What Is a Micro Fire Suppression System? The Complete 2025 Guide
November 25, 2025 | Orbis Fire Suppression
1. What Is a Micro Fire Suppression System?
A micro fire suppression system is a localized automatic fire-extinguishing system designed specifically for compact areas such as:
electrical cabinets
small industrial enclosures
vehicle compartments
telecom boxes
battery cabinets
server racks
control panels
solar combiner boxes
Unlike a standard suppression system, micro suppression does not protect an entire room. Instead, it targets the exact enclosure where ignition occurs.
Key Characteristics
Small cylinders (1–12kg agent)
Tubing or detectors installed inside the enclosure
Clean agents such as FK5-1-12 or HFC-227ea
24/7 automatic activation
No electricity required for detection (DLP systems)
Fast installation & low maintenance
Suitable for Class A, B, C fires
2. Why Micro Suppression Is Needed
Most fires in industrial and commercial facilities start inside electrical equipment, not in the room itself. Examples:
loose wiring
overloaded circuits
PCB failures
arcing
overheating components
dust buildup
battery faults
A room-level suppression system (FM200, CO₂, Inergen) does not extinguish fires locked inside cabinets.
A fire inside an enclosure can grow unseen and cause:
equipment loss
lengthy downtime
production interruption
arc-flash events
spread to nearby cabinets
total facility loss
Micro suppression stops the fire at the source, before it escapes the enclosure.
3. How Micro Fire Suppression Systems Work
Micro systems work using one of two suppression technologies:
3.1 Direct Low-Pressure (DLP) - Tubing-Based Systems
DLP is the simplest and most reliable method. A heat-sensing tube is routed throughout the enclosure and acts as:
the fire detector
the discharge point
How It Works:
The pressurized polymer tube is installed around risk points.
A fire causes the temperature to rise.
The tube softens and ruptures at the hottest point.
The rupture becomes a nozzle.
Clean agent releases directly onto the fire.
This method requires no power, making it ideal for remote locations, solar farms, and critical electrical equipment.
3.2 Indirect Low-Pressure (ILP) - Detection Tube + Nozzles
In ILP systems, the tube still acts as the heat detector, but not as a nozzle.
How It Works:
The detection tube senses heat and bursts.
This triggers a valve (mechanical or solenoid).
Agent flows from the cylinder to fixed nozzles.
Nozzles spray the enclosure evenly.
ILP is preferred for:
larger cabinets
multiple-compartment equipment
applications requiring uniform flooding
4. What Clean Agents Are Used?
Most micro suppression systems use non-conductive, residue-free clean agents, including:
FK5-1-12 (Novec Alternative)
Environmentally safe
No residue
Safe for electronics
Rapid cooling effect
HFC-227ea (FM-200)
Effective on Class A, B, C
Stored pressure cylinders
Widely approved worldwide
CO₂ (limited micro applications)
Used in specific industrial cabinets
Not ideal for small sealed spaces near personnel
Both FK5-1-12 and HFC-227ea are ideal for micro suppression.
5. Where Micro Suppression Is Used
Common Applications
Electrical & control cabinets
Solar PV combiner boxes
Telecom & IT cabinets
Battery storage (BESS)
UPS systems
CNC machines
Industrial automation equipment
Food processing machinery
Vehicles & heavy equipment
Wherever fire starts inside a box — micro suppression is the solution.
6. Benefits of Micro Fire Suppression
1. Early Detection at the Source
The system detects fires immediately where they start.
2. Zero Downtime & Continuous Protection
Works 24/7 with no human interaction.
3. Fully Automatic Activation
No electricity required for DLP systems.
4. Protects Expensive Equipment
Prevents losses in electrical cabinets, machinery, and automation devices.
5. No Residue, No Cleanup
Clean agents leave equipment intact.
6. Easy Retrofit Into Existing Equipment
Installs without modifying the cabinet design.
7. Low Cost Compared to Alternatives
Much cheaper than FM-200 or room-level systems.
7. Why Choose Orbis Micro Suppression Systems
Key Advantages
Stainless-steel cylinders and components
Simple installation
FK5-1-12 and HFC-227ea agents
Rapid activation through patented tubing
Works in harsh, dusty, and outdoor environments
24/7 uninterrupted protection
Multiple cylinder sizes available
No power required
Orbis systems protect equipment across telecom, solar, electrical, industrial automation, and energy infrastructure sectors.
As industries become more automated and electrical cabinets become more compact, fire risks increase. A micro fire suppression system provides immediate, localized protection directly at the source of ignition, stopping fires before they escape the cabinet.
Micro suppression is now considered standard protection for electrical cabinets, solar infrastructure, telecom sites, and automation equipment.
To learn more or become a distributor, visit:
https://orbisfire.com/
“At Orbis, we believe in advancing fire protection through both innovation and education. This guide is part of our ongoing commitment to making micro fire suppression accessible and understandable for engineers, distributors, and equipment manufacturers worldwide. By sharing technical clarity and best practices, we reinforce our mission: empowering safer operations, cleaner environments, and smarter fire protection for modern industries.”
— Luke De Gaetani, Vice President – Operations, Orbis Fire Suppression
