As a business owner or worker, it’s important to prioritize fire safety in your workplace. One way to do this is by installing a fire sprinkler system. Not all sprinkler systems are the same, however. There are different fire sprinkler systems, each with unique features and applications. In this blog post, we will discuss the various types of fire sprinkler systems and their functions. Whether you’re a handyman familiar with fire safety equipment or a business owner just starting, you will gain valuable insights into fire sprinkler systems and how they work.
The wet pipe sprinkler system is the most common type of fire sprinkler system installed in commercial buildings and residential properties. This system works by utilizing a network of pipes that are pressurized with water. Sprinkler heads are placed throughout the building and activated when fire heat causes the sprinkler head to melt, allowing water to flow from the pipe and onto the fire. This type of system is ideal for buildings with a moderate fire risk, such as hotels and office buildings.
The dry pipe sprinkler system is best suited for buildings with high fire risk, such as cold storage warehouses and unheated garages. This system works by storing pressurized air in pipes until it is needed. When a fire breaks out, the heat causes a valve to open, allowing air to escape and water to flow into the pipe and onto the fire. The dry pipe sprinkler system is commonly used in areas where the temperature drops below freezing, as the dry system prevents pipes from freezing.
A pre-action sprinkler system is a combination of the wet pipe sprinkler system and the dry pipe sprinkler system. This system requires two triggers before water is discharged from the sprinkler head. The first trigger is a fire detection device, such as a smoke detector. The second trigger is the activation of the sprinkler head itself. This type of system is ideal for data centers, museums, and libraries, where water damage needs to be avoided.
The foam sprinkler system is designed for buildings that store flammable liquids or chemicals. This system works by mixing water with foam concentrate, creating a foam solution that extinguishes the fire by smothering it. The foam sprinkler system is ideal for petrol stations, chemical plants, and aircraft hangars.
The deluge sprinkler system is a high-powered sprinkler system that discharges water from all the sprinkler heads simultaneously. This system is used to extinguish large fires in hazardous environments, such as oil refineries or power plants. The activation of the deluge system can be manual or automatic, depending on the level of risk and the requirements of the building.
Installing a fire sprinkler system is an essential step in ensuring fire safety in your workplace or property. The different types of fire sprinkler systems each have their unique applications and functions and can be suitable for different types of buildings and environments. The wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, foam, and deluge sprinkler systems offer protection against different types of fires, making it important to evaluate your building’s specific fire risk and choose a system that best suits your needs. By familiarizing yourself with each system’s features and applications, you can help keep your workplace or property safe from the devastating effects of fire.