Fire Sprinklers

About Fire Sprinklers

A fire sprinkler system may play a crucial role in the fire safety of a home. The key role of these systems is to provide occupants with enough time for escape during a fire.

Regardless of type, every fire sprinkler system design is meant to fulfil the same purpose - delivering at least 10 minutes of steady water supply. Apart from increasing the safety of residents, a fire sprinkler system can significantly reduce damage to a home - or even completely control a fire in the best scenario. 

How Fire Sprinklers Work

Every system type delivers a specific water flow and pressure, relying on a combination of factors:

• The size of a building: Pipe length and number of sprinkler heads that provide minimum water coverage depend on the space in need of coverage. A large house needs a substantial system, and vice versa.
• Pipes: The material and diameter of pipes affect the system performance.
• Water source: Some systems get enough natural water pressure to meet flow requirements, while others need to be supported by a pump.

Every system relies on a piping network extending over the walls and across ceilings. Along the chain, sprinkler heads are connected to the pipes in a number sufficient to completely cover necessary areas.

Each sprinkler head has a trigger, typically in the form of a glass tube filled with a heat-sensitive content. Once the fire starts, the heat keeps raising the temperature until it reaches a certain point where the content begins to react. Once it breaks the glass seal, the water rushes out., spraying across the room.

Types of Fire Sprinklers

There are two types of major residential sprinkler systems available, standalone and multipurpose. Standalone design is based on a network of piping separated from the home’s plumbing system. It’s capable of drawing water from its own supply, such as a dedicated water tank, or through a “T” connection set exclusively for the sprinkler system.

Standalone schemes are typically more complex to install and feature higher maintenance requirements. 

Multipurpose fire sprinkler systems use the same water source and plumbing pipes as other fixtures in the home. It makes the installation more accessible and more affordable, with lower maintenance requirements. However, these systems also require hydraulic calculations for water pressure, sufficient system size, and planning ahead in general.

Four types of fire sprinklers defined by function are wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge. Each will prevent flames from spreading and reduce fire damage in the process, while their differences lay in applications and operation modes.

Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler System

The “wet pipe” is the most common design found in residential applications. It contains water in facilities with a temperature of 40 degrees minimum, in order to prevent the pipes from freezing. 

The activating process is simple - once a designated temperature has been reached, the tube breaks and releases the water. 

Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler System

Dry pipe fire sprinklers are filled with pressurised air or nitrogen. By maintaining a dry pipe valve closed, the content prevents water from entering the system. 

In case of a sudden temperature increase, the air pressure drops in the system, causing the valve to open and spray the water around. 

Dry pipe fire sprinklers contain no water, making an ideal choice for use in unheated areas during low temperatures.

Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler System

Pre-action fire sprinkler systems are also based on pressurised air or nitrogen, activated by the two-step process. When a heat detector or smoke alarm detects a fire, it sends a signal to the system, requiring it to open the pre-action valve. Once the system is filled with water, a fire sprinkler starts pouring it onto the fire. 

The benefit of the two-steps process reflects in preventing accidental system activations. 

Deluge Fire Sprinkler System

This system features a series of open style heads, ideal for discharging water quickly. Unlike the other types of fire sprinkler systems, sprinkler heads in the deluge model are constantly open and able to activate all at once in full power. 

These systems contain no water or air. Once smoke or heat are detected, the deluge valve initiates the process, sending water to all the fire sprinklers at once. It’s an ideal method for fighting fires catching highly combustible materials, particularly fit for commercial and industrial uses. 

Type of Fire Sprinkler Heads and Releasing Mechanism

A sprinkler head is a component that discharges water when a fire is detected, depending on the way the trigger mechanism works. Sprinkler heads connected to the ceiling from where water is discharged are called standard/conventional fire sprinkler heads, ideal for application in residential areas.

Another type is the upright head that can send water in random directions. They are mounted into the ceilings and make an excellent choice for commercial areas.

Finally, sidewall heads attach to the highest wall points, providing more thorough coverage than other types. They are strongly recommended for use in commercial buildings. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Fire Sprinklers

Fitting the new fire safety installations is the most critical aspect of home adaptations, both in new and old objects. The contractor must have the expertise in designing hydraulic or similar systems requiring calculations for maintaining adequate pressure and flow. 

An experienced contractor will use the calculations to define the system limits extent possibilities. The documents, together with the complete scheme, then go to local authorities for approval.

If you need assistance to find the right fire sprinklers for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.