The Difference Between Active and Passive Fire Protection

When it comes to fire protection, passive and active systems are equally important for keeping a building safe. But what are the differences between these two forms of protection, and what do they do?

If you’re looking to ensure that a building is protected from fires and want to know more about the different types of protection systems and how they work, you’ve come to the right place.

At Passive Fire Installations Limited, we have years of experience in passive fire protection, and we’ve put together this guide to the differences between active and passive protection and why they’re both necessary.

What is active fire protection?

Active fire protection is an umbrella term for anything that could be actively used to help to control or contain a fire that has already started. This includes things like fire extinguishers, as well as fire detection systems, which warn people that there is a fire in the building, giving them the chance to evacuate as soon as possible.

What is passive fire protection?

Passive fire protection refers to any type of pre-existing protection that will reduce the risk of injury or death, as well as minimise damage to the building if a fire occurs. This includes structural elements, such as fire doors, which can be closed to seal off smoke and prevent the fire from spreading, allowing the building’s occupants more time to get out. Passive protection is essential to a building’s safety, as it allows you to take steps to reduce the danger posed by a fire before it starts.

Which type of protection does your building need?

Your building needs to have both passive and active fire protection systems in order to keep its occupants safe in the event of a fire and to reduce the amount of damage that a fire can do to a building. Having both types of protection is the safest option, as the two systems together mean that the risk presented by fire is significantly decreased – much more so than if you have just one type of safety measure. If you currently only have one form of protection – for example, active protection – it’s important that you look into having passive protection installed as soon as possible.

If you need a passive fire protection system, look no further than Passive Fire Installations Limited. We’re experts in fire protection and can make sure your building is protected. Get in touch with us today to get a quote or get started.