Modern open-plan office with workstations, dual monitors, ergonomic chairs, and orange accent chair. Features concrete column, glass partitions with red artwork, and wall-mounted TV displaying financial data

Inergen fire suppression system

17 September 2024

M&E insights – What is an Inergen Fire System?

At Varming Consulting Engineers, we have more than 75 years of experience in the Irish construction industry. We are among the leading experts in building design in the country. Our extensive experience with M&E engineering technologies allows us to create regular articles like this one to educate our readers about the methodologies and systems used in our sector. Today, we’ll explain Inergen fire suppression systems and their benefits.

What is an Inergen Fire Suppression System?

Inergen fire suppression systems protect sensitive environments from fire damage without harming the equipment, personnel, or the environment itself. These Inergen fire suppression systems discharge a blend of inert gases (including nitrogen, argon, and a small percentage of carbon dioxide) into the protected area.

This gas mixture lowers the oxygen level to about 12-15%. While it extinguishes fires by reducing oxygen, it remains safe for humans to breathe. When a fire is detected, the Inergen system releases the gas mixture, which displaces oxygen quickly and suppresses the fire. The mixture does not produce harmful by-products or significantly alter air quality, ensuring that the area remains safe for occupancy. Additionally, the CO2 component helps stimulate breathing, allowing individuals to evacuate safely.

Benefits of Inergen Fire Suppression Systems

  • Unlike water-based fire protection systems, Inergen systems do not damage sensitive electronics or documents.
  • The gases used in Inergen systems occur naturally in the atmosphere and have zero ozone depletion potential.
  • Inergen systems require minimal cleanup and have lower maintenance costs compared to chemical-based systems.

For example, Varming’s team used an Inergen fire protection system in the 2023 Scotia Bank office fitout project in Dublin. We designed the M&E services installations for various areas including working hubs, meeting rooms, pods, breakout spaces, workspaces, canteen, and reception area.

A Broad Range of M&E Engineering Expertise

Inergen fire protection systems represent just one of many building design technologies we use in our projects across the country. We have been a leader in our field since 1946. To see examples of our past work, visit us today at www.varming.ie.

To speak directly about your next project, call our Dublin HQ at (0)1 4872300. A member of our expert team will be glad to help.