“Higher availability of fire suppression systems ” is a phrase that very concretely conveys the idea of service continuity and system reliability. The question is: Are there solutions that already offer this as part of their standard product line?
Table of Contents
What does “higher availability” mean in the context of fire safety?
In the field of fire prevention, “higher availability” refers to a system that has a higher level of availability than the minimum required by the applicable standards for that system or facility. In other words, it refers to a system designed to minimize the impact of failures or downtime while maintaining the ability to properly power the system.
This concept is referenced in the revision of the Technical Regulations (R.T.O.) of the Code (Ministerial Decree of October 18, 2019), which introduces, as part of the update to the definitions in Chapter G.1.14—Active Protection—the definition of “High-Availability System or Facility.”
The answer: Yes, there are systems with higher availability in this range.
The product line includes several systems that deliver higher availability. The key idea is not to “add complexity,” but to create a configuration in which the system maintains its expected performance even in presence of a failure of one of the main components or a power supply.
One practical example cited is that of specific FIREBOX fire suppression units, identified by the following codes:
- BXNVAEM0H0400C4U2S
- BXNVAEM0H0850C4U2S
These examples help illustrate how superior availability is achieved, in functional terms.
FIREBOX Example: Composition of the Pump-set
In the fire suppression FIREBOX units listed, each system contains a pump-set consisting of:
- No. 1 main electric fire pump
- 1 main fire pump
The key factor, in terms of availability, is that each main pump is capable of delivering the design Q/H values on its own. Therefore, this is not a case of “partial backup,” but rather two main pumps that, taken individually, are certified as capable of meeting the design requirements.
Mechanical redundancy: continuity even in the event of a pump failure
In this configuration, we refer to mechanical redundancy because the potential failure of one of the two main pumps does not affect the performance of the other. The operational consequence, as described in the example, is simple and important: the other main pump, on its own, is capable of properly supplying the system.
This is one of the most direct ways to link the concept of “higher availability” to a functionally measurable fact: the required performance (design Q/H) remains achievable even when a pump is unavailable.
Power Redundancy: Continuity in the Event of a Power Outage
In addition to mechanical redundancy, this example illustrates redundancy in terms of power sources. Specifically:
- In the event of a power outage, the motor pump is still capable of operating;
- and thus ensure that the system is properly powered.
This point rounds out the argument: it not only protects against the possibility of a “machine” failure, but also against an external condition (loss of power) that could compromise pressurization if there were only a single power source.
Improved Availability of Fire Protection Systems and Maintenance: Reference to UNI EN 12845:2020
For higher availability to be sustained over time, it is also dependent on proper operation. In fact, the example specifies that these pressurization systems ensure continuous and reliable operation if properly maintained, citing the requirements of Chapter 20 of UNI EN 12845:2020 as an application reference.
Consistent with the above, availability is therefore not merely a “configuration characteristic,” but rather the Result that also depends on maintaining the system in service as required.
Link to the definition of R.T.O. (Ministerial Decree of October 18, 2019): why it is consistent
The configuration described (dual main pumps, with two effectively separate power sources) is presented as a solution that:
- meets the client requirements for continuous and reliable operation specified in UNI EN 12845:2020;
- and, given the level of availability that can be achieved relative to the minimum, it establishes a system with a higher level of availability, as specified by the R.T.O. in the revised Code (Ministerial Decree of October 18, 2019).
The key is the logical alignment between the definition (“availability level higher than the minimum”) and the solution (mechanical and power redundancies, with continued operation).
Conclusion
In summary: Yes, the product line includes examples of fire suppression systems with higher availability, achieved through a pump-set that includes a main electric pump and a main motor-driven pump, each capable of individually delivering the design Q/H values, and with operational management in accordance with Chapter 20 of UNI EN 12845:2020.
