4 Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

It is best to have protection in commercial buildings in case of fire or

smoke. Installing a sprinkler system is a good preventative measure to
take. There are various types of fire sprinklers and below are descriptions
of these so you know which one is best suited for your commercial building.

Pre-action
Pre-action fire sprinkler systems are filled with air and water is allowed to
pass through when the smoke alarm or detector goes off. This type of
system requires two triggers to start water flow. It helps greatly that the pre-
action fire sprinkler can be set to prevent water from spouting in case of a
false alarm or a mechanical failure. The pre-action system is good for use
in places where the sprinklers are only necessary when there is an actual
fire so other items in the building do not get water damage from an
accidental sprinkling. Such buildings include libraries and data centers.
These places contain items of high value like electronics and goods
damageable by water such as books

Dry Pipe
Dry pipe sprinklers are similar to pre-action systems as they use
pressurized air in the pipe which exits before water escapes. This causes a
minute delay in water discharge but is ideal for buildings with low
temperatures so the pipes do not freeze. These fire sprinkler systems have
a fast opening tool to get rid of the air and speed up the flow of water.
Warehouses located in the north are a good example of what buildings
should use dry pipe sprinklers.

Wet Pipe
Wet pipe fire sprinklers constantly have water in them. This allows for a
quick reaction to a fire and is the most common type of sprinkler installed in
buildings. A type of building that uses the wet pipe system is a high-rise or
office building with a few floors. This fire sprinkler system is cost efficient
and low maintenance.

Deluge
These types of fire sprinkler systems also need a smoke or heat detector
like the pre-action system. A deluge system has open nozzles that can be
used when a hazard is present. When flammable liquids are spread across
a floor, deluge fire sprinklers are good to have. In that case, buildings such
as industrial parks and buildings with many tanks have deluge fire sprinkler
systems installed.
At Fireline, we offer an array of fire sprinkler systems and fire detection
systems to keep your business safe. Fireline offers the highest quality
alarm systems to keep you safe from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Wet-Pipe Sprinkler System

This type of system is the most common and is typically the easiest to design,
install, and maintain. Wet-pipe systems contain water under pressure in the
overhead piping at all times and utilize a series of closed sprinklers.

When a fire occurs and produces a sufficient amount of heat to activate one or
more sprinkler heads, water immediately discharges from the affected sprinkler(s).
Wet-pipe systems should always be the first choice because they are more
inherently reliable and less costly to maintain. However, wet-pipe systems should
never be considered for installation when temperatures to which the system could
be exposed fall below 40 degrees F.

Dry-Pipe Systems
These systems should be used only when the piping network will be exposed to
temperatures below 40 degrees F. The sprinkler system piping does not contain
any water. It is charged with air (and occasionally nitrogen) under pressure.

These systems use a dry-pipe valve that holds back the water supply and serves as
the water/air interface. Most listed/approved dry-pipe valves act on a pressure
differential principle, in which the surface area of the valve face on the airside is
greater than the surface area on the waterside.

When a fire occurs and a sufficient amount of heat is generated, one or more
sprinklers operate, causing the air in the piping to escape, causing the system air
pressure to drop. Once the air pressure falls below a predetermined level, the dry-
pipe valve opens, allowing water to flow through the system to the open
sprinkler(s).

Dry-pipe systems are a bit more complex than wet-pipe systems. They require a
reliable air supply source and, because of the delay associated with water delivery
from the dry-pipe valve to the open sprinklers, are subject to certain design
limitations.

These limitations can include restriction of system size; the need for additional
components, such as accelerators and exhausters; and adjustments to the number
of anticipated operating sprinklers.
In addition to serving as stand-alone systems, dry-pipe systems can comprise a
subsystem of a larger wet-pipe system in which small coolers/walk-in refrigerators
and loading docks can be protected.

Preaction Systems
Similar to a dry-pipe system, a preaction system uses piping charged with air (or
occasionally nitrogen) under pressure. Typically, the air pressure associated with
preaction systems is generally less than that for dry-pipe systems.

There are three variations of preaction systems:

• Single interlocked preaction system

• Double interlocked preaction system

• Non-interlocked preaction system

Single Interlocked Preaction System. For these types of preaction systems, the
water supply is held back by a “preaction valve.” The area being protected by the
preaction system also has a supplemental fire detection system installed, as well.

