Fire Sprinkler System

A fire sprinkler system that is property installed and maintained can provide protection against loss of life and property in the event of a fire. A fire sprinkler system consists of sprinklers connected to a water supply that provides adequate pressure and flow to a water distribution piping system. In the event of a fire, an automatic fire sprinkler will release a heat-sensitive element (fusible link or glass bulb) when it is exposed to sufficient heat. Once this heat-sensitive element is released, the sprinkler dispenses water. Only sprinklers subjected to a temperature at or above their specific temperature rating will operate. There are systems that have open sprinklers, which do not have a heat sensitive element, and would release water from all sprinklers in the system when a fire alarm initiating device (smoke detectors, heat detectors, or optical flame detectors) is activated or manually activated. The fire alarm initiating device signals the fire alarm panel to open the deluge valve.

Wet Pipe System

A wet pipe system is the most common type of system. It is a sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system containing water and connected to a water supply so that water discharges immediately from sprinklers opened by heat from a fire.

Deluge System

A deluge system is a sprinkler system employing open sprinklers that are attached to a piping system. This piping system is connected to a water supply through a valve that is opened by the operation of a detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. When the valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all sprinklers.

Dry Pipe System

A dry pipe system is the second most common type of system. It is used in spaces where the ambient temperature may be cold enough to freeze the water in a wet pipe system, rendering the system inoperable, such as in refrigerated coolers. This system employs automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system containing air or nitrogen under pressure. The release of the pressure permits the water pressure to open a valve known as a dry pipe valve, and the water then flows into the piping system and out the opened sprinkler.

Preaction System

A preaction system is used in locations where accidental activation is undesired, such as in museums with rare artwork, manuscripts, or books. The system employs automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system that contains air that might or might not be under pressure. When a supplemental detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers is activated, the preaction valve will open and allow water to flow into the piping. Water will not flow from the sprinklers until a fire has generated enough heat to open one or more sprinklers.