Most of the time we don’t pay attention to the fire sprinklers over our heads as we walk through buildings. Little do we know, there are various different types of fire sprinkler systems. For instance, there are the wet pipe systems, dry pipe systems, pre-action systems, and the deluge systems.
Each of these systems have different functions, and are used in different places. Now let’s dig deeper, and see how each of these systems work.
The wet pipe system is one of the most common fire systems. It is filled with pressurized water. Once the system detects that there is a fire or the environment has reached a high-level temperature, the sprinkler activates and the water breaks through. This allows the water to spread to eliminate the fire. These sprinkler systems are normally installed in places that do not reach below 40˚ Fahrenheit for it not to cause the pipes to freeze. What it great about this system, is that it is one of the most reliable sprinkler systems. These are typically not installed in small spaces such as housing so it does not cause damage.
The dry pipe system is a bit different than the wet pipe system. The pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen. In this case, the air pressure holds the valve closed so the water does go in at the wrong time. In this way, they are not charged with water. When a fire is detected, the air pressure drops and opens the valve. Once the valve opens, the water will go through and will discharge it. Since the dry pipe system is pressurized air and not water, they are ideal for areas and environments subject to freezing temperatures. It allows the water not to freeze. These systems are mostly used in unheated building, garages, and or warehouses because there would be no leakage from the water.
Pre-action system is similar to the dry pipe system due to them both being pressurized with air/ nitrogen. There are 3 variations that cover the pre-action system;
•Single interlocked system, which holds the water back. When heat or smoke is detected, the valve with open and release the water.
•Double interlocked system has two valves on top of each other, a dry and pre-action valve. Water will not enter into the pipe until both systems are activated. These are normally found freezing facilities.
•Non-interlocked system is different than the other systems because the water the flows through the pipes either by activation of the detection system or the opening of the sprinkler.
Lastly but certainly not least, there is the deluge system. This type of system is used in high hazard facilities. These are complete open sprinklers. It delivers large quantities of water in a short period of time, and all sprinkler heads are activated at once. It is controlled by a deluge valve which allows the water to enter the pipe when a fire is detected and fire through all of the sprinklers. Since these are complete open sprinklers, the water will go through faster because there is nothing to break through unlike the other systems.
After reading through all of the different system, it is necessary to choose the right one. They are important in keeping family, facilities, employees safe. Understanding each sprinkler system helps choose the best fitting one for you.
More on suppression systems:
•Viking Fire Sprinklers & Suppression Systems
•Addressable vs Conventional fire alarm systems