Operation of the fire detection system allows the preaction valve to automatically
open and admit water into the pipe network. Water will not discharge from the
system until the fire has generated a sufficient quantity of heat to cause operation
of one or more sprinklers. In essence, the system appears as a wet-pipe system
once the preaction valve operates.

Air pressure maintained in the piping is also used to monitor the integrity of the
pipe. If the piping system develops a leak, the air pressure will drop and an alarm
will sound, indicating a low air pressure condition. Because water is held back with
a preaction valve rather than a dry-pipe valve, water will not flow into the system
until the supplemental fire detection system operates, signaling the preaction valve
to open.

The preaction valve stays in its normal position until the detection system is
activated.

Double Interlocked Preaction System. The double interlocked system has

characteristics of both the single-interlocked system and the dry-pipe system and
typically consists of a dry pipe valve mounted on top of a pre-action valve. For
water to enter the system piping, both the supplemental detection system and the
sprinklers on the system must operate.

Non-Interlocked Preaction System. Another variation of a preaction system is the

non-interlocked system, in which either activation of the supplemental detection
system or the opening of a single sprinkler initiates water flow through the system.

Preaction systems are typically found in spaces containing computer or

communications equipment, museums, and other facilities where inadvertent
water damage from system piping is of major concern. The double-interlocked
system is most common in freezer facilities where accidental valve operation can
result in the immediate freezing and damage of system piping.

Deluge Systems
Deluge systems, as the name implies, deliver large quantities of water over
specified areas in a relatively short period of time. These systems are used to
protect against rapidly growing and spreading fires. Typically, sprinklers used in a
deluge system do not contain thermally sensitive operating elements, and as a
result are referred to as open sprinklers.

A deluge valve controls the system water supply and is activated by a supplemental
fire detection system. Because open sprinklers are employed, system piping is at
atmospheric pressure. As water reaches each sprinkler in the system, it is
immediately discharged from the system. The nature of this system makes it
appropriate for facilities in which significant amounts of highly combustible
materials are present. The system is also used for situations in which thermal
damage is likely to occur in a relatively short period of time.

Aircraft hangars are one area of application of deluge systems. Additionally, these
are used for exterior protection of high-value equipment or equipment crucial to
the continuity of operations (business interruption), such as high-value or long-
lead-time-to-replace equipment. This could be combustible fill cooling towers,
exteriorly installed electrical transformers, or large-scale cooking/deep fat frying
operations (but not typical restaurant operations).

Other Systems
Several variations to each one of these four basic systems exist. One such system is
the antifreeze system that is essentially a wetpipe system with a certain amount of
antifreeze concentrate added to provide a degree of protection against freezing.
Because of the cost associated with these antifreeze systems, they are typically
used to protect smaller spaces exposed to cold temperatures, such as outside
loading docks or exterior canopies. NFPA 13 specifies which types of antifreeze can
be used and the percentage of concentrate needed.

Other types of systems could be exterior (exposure protection) systems, which

would typically be a type of deluge system, and a system to protect unrated glass in
an occupancy in which typically a fire-rated barrier would be required.

Today, many changes and enhancements to automatic fire sprinkler systems are
coming forth at a rapid rate. Design methodologies are all hydraulic calculation
oriented and are specifically tailored to protect against hazards. For further
assistance and guidance regarding automatic fire sprinkler protection, contact a
property insurance carrier, a local fire marshal, or a local sprinkler contractor.

What is FM200 Fire Suppression?

It is a waterless fire protection system that’s released into the risk inside a 10 second time
frame. Fires are immediately suppressed by the agent, which otherwise known as HFC227ea.

This type of fire suppression system is usually used in:

Medical facilitiesUPS RoomsTelecommunication facilitiesComms RoomsDATA Centres

What advantages are offered by this system?

The biggest advantage is how only a very small quantity of agent is necessary to suppress a
fire. The result of this is less wasted storage space, seeing as there’s no need for so many
cylinders. Extinguishing levels are achieved within 10 seconds by FM200 systems, putting an
end to flammable liquid, electrical and ordinary combustible fires before they’re able to
damage much. Fires that are extinguished this quickly will result in significantly lower
property damage, and much lower repair costs. Just as you’ll find with every other fire
suppression system, FM200’s are designed to feature extra safety measures for people.
Refilling an FM200 is a cheap and easy process, meaning that there’s not as much
disruption and downtime for your business.

