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Have You Thought of the Ideal Fire Extinguishing Agent? It is the Fire Sprinkler, Of Course!
A fire sprinkler system is a fire protection system that can be fitted
into larger (office) buildings or homes. Fire sprinkler heads are
connected to a fire suppression system that is made
up out of pipes
fitted with sprinkler heads throughout a building. Larger fire sprinkler
systems can also equipped with a fire pumpThese systems were originally
designed for business spaces but are now also available for homes
for a cost-effective price.
What is the Purpose of a Fire Sprinkler?
Automatic fire sprinklers work the following way:
The heat of any fire is detected by the sprinkler system after
which the sprinkler head will be activated and water starts coming
down from the system.
The sprinkler system of the fire alarm panel that the system is
connected to will automatically contact the fire emergency services.
Without sprinklers the fire could possibly spread and cause more damage.
Components of Fire Sprinkler Systems
A common sprinkler system will be made up from the following components:
A fire larm or fire alarm control panel. This panel detects the
fire an automatically notifies the emergency services.
System control valves. These valves will only be activated in case
of a fire and control the water flow.
The frame. This main structure holds the sprinkler together and
is made up out of water supply pipes connecting the sprinkler heads.
Thermal operated linkage. If there is no fire emergency the linkage
keeps the cap in its place but if there is heat the cap will weaken
after which water is released.
Orifice. This is the opening of the machine at the base of the
system. This is where the water flows from.
Deflector. This component is fitted close to the orifice and breaks
up the water stream so that a more efficient extinguishing water pattern
is released into the fire sprinkler system.
Sprinkler heads. These heads are connected to the water pipes and
spread water throughout the building in case of a fire.
Types of Sprinkler Systems
There are three basic types of fire sprinkler systems: the wet pipe,
dry pipe, and reaction type. Wet pipe systems are the most commonly
used fire sprinkler system:
Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler System
These systems have the smallest number of components and are less
prone to malfunctioning than other systems. The wet pipe system is
the most used and most reliable type of fire sprinkler system available.
The wet pipe system requires little time to install and less maintenance
is needed due to the systems’ simplicity.
It is easy to modify the system, all you have to do is shut down
the water supply, drain the pipes and modify the system after which
it can be activated again.
This system is easy to re-activate after a fire. All that has to
be replaced are the fused sprinklers.
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems
These systems are more complex to use and maintain and have certain
disadvantages in comparison with wet pipe systems:
The fire sprinkler system design is more complex than is the case
with a wet pipe system.
There are higher installation and maintenance costs with a dry
pipe fire system.
The wet pipe system is limited when it comes to being able to make
alterations. There is a maximum permitted size for dry pipe systems
of 750 gallons.
After a fire these systems have to be dried completely or the remaining
water in the pipes could cause corrosion.
