Commercial and residential fire sprinkler systems and other fire suppression systems have one goal: extinguish the fire in order to prevent and minimize property loss and lives. To this end, there are approximately 6 different types of fire sprinkler systems used throughout the U.S., wet pipe, dry pipe, deluge and pre-action, foam water, and "water spray systems". The two most commonly installed sprinkler systems in commercial environments and businesses are wet pipe systems and dry pipe systems.
Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most popular type to have installed for a number of reasons. These systems are the simplest in function and therefore the most reliable. As expected, when the temperature of an area reaches a pre-set level, the glass bulb or link located at the affected sprinkler head releases allowing the flow of water. The cost of a wet pipe system is also usually the most inexpensive to have installed and maintain. Dry pipe systems are similar in operation with one key difference. Portion of lines leading to the fire sprinkler heads are filled with air. When the temperature at each individual head exceeds the pre-set limit, the individual sprinkler head is activated.
The air filling the line is expelled, then replaced with the water supply pushing in behind. The intended purpose of a dry pipe system is to allow for freezing temperatures and greatly lowering the risk of a freezing water line causing a rupture. A system such as this type can be less effective initially in extinguishing a fire due to the delay of water reaching the sprinkler head and dousing the fire. Increased cost of installation and maintenance, as well as complexity, can be a downside to installing this type of fire suppression system. Deluge systems and pre-action systems are similar to one another in that both are activated by some type of fire alarm system.
Deluge systems are common where the risk of fire spreading quickly is a concern. Deluge sprinkler systems, when activated simply spray water from every sprinkler head simultaneously instead of individual sprinkler head activation. Pre-action system can essentially be a combination of wet, dry and deluge systems. The advantage of a pre-action system is that it can send a trouble alarm should some problems occur without activating a sprinkler head. Some of this type of fire sprinkler system can also be set up for operation only when the temperature at a sprinkler head has exceeded the pre-set and a fire alarm is activated as well, essentially serving as a double check.
Foam water and "water spray" systems are usually installed where potentially hazardous materials are located and sensitive equipment. A mixture of foam and water helps to suppress the fire while the latter system sprays water in a particular spray pattern. These last two systems are not necessary for the majority of commercial businesses. Having any of these fire sprinkler setups is not enough.
Proper maintenance, as with any machinery, is necessary for successful operation. Depending upon the individual state or even local city laws, fire sprinkler systems are required to be inspected at least once per year, often more frequently. In order to receive discounts on insurance, insurance companies will sometimes require proof of inspection. Regardless of what type of fire sprinkler system being used, the cost of installation and maintaining the system will be miniscule compared to the loss of property, life and future revenue.
For more information on fire safety, fire alarms, and fire suppressions systems, please visit www.brothersfire.com.
Article independently authored by Daniel P. Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire.
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