The use of FM200 within an occupied space is perfectly safe. It’s classed as a clean agent
and scientific studies and real-world usage have proven FM200’s safety.

There aren’t just advantages to fire protection from the use of FM200, the environment’s
also gaining something from its use. Stratospheric ozone is not depleted by the fire
suppressant and its effect on the environment is relatively very good when compared to a
harsh fire’s damage to the environment. The success of this type of fire suppression has
been proven across 70 nations around the globe, and in more than 100 thousand
applications.
How safe is it?

FM200 gas is used an an active compound inside medical inhalers, so it’s sure to say that its
a very safe gas to use within occupied spaces with the appropriate fire suppression design.

When you’re looking for the ability to quickly suppress fires, save on floor space and to
reduce damages, its definitely worth considering the use of FM200. It’s an environmentally
friendly, colorless, clean fire suppression agent that’s safe for humans and is electrically
non-conductive. Heat absorption is the primary extinguishing method of this gas, which
means that there’s no residue left behind afterwards. These systems have gained
international recognition and acceptance for their effectiveness in environments ranging
from computer server rooms, to history and art collection rooms.

What is FM200 Fire Suppression?

FM200 fire suppression is also known as HFC227ea. FM200 is a waterless fire protection
system, it is discharged into the risk within 10 seconds and suppresses the fire immediately.
How safe is FM200?
FM200 fire suppression is found as an active compound as a propellant in medical inhalers. This
is goes without saying that FM200 gas is extremely safe for occupied spaces with the correct fire
suppression design.
How does FM200 work?
There is a common misconception that FM200 gas reduces oxygen this is not true! FM200 is a
synthetic/chemical fire suppression gas and extinguishes a fire by removing the free radicals or
heat elements from the fire triangle. (Oxygen, Heat and Fuel).
The typical concentration of an FM200 system is normally between 7.9% to 8.5%. This
concentration is determined by the risk that is being protected and by the OEM (Original
Equipment Manufacturers) and the ISO14520 standards for fire suppression systems.
What are the advantages of an FM200 fire suppression system?
The main advantage of FM200 fire suppression, is the small amount of agent required to
suppress a fire. This means fewer cylinders, therefore less wasted space for storage of FM200
cylinders.
FM200 systems reach extinguishing levels in 10 seconds or less, stopping ordinary combustible,
electrical, and flammable liquid fires before they cause significant damage. FM200 extinguishes
the fire quickly, which means less damage, lower repair costs. Like any other fire suppression
system, FM200 systems are designed with an extra margin of safety for people. Refilling FM200
is simple and cost effective, therefore, it also means less downtime and disruption to your
business.
FM200 is classed as a clean agent which means that it is safe to use within occupied spaces.
The safety of FM200 fire suppression environments is proven in over a decade of real-world
experience and validated by extensive scientific studies. FM200 systems take up less storage
space than most other fire suppressants.
In addition to the fire protection benefits of using FM200, the environment will benefit as well.
FM200 fire suppressant does not deplete stratospheric ozone, and has minimal impact on the
environment relative to the impact a catastrophic fire would have. FM200 fire suppression is a
solution that is already working in more than 100 thousand applications, in more than 70 nations
around the world.
How can Fire Suppression Limited help you?
Fire suppression Limited offer both pre-engineered FM200 fire suppression systems which
require little or no distribution pipe, and engineered FM200 fire protection systems tailored
made/designed for its application. We have our own FM200 filling plant based in our head offices
in Bristol. We offer full technical design on FM200 systems and we can provide a quotation within
4 hours from your enquiry.

