Fire Suppression

Containment systems are designed to separate hot and cold airflow. Unfortunately it also alters the sprinkler patterns of aqueous fire suppression systems. (Containment systems do not alter gaseous fire suppression systems because airflow is not restricted.) Attachment links that release in a fire suppression event solve the containment blockage problem.

There are two types of links:

• 1 — Thermal links. These separate at the same time as the sprinkler heads activate. The ceiling partition drops and preserves the designed sprinkler patterns.
• 2 — Electronic thermal links. These are tied to the smoke detectors. When the smoke detectors are activated, a low voltage signal from the detector will melt the thermal link.

Another key area of concern is ceiling mounted smoke detectors. A containment system must be designed to allow smoke to run across the ceiling. This is because all smoke detectors are cross-zoned activated. If a smoke detector is isolated it will render the system inoperable. SubZero thermal links are mounted 1 ½ inches below the ceiling to allow smoke detectors proper operation.