extinguishing. It works by reducing the oxygen level around the fire source and helping reduce heat.

It is characterized by leaving no residue, making it suitable for some electrical fires and equipment protection applications.

However, it must be used with extreme caution because it can cause a suffocation hazard in enclosed or occupied areas. Therefore, it is more suitable for unoccupied locations or areas where the system is designed according to strict safety requirements.

At Emitron, we provide gas suppression systems including CO₂, FM200, NOVEC, inert gases, and Aerosol systems, with the appropriate system selected according to the nature of the hazard and site requirements.

Why Is Gas Used in Fire Extinguishing Important?

The importance of the gas used in fire extinguishing appears in its ability to quickly control fires without leaving residues that may damage equipment or interrupt operations.

Therefore, it is considered an ideal solution for sensitive areas such as:

• Electrical rooms
• Server rooms
• Control centers
• Locations containing precision equipment

Its main benefits include:

• Extinguishing fires quickly by reducing oxygen levels or interrupting the combustion process.
• Leaving no residues like powder or foam, making it suitable for sensitive equipment.
• Reducing the possibility of fire spreading to other areas inside the facility.
• Eliminating the need for complex cleaning after discharge, reducing downtime and operational costs.
• Providing protection for areas where water cannot be used due to electricity or sensitive devices.
• Protecting high-value assets when the appropriate gas system is properly designed.
• Supporting environmentally improved fire protection solutions compared to some traditional methods.

Emitron provides gas suppression solutions including CO₂, FM200, NOVEC, inert gases, and Aerosol systems according to the hazard type and site requirements.