Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (ILP)

An Indirect Low Pressure (ILP) automatic fire suppression system detects and puts out a fire without anyone being present. A pressurised, heat-sensitive detection tube runs through the area being protected and is connected to a valve on the agent cylinder. When a fire occurs, the tube ruptures at its hottest point, which opens the valve. The agent then discharges through fixed nozzles and floods the area. At Pyromatic, we supply, install and service ILP fire suppression systems across the UK.

The main difference is how the agent is released. In a Direct Low Pressure (DLP) system, the agent discharges straight through the point where the detection tube bursts. That suits control cabinets and small, compact spaces.

In an Indirect Low Pressure (ILP) system, the tube is used only to detect the fire and trigger the valve. The agent is then delivered through separate hoses and nozzles, so ILP is suited to larger spaces and more complex fire risks such as engine bays, mobile plant and full rooms. At Pyromatic, we supply and install both DLP Gaseous Systems and ILP systems.

No. Our automatic fire suppression systems are entirely pneumatic and mechanical, so they don’t need external power to detect a fire or discharge. The system activates only when there is actual fire or heat impingement on the detection tube, which removes the risk of false alarms or accidental discharges. An optional pressure switch provides a potential-free contact. This can:

• trigger alarms
• shut off electrical power or ventilation
• report the discharge to an existing fire alarm panel, BMS or SCADA system.

ILP automatic fire suppression systems are designed for larger spaces and higher-risk equipment, including:

• trucks and goods vehicles
• coaches and buses
• waste and wood processing mobile plant
• agricultural machinery
• CNC and injection moulding machines
• engine and motor bays, generators and transformers
• renewable energy assets such as wind turbines and energy storage systems.

Our ILP clean agent systems use FK-5-1-12. This is a UL Recognised Component clean agent with:

• zero ozone depletion potential
• a global warming potential of 1
• an atmospheric lifetime of around 5 days.

It has low toxicity at its design concentrations of 4-6.5% and leaves no residue, so no clean-up is needed after discharge. Depending on the fire risk, ILP systems can also be configured with foam, dry powder or CO₂.

Yes. Our ILP automatic fire detection and suppression systems are fully compliant with UNECE Regulation No. 107. This UN regulation sets the construction and safety requirements for buses and coaches, including fire suppression in engine compartments. The systems are pre-engineered using UL Recognised Components and are built and tested in ISO 9001:2015-certified facilities. At Pyromatic, we are also ISO 9001:2015 certified (Certificate No. 493782025) and an FIA member (SP203-3).

Yes. Our fire suppression systems can be retrofitted to existing vehicles, mobile plant and equipment, as well as fitted to new builds. The detection tubing is routed around the fire risk without interfering with how the equipment is operated or maintained. Cylinders are available in sizes from 2kg to 20kg and can be scaled up for larger applications. At Pyromatic, our engineers install automatic systems across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Fire suppression systems typically need servicing once a year, although some insurers require 6-monthly servicing. During a service, our FIA-approved engineers check and test every component. This includes the detection tube and cylinder pressure, which is monitored via a gauge on the valve. After a discharge, the system can be serviced and recharged quickly and economically. At Pyromatic, we offer ongoing maintenance contracts and respond to emergency callouts.