Systems

FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection measure, consisting of a water supply system, providing adequate pressure and flow rate to a water distribution piping system, onto which fire sprinklers are connected. Although historically only used in factories and large commercial buildings, systems for homes and small buildings are now available at a cost-effective price. Fire sprinkler systems are extensively used worldwide, with millions of sprinkler heads fitted each year. In buildings completely protected by fire sprinkler systems, over 99% of fires were controlled by fire sprinklers alone.

Types of fire sprinkler systems:

There are four main types of fire sprinkler systems which are in common use:

Wet Pipe
Dry Pipe
Deluge
Pre-Action

Wet Pipe

Wet Pipe sprinkler systems are the most common type of sprinkler systems in use. They are seen in offices and houses and are so-called, as the water-based extinguish is stored under pressure in its pipes. Activation is immediate.

Dry Pipe

Where pipes are likely to freeze, dry pipe sprinkler systems are an alternative to the standard wet pipe systems. Nitrogen gas or pressurized air is stored in the pipes, which are activated before being followed by water. Unlike its wet pipe equivalents, there is a slight delay.

Deluge

Deluge sprinkler systems are typically used in areas where rapid fire damage is a major concern. For example, warehouse loading bays and high rise windows. They are similar in design to wet pipe installations though with one major difference: the nozzle is always open. Another difference is how a deluge-based sprinkler is triggered. This is via a special alarm that opens a water release valve.

Pre-Action

The pre-action sprinkler system is a combination of wet pipe and dry pipe sprinkler systems. They are typically used in areas at high risk of water damage. Water isn’t stored in the pipes until a fire detection system detects a fire. Firstly, the device opens a valve within the pipes that releases the water. This occurs prior to the opening of the sprinkler heads. On opening, its response time is as fast as a standard wet pipe sprinkler system.