Fire sprinkler systems do a good job of saving lives and containing fires. A study has shown that the death rate from fires is 80% lower in buildings with sprinklers than in others. However, not all sprinkling systems are the same.
These systems vary depending on a building’s needs, and it is confusing to understand the differences. Below we discuss why fire sprinkler systems are important and you can find more reasons here.
Fire sprinkler heads are responsible for making an automatic sprinkler system automatic. Today’s sprinkler heads have a small mechanical part that releases water after a fire outbreak. The sprinkler system came into existence in the 15th century by Leonardo da Vinci.
Types of Sprinkler Systems
The four main types of sprinkler systems are;
- Wet pipe
- Dry pipe
- Deluge
- Preaction
Some fire systems withhold freezing temperatures, while others focus on flooding an area with an extinguishing agent. Below we discuss the types of sprinkler systems;
i. The Wet Pipe System
The wet pipe system has pipes that supply fire sprinklers with water always. Water discharges immediately the sprinkler activates, and they are easy to install. The wet pipe system has fewer components than other protection systems, making it easy to maintain.
However, it is advisable to shun freezing temperatures to avoid pipe damage. These systems have the following functions besides supplying water to the sprinkler heads;
- Sounding an alarm in case of a fire outbreak
- Preventing water contamination.
The wet pipe system accomplishes its tasks in the following ways;
- Using a check valve
- Using straight pipe raisers.
Most wet pipes use an alarm valve that prevents water from flowing outside the sprinkler. This system also has an alarm port that activates a bell or fire control panel.
ii. The Dry Pipe System
The dry pipe sprinkler system compresses air within the pipes and uses an electric compressor to maintain pressure. The compressed air is discharged after a sprinkler head opens, and water fills the piping system.
Water-filled pipes might burst or bend when exposed to freezing temperatures, explaining why most parking garages and warehouses use this system. The dry pipe system uses supervisory pressure switches to maintain pressure.
Fire sprinklers release excess air pressure after the head opens flooding the entire system.
iii. The Preaction System
The preaction system uses air-filled piping like the dry pipe system. However, this system needs more than one event for the sprinkler to discharge. The opening of the sprinkler head causes a discharge.
The preaction system is used in museums and flamboyant electronic shops to lower false deployment and damage. Heat detectors send a signal to the preaction valve when a fire breaks out, releasing water into the system. This water stays in the system until the sprinkler head activates automatically to extinguish the flames.
Final Thoughts
Fire sprinkler systems save lives and property when fire erupts. These systems are available in different types, and the above article has discussed some. These systems are used in museums, electronic shops, among others.
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