Deluge Fire Sprinkler System

A deluge fire sprinkler system is similar to a pre-action system except the sprinkler heads are
open and the pipe is not pressurized with air. Deluge systems are connected to a water supply
through a deluge valve that is opened by the operation of a smoke or heat detection system. The
detection system is installed in the same area as the sprinklers. When the detection system is
activated water discharges through all of the sprinkler heads in the system. Deluge systems are
used in places that are considered high hazard areas such as power plants, aircraft hangars and
chemical storage or processing facilities. Deluge systems are needed where high velocity
suppression is necessary to prevent fire spread.
Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems differ from conventional Fire Sprinkler Systems in the sense that
all nozzles employed in the system are open and when water is released into the system it flows
from all discharge devices. As such, this special type of system is generally found within
industrial type hazards that require the application of water over a large hazard or area. The
control of water is accomplished by the use of a Deluge Valve which is a device that prevents
water from entering the system piping until required. A detection system which may incorporate
the use of heat, smoke, or flame detectors is used to open the Deluge Valve when a fire or its
products of combustion are detected. All system piping is filled with water which discharges from
the open sprinklers and nozzles used in the system. In addition to the application of water some
deluge systems will incorporate the use of a foam concentrate to mix with water and form a foam
solution which can then provide a protective blanket of foam to help control the development of a
fire.
Deluge Fire Sprinkler systems protect extra hazard occupancies that require significant amounts
of water to cool and control the growth or development of a fire. Typically they are employed on
hazards that contain low flash point flammable liquids or hazards with large amounts of
combustible liquids. These types of hazards may include, oil extraction processes, transformers,
tank or vessel protection, distillation processes. Water or Foam Deluge systems are used in the
protection of large Aircraft Hangers as one primary means of fire protection.

Pre-action Fire Sprinkler System

Pre-action fire sprinkler systems employ the basic concept of a dry pipe system in that water is
not normally contained within the pipes. The difference, however, is that water is held from piping
by an electrically operated valve, known as a pre-action valve. Valve operation is controlled by
independent flame, heat, or smoke detection.
Two separate events must happen to initiate sprinkler discharge. First, the detection system must
identify a developing fire and then open the pre-action valve. This allows water to flow into
system piping, which effectively creates a wet pipe sprinkler system. Second, individual sprinkler
heads must release to permit water flow onto the fire.
In some instances, the pre-action fire sprinkler system may be set up with a double interlock in
which pressurized air or nitrogen is added to system piping. The purpose of this feature is two-
fold: first to monitor piping for leaks and second to hold water from system piping in the event of
inadvertent detector operation. The most common application for this system type is in freezer
warehouses.
Advantages of using pre-action fire sprinkler systems include:

• The dual action required for water release - The pre-action valve must operate and
sprinkler heads must fuse. This feature provides an added level of protection against
 inadvertent discharge. For this reason, pre-action systems are frequently employed in
water sensitive environments such as archival vaults, fine art storage rooms, rare book
libraries and computer centers.
Disadvantages of using pre-action fire sprinkler systems include:

• Higher installation and maintenance costs - Pre-action systems are more complex with
several additional components, notably a fire detection system. This adds to the overall
system cost.

• Modification difficulties - As with dry-pipe systems, pre-action sprinkler systems have

specific size limitations which may impact future system modifications. In addition,
system modifications must incorporate changes to the fire detection and control system
to ensure proper operation.

• Potential decreased reliability - The higher level of complexity associated with pre-action
systems creates an increased chance that something may not work when needed.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure reliability.

Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler System

Wet pipe systems are the most common fire sprinkler system. A wet pipe system is one in which
water is constantly maintained within the sprinkler piping. When a sprinkler activates this water is
immediately discharged onto the fire.
Advantages to using a wet pipe fire sprinkler system include:

• System simplicity and reliability - Wet pipe sprinkler systems have the least number of
components and therefore, the lowest number of items to malfunction. This produces
unexcelled reliability which is important since sprinklers may be asked to sit in waiting for
many years before they are needed. This simplicity aspect also becomes important in
facilities where system maintenance may not be performed with the desired frequency.

• Relative low installation and maintenance expense - Due to their overall simplicity, wet
pipe sprinklers require the least amount of installation time and capital. Maintenance cost
savings are also realized since less service time is generally required compared to other
system types. These savings become important when maintenance budgets are
shrinking.

• Ease of modification - Wet pipe fire sprinkler systems are advantageous since
modifications involve shutting down the water supply, draining pipes and making
alterations. Following the work, the system is pressure tested and restored. Additional
work for detection and special control equipment is avoided which again saves time and
expense.

