Uninterruptible Power Supply Fire Protection

In an emergency, every second counts. Fire safety systems such as sprinklers and smoke extract-vent systems are vital to protecting lives and property. But these systems are only effective if they remain operational when they're needed the most – during a power failure. That's where uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems come into play.

Abstract: Nowadays, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems are in use throughout the world, helping to supply a wide variety of critical loads, in situations of power outage or anomalies of the mains.

A UPS system acts as a bridge, providing a continuous power supply to critical fire safety equipment during power outages. In doing so, it ensures that systems such as fire sprinklers and smoke extract-vent systems remain functional until the primary power source is restored, or an alternative backup generator comes online.

The primary benefit of optimising UPS systems for fire safety is the enhanced protection of lives. By ensuring that fire sprinkler and smoke extract-vent systems remain operational during an emergency, a UPS system provides the critical backup needed to minimise injury and facilitate safe evacuation.

This update stipulates the need for a uninterruptible power supply for the sprinkler pump system. Enhanced supply is mandatory on any residential buildings above 18m tall, however, there are many cases where end clients are requesting enhanced power supply even when it is not mandated by BS 9251.

A three-phase online UPS system. A packaged fire pump set for higher flow residential sprinkler systems. One of the key updates in the 2021 version of BS 9251 (The standard for residential and domestic fire sprinkler systems) is the concept of 'enhanced supply', which stipulates the need for a backup power supply for the sprinkler pump system.