--- title: What is a Dry Chemical Fire Suppression System? description: Dry chem suppression systems release a dry chemical powder into a designated space to extinguish a fire where a fire sprinkler system is not available or preferred. image: https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Suppression/spray%20paint%20booth%20fire%20suppression%20system.jpg --- [![Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&height=50&name=koorsen-logo.png "Koorsen Fire & Security")](https://www.koorsen.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [BILL PAY](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) [1.866.311.7753](tel:8663117753) - [About Us](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/) - [History](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/history/) - [Case Studies](https://blog.koorsen.com/case-studies) - [Koorsen Companies](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/companies/) - [Koorsen Training Center](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/) - [Kasey Program](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/kasey-program/) - [Pay Bill](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) - [Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) - [Fire Protection](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/) - [Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Mobile Equipment Solutions](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/mobile-equipment-solutions/) - [Additional Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/#additional) - [Industries](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/) - [Healthcare](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Industrial](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/industrial/) - [Education](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/education/) - [Restaurants](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/restaurants/) - [Property Management](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/property-management/) - [Hospitality](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/hospitality/) - [Retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/) - [Construction](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/construction/) - [Locations](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/) - [News](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen In The News](https://www.koorsen.com/in-the-news/) - [Kasey the Dog Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com/kaseys-adventures) - [Careers](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) # What is a Dry Chemical Fire Suppression System? Posted July 08, 2019 by [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security) ![spray paint booth fire suppression system](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Products%20and%20Services/Fire%20Suppression/spray%20paint%20booth%20fire%20suppression%20system.jpg?width=600&name=spray%20paint%20booth%20fire%20suppression%20system.jpg) Fire suppression systems were created to provide an immediate response to fire in life-threatening situations. The first few minutes of a fire are critical to eliminating or containing the fire until help can arrive. Different environments mean different types of fire. Therefore, you cannot rely on one type of chemical to suppress every fire. This is why there are different types of fire suppression systems. The three common types used today are [clean agent](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-clean-agent), [wet chemical](https://blog.koorsen.com/how-often-does-a-hood-suppression-system-need-to-be-hydro-tested), and [dry chemical fire suppression systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/dry-chemical-fire-suppression-systems/). In this blog, we will explore dry chemical fire suppression systems. [![Fire Suppression System Questions? Click to Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/838b208e-db83-47a7-b168-217c496ca7bb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/838b208e-db83-47a7-b168-217c496ca7bb) Dry chemical systems release a dry chemical powder into a designated space to extinguish a fire. Sodium bicarbonate and mono-ammonium phosphate are the most common powders used in [dry chem suppression systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/dry-chemical-fire-suppression-systems/). Sodium bicarbonate is for Class B and some Class C fires. Monoammonium phosphate is for ABC fires. In a dry chemical suppression system, a tank is filled with the dry powder and pressurized. When the system is activated, a high-pressure nitrogen cartridge will discharge and open the valve on the pressurized tank with the dry powder. The agent is then released into the piping and out of the nozzles of the suppression system to suppress the fire. After each use, a dry chemical system must be recharged to work again. Dry chem systems are not a new technology, but they are extremely reliable. Much like an ABC fire extinguisher with dry powder, a dry chem system will dump a lot of powder onto the hazard when activated requiring extensive cleanup after each use. Dry chem systems provide easy accessibility and are efficient to use because they are rechargeable, electrical extinguishing systems that are installed easily into commercial and industrial settings. Since they are non-conductive, they can be utilized to suppress fires in ordinary combustible materials and on flammable liquid fires that involve live electrical equipment. Dry chem suppression systems are a great choice for areas where a fire sprinkler system is not available or not preferred. Some typical applications you’ll find these systems used for are [auto paint booths](https://blog.koorsen.com/rules-regarding-covering-fire-sprinkler-heads-in-paint-booths), dip tanks, mixing rooms, and open-faced booths. Dry chemical fire suppression systems must comply with [NFPA 17](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=17) (Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems) and NFPA 33 (Standards for Spray Application Using Flammable and Combustible Materials), and also tested to the new real-world criteria of UL 1254 (Standard for Pre-Engineered Dry Chemical Extinguishing System Units). It is always best to contact your [Authority Having Jurisdiction](https://blog.koorsen.com/2014/10/training-the-authorities-who-enforce-life-safety-code) for code interpretations. ## Need a Dry Chemical Fire Suppression System? – Call the Experts Installing a dry chemical fire suppression system in your facility is very economical. Dry systems are easily accessible and efficient at suppressing fires. [Contact Koorsen Fire & Security](https://info.koorsen.com/contact-koorsen) to learn more about dry chem fire suppression systems for your business. One of the highly-trained and certified technicians can come out to assess your building and discuss the best options for your facility. Call Koorsen today to ensure your employees and assets are protected properly. [![Fire Suppression System Questions? Click to Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/838b208e-db83-47a7-b168-217c496ca7bb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/838b208e-db83-47a7-b168-217c496ca7bb)   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Fire Suppression](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-suppression), [Industrial](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/industrial), [Dry Chem Suppression](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/dry-chem-suppression) ## Contact Us Now! *Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.*  ### Related posts [How to Choose the Right Fire Suppression System for Your Industry](https://blog.koorsen.com/how-to-choose-the-right-fire-suppression-system-for-your-industry) [Ensuring the Reliability of Fire Suppression Systems With Testing](https://blog.koorsen.com/ensuring-the-reliability-of-fire-suppression-systems-with-testing) [What is the Right Fire Suppression System for my business?](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-the-right-fire-suppression-system-for-my-business) [Ensuring Fire Suppression System Adherence To All Regulations](https://blog.koorsen.com/ensuring-fire-suppression-system-adherence-to-all-regulations) [A Guide to Choosing the Right Fire Suppression System](https://blog.koorsen.com/a-guide-to-choosing-the-right-fire-suppression-system) [![Questions! 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