Fike CO2 Fire Suppression Systems
Carbon dioxide systems are a proven option for special hazards, especially where water damage is unacceptable and harsh industrial conditions make other agents less practical.
One minute answer: A CO2 fire suppression system releases carbon dioxide to reduce oxygen concentration in a protected enclosure, controlling or extinguishing fire without water and with minimal cleanup. These systems are commonly used for normally unoccupied special hazards, and are designed with dedicated life safety features under NFPA 12 and local authority requirements.
Often a strong fit
- Harsh, dirty industrial environments
- Machinery spaces and equipment enclosures
- Pumps, turbines, engines, generators
- Paint booths, printing presses, dip tanks
- Electrical and switchgear rooms, where allowed
Pause and validate early
- Spaces with routine occupancy
- Enclosures with frequent door openings
- Areas where pre discharge warning and egress cannot be assured
- Projects with strict life safety interlock requirements
At a Glance
What a CO2 system does
- Discharges CO2 into a protected area to suppress fire without water
- Reduces cleanup, and can reduce equipment damage compared to water based options
- Works best when the enclosure can hold agent long enough for the hazard
Why CO2 is chosen
- Effective in harsh, industrial conditions
- Not dependent on water supply or drainage planning
- Often straightforward recharge logistics for industrial sites
Where projects go wrong
- Life safety requirements discovered late, after design is set
- Leakage, vents, or doors reduce concentration and hold time
- Discharge delay and shutdown interlocks not coordinated
How CO2 Fire Suppression Works
Carbon dioxide systems are designed to suppress fire by reducing oxygen concentration in the protected space. The system detects fire, initiates required warnings and time delays, then releases CO2 through engineered piping and nozzles sized for the hazard.
Treat CO2 as an engineered, life safety controlled system, not just an agent choice.
The most important design decisions are occupancy, egress, alarms, shutdown interlocks, discharge delay, and how the space is supervised before and after release.
Fike CO2 System Types and Architectures
High pressure CO2 systems
Common for industrial hazards, typically using cylinder storage and distribution piping to the protected area.
Low pressure CO2 systems
Used for larger agent quantities and specific industrial configurations, with dedicated storage and controlled distribution.
Common system elements
- Fire detection, releasing controls, and supervision
- Agent storage cylinders or bulk storage, plus actuation hardware
- Distribution piping, engineered nozzles, and discharge hardware
- Pre discharge notification, time delay, abort and lockout features as required
- Process shutdown interlocks, ventilation control, and post discharge procedures
Life Safety and NFPA 12 Considerations
CO2 systems are primarily applied to normally unoccupied areas because carbon dioxide can create an asphyxiation hazard. System design must address life safety features, egress, warnings, and operational controls required by NFPA 12 and the authority having jurisdiction.
Plan these early
- Pre discharge alarm and time delay strategy
- Means of egress, signage, and occupant warning
- Abort and lockout functionality, where required
- Shutdown interlocks for fans, dampers, and process equipment
- Post discharge ventilation and re entry procedures
If the space is occupied
Do not assume CO2 is acceptable. Validate occupancy profile, required safeguards, and acceptance criteria with the AHJ, insurer, and your safety team before committing to CO2 as the primary solution.
CO2 System Design Checklist
Use this checklist to avoid rework. If you provide this information up front, system selection and engineering move faster, and approvals are cleaner.
Quote and engineering inputs
- Hazard type: machinery, engine, pump, electrical, paint, printing, tank, or other special hazard
- Protection method: total flooding, local application, or hybrid approach
- Enclosure details: dimensions, openings, ventilation, doors, and leakage concerns
- Occupancy profile: normally unoccupied, limited access, or routine occupancy
- Detection and releasing: existing detection, releasing panel, desired sequence of operation
- Interlocks: fans, dampers, fuel shutdown, machine shutdown, E stop integration
- Compliance: AHJ expectations, insurer requirements, site safety standards
- Service needs: inspection frequency, recharge planning, training expectations
CO2 system overview video
Downloads
CO2 Cylinder Assembly
Download PDFCO2 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Download PDFComparing CO2 to Other Special Hazard Options
CO2 is not the only approach. If occupancy, leakage, or operational constraints make CO2 difficult, other special hazard suppression technologies may be a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CO2 fire suppression system used for?
CO2 systems are commonly used for special hazards, including machinery spaces, industrial equipment enclosures, and other normally unoccupied areas where water damage is unacceptable.
Is CO2 safe for occupied spaces?
CO2 can create a life safety hazard if released into occupied areas. If a space has routine occupancy, the design must be validated against NFPA 12 requirements and AHJ acceptance, including alarms, time delays, egress, and operational controls.
What is the difference between total flooding and local application?
Total flooding is intended to protect an enclosed space by achieving a design concentration in the room. Local application is intended to apply agent directly to a hazard, and depends on hazard geometry and nozzle arrangement.
What should I send SSI for a fast, accurate design review?
Send the hazard description, enclosure dimensions, occupancy profile, ventilation details, desired interlocks, and any existing detection or releasing control information. Photos and a simple marked up layout reduce redesign cycles.
Next Steps
If CO2 is on your shortlist, validate the life safety and enclosure realities first.
- Confirm occupancy profile, egress, and AHJ expectations for CO2 release controls.
- Review leakage, doors, and ventilation, then align on hold time expectations.
- Define shutdown interlocks and sequence of operation before engineering is finalized.
- Submit layout and hazard details for a design review and budgetary scope.