Sprinklers systems consist of the network of pipeline, water supply (water main, overhead tank, open water sources), sprinkler heads, and alarm and detection devices that sense the heat from a fire and automatically distribute water to extinguish the fire completely or control its growth.
With a sprinkler system, you can be guaranteed total protection against fire emergencies and and there are many types you can consider depending on your building’s unique fire protection requirements. Here we are going to cover the 5 common types of sprinklers available in the market today.
Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems
Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most common across residential and commercial buildings. A sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system containing water and connected to a water supply system so as there to water discharges immediately from sprinklers opened by heat due to fire. The main advantage if this system is that Each sprinkler head is activated independently and reducing water damages in the event of a false
Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems
The dry pipe systems do not store water in their pipes as compared to wet pipe system. Instead, they’re filled with nitrogen or pressurized air, which is released if a fire activates the valves in the sprinkler head. Then the pipes fill with water and discharge it over the smoke. While this method is more costly to put in and complicated than a wet pipe system, it is the most appropriate for cold climates where there is a high risk of frozen pipes and becoming inefficient and halting an emergency fire response.
Foam Water Sprinkler Systems
This type of fire protection system is designed to discharge water and foam to put off a fire. the foam fire system works this manner. They are generally used in case of high challenge fires and mainly recommended in buildings that handle highly hazardous components and flammable liquids like workplaces, industries and aircraft hangers.
Pre-action Fire Sprinkler Systems
These are hybrid fire protection systems that are designed to require advantage of the flexibility of wet pipe systems as well as the complexity of dry pipe sprinklers. the most important drawback is that they will be very costly to install and have high maintenance demands. this type of system is usually installed in commercial properties like libraries, museums and data centres where if there’s an accidental discharge it can cause significant losses.
Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems
This system is designed without the heat sensing elements that are contained in both wet and dry pipe systems. they need a standard trigger that causes the valves to open. Once the valve opens, the water is discharged to the piping system and sprays on all the heads directly covering the entire area. this type of system isn’t commonly used at homes but is especially found in industries with flammable liquids.
Automatic sprinkler systems are installed to safe or protect property and also the occupants in the building. These systems are effective for all time safety because they provide warning of the existence of fire and at the same time apply water to the burning area and reduce the immediate threat to personnel.