Learn More About Diesel Generator Water Mist Fire Protection

The demand for electricity is growing in modern society. Diesel generator sets are reliable emergency power supply when grid power fails. They can be also used in places without connection to a grid, such as construction sites and mines, ensuring power availability in critical situations. However,diesel generators using flammable fuels and oils pose a serious fire risk. A good fire suppression system for a generator room is necessary.

Fire suppression systems for diesel generator rooms

Generally, there are a number of fire extinguishing system types for generator rooms, such as the traditional sprinkler systems, combined sprinkler-foam systems, water mist systems and gas fire extinguishing systems. Among them, water mist systems become the preferred method of fire protection for diesel generator rooms due to their excellent fire extinguishing effect and relatively low installation and operating costs. In most cases they can extinguish pool fires of diesel fuel associated with storage and delivery systems. Meanwhile, they won’t damage any of the generator equipment when they discharge. Water mist systems offer a cost effective solution for protecting generator enclosures or generator rooms.

To limit your risk caused by generator fires and keep your equipment safe, it’s suggested that you follow the building code and choose a proper type of fire protection. Typically, it’s difficult for sprinklers alone to extinguish a fire caused by liquids like diesel fuel or engine oil leaking or misting onto hot surfaces of the diesel generator. Thus, most major building codes exempt generator rooms from having sprinklers, but instead require an automatic detection system. Besides detection, fire codes require a portable extinguisher be installed in the generator room. 

What is a water mist system?

A water mist system is an advanced special hazard solution that uses very fine water spray that controls, suppresses and extinguishes fires. The system works by discharging high-pressure water through specialized nozzles that atomize the water and create a fine mist. It usually works for multiple industrial and commercial applications or industry coined, special hazard equipment or facilities. Water mist systems are primarily used for fire protection in enclosed areas, such as emergency generator rooms, turbine enclosures, and machine enclosures.

Benefits of water mist systems

Water mist systems are fire suppression systems that use very small water droplets to extinguish or control fires. They are FM Approved for generator protection and have proven themselves through fire testing. With the systems, you can minimize water damage to the equipment. No costly cleanup or equipment replacement is required, which can save your money. The water mist systems can be activated immediately once the presence of a flame is identified. There will be no toxic residue that may cause damage to human health. They also produce no pollution during operation and are environment friendly. Water mist systems are efficient at suppressing a wide variety of fires and more water efficient than traditional sprinkler systems.

It’s important to select a proper suppression system for your diesel generator room. You need to consider many factors, such as its effectiveness, the specific use of the environment and equipment characteristics. Through scientific design and standardized management, safety hazards can be effectively reduced to ensure the smooth operation of the diesel generator room.

Hope the information above about fire protection for diesel generator room is helpful to you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for any further information or assistance regarding to diesel generator room design. Contact us at dingbo@dieselgeneratortech.com, and we will gladly help you.