Difference Between Passive and Active Fire Protection

Author: Amit Joshi

During the winter it is very important to keep fire protection systems working properly. Fire protection systems are of two types: PFP (Passive Fire Protection) and AFP (Active Fire Protection). Both the systems should work appropriately in case of fire. One doesn’t work in place of other so both the fire protection system should work appropriately. There could be more confusion for the difference between passive and active fire protection.

PFP (Passive Fire Protection) system compartmentalizes a building into the use of resistance of fire-rated floors and walls, by keeping the fire away from spreading more and giving time for escaping from the building. Dumpers are been used to prevent the spread of smoke/fire in the buildings with the ductworks system. In order to provide passive fire protection for giving its residents a means of escape in which fire doors will help compartmentalize a building. The fire from spreading from one room to another is been prevented with the help of fire floors and doors by separating the building. Some multi-level buildings install photoluminescent path which helps in case of smoke by lighting the path and staircases.

AFP (Active Fire Protection) is the system of a group that will need some amount of action so that it works efficiently in case of fire. These things are to operate manually for example sprinkler and fire extinguisher. So, if smoke and fire is detected in the building, a smoke/fire alarm will inform those who are in the building and work to slow down fires or keep it out. Fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems help to keep the growth of fire slow until firefighters are able to come and get it in control. To keep out the fire altogether with the help of fire hoses and fire extinguisher, firefighters use firestop products.

In order to make your entire building fire protective both systems passive and active fire protection should be installed. PFP system is used to prevent the spread of smoke and fire and AFP system will take action in keeping the fire out. AFP doesn’t always work but tries to put out the fire. In Winters, sprinklers don’t work as water freezes in pipes and roads covered with snow and ice and even hydrants could freeze which can delay job of firefighters and could let fire spread. PFP compartmentalize a building to preventing it from spreading fire and smoke through the building while even giving time to people in the building to escape. Though it doesn’t keep out the fire at one time, it helps to keep it at one time. In case of making your building fire protective, you must install both systems AFP and PFP and they should work altogether.

In present-day sprinklers and fire extinguishers are surely of much higher standards than never before and since Fire protection system is installed in the buildings they provide extreme safety. Fire Suppression and detection products play an important role in safety of building and assets. You can choose from a wide range of fire safety products then you will get conventional and addressable fire safety products additional you can also opt for products that include cabinet, portable suppression and room flooding products.

AFP products are been considered as part of a proactive approach to controlling the spread of smoke and fire. Following are part of AFP products:

  • Thermal detectors

  • Smoke alarms

  • Fire blankets

  • Fire hose reels

  • Automated Fire Doors

  • Fire Control systems

  • Sprinkler Systems

You aren’t only responsible for the safety of your family but if own a store or an office you even supposed to think about the safety of customers and employees too. And surely you won’t be a reason for anyone getting hurt. You can now secure the workplace and homes using both the safety protection systems.

PFP means Fire resistance measures and it includes the following products as part of it:

  • Dampers

  • Mortar Coating

  • Spray Fireproofing

  • Flame shields

  • Fire floors, doors, and walls

So now when you know the difference between AFP and PFP systems, you should be able to decide which one to choose for your home and office. Your response could be on a varied basis that what kind of location and business you own. So, your decision should be as per your needs and requirements while keeping in mind the safety of the loved ones.

One must have fire protection systems installed in their buildings to increase the safety of your loved ones and employees of your office. Knowing about the AFP and PFP systems in your buildings is mandatory and should be installed. Effectively install fire protection systems make you and people safe and secure. So get it installed right away from the Vijay Systems Engineers Pvt.Ltd and make both the firestop products work together.