• Short term down time following a fire - Wet pipe sprinkler systems require the least
amount of effort to restore. In most instances, sprinkler protection is reinstated by
replacing the fused sprinklers and turning the water supply back on. Pre-action and dry-
pipe systems may require additional effort to reset control equipment.
Disadvantages to using a wet pipe fire sprinkler system include:

• Wet pipe systems are not suited for sub-freezing environments.

• There may also be a concern where piping is subject to severe impact damage and could
consequently leak.

Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler System

A dry pipe sprinkler system is one in which pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen, rather
than water. This air holds a remote valve, known as a dry pipe valve, in a closed position.
Located in a heated space, the dry-pipe valve prevents water from entering the pipe until a fire
causes one or more sprinklers to operate. Once this happens, the air escapes and the dry pipe
valve releases. Water then enters the pipe, flowing through open sprinklers onto the fire.
Advantages of using dry pipe fire sprinkler systems include:

• Dry pipe sprinkler systems provide automatic protection in spaces where freezing is
possible. Typical dry pipe installations include unheated warehouses and attics, outside
exposed loading docks and within commercial freezers.
Many people view dry pipe sprinklers as advantageous for protection of collections and other
water sensitive areas. This perceived benefit is due to a fear that a physically damaged wet pipe
system will leak while dry pipe systems will not. In these situations, however, dry pipe systems
will generally not offer any advantage over wet pipe systems. Should impact damage happen,
there will only be a mild discharge delay, i.e. 1 minute, while air in the piping is released before
water flow.
Disadvantages of using dry pipe fire sprinkler systems include:

• Increased complexity - Dry pipe systems require additional control equipment and air
pressure supply components which increases system complexity. Without proper
maintenance this equipment may be less reliable than a comparable wet pipe system.

• Higher installation and maintenance costs - The added complexity impacts the overall
dry-pipe installation cost. This complexity also increases maintenance expenditure,
primarily due to added service labor costs.

• Lower design flexibility - There are strict requirements regarding the maximum permitted
size (typically 750 gallons) of individual dry-pipe systems. These limitations may impact
the ability of an owner to make system additions.

• Increased fire response time - Up to 60 seconds may pass from the time a sprinkler
opens until water is discharged onto the fire. This will delay fire extinguishing actions,
which may produce increased content damage.

• Increased corrosion potential - Following operation, dry-pipe sprinkler systems must be

completely drained and dried. Otherwise remaining water may cause pipe corrosion and
premature failure. This is not a problem with wet pipe systems where water is constantly
maintained in piping.
With the exception of unheated building spaces and freezer rooms, dry pipe systems do not offer
any significant advantages over wet pipe systems.
Gaseous Fire Suppression: FE-13,
FM-200, NOVEC 1230
Since the elimination of Halon as a gaseous fire suppression agent, a number of replacements
have been developed and are now proven alternatives in combating fire in special hazards and
sensitive areas. These clean agents are identified as such because of their chemical
compatibility with the atmosphere and environment. Gaseous agents today contain the same
chemical firefighting method and characteristics offered by Halon but do so with molecules much
less offensive to the environment.
Clean agents are used in total flooding applications to protect enclosures that are often occupied
by people, contain sensitive electronic equipment or high value commodities that may be
sensitive to the application of water by traditional sprinkler systems. The low toxicity of gaseous
systems allow for discharge of the agents while people are still present within the protected area.
The non-conductive and non-corrosive characteristics of gaseous agents make their application
in areas containing sensitive electronic equipment ideal.
Clean Agents leave by no unpleasant residue or visible particulates. These agents are designed
to interfere with the chemical combustion process of fire. The advantage with working on a
molecular level is faster fire suppression, often within seconds, instead of minutes. Gaseous fire
systems are designed with the intent of fire extinguishment as opposed to fire control normally
provided by a traditional fire sprinkler system. The extinguishing process and characteristics give
gaseous extinguishing systems real advantages over sprinkler systems in cases where water
application may cause more damage than the fire itself.
Gaseous systems include a fixed amount of agent stored under pressure in containers that is
discharged through a limited network of piping to nozzles located within the protected area. Total
discharge and extinguishment is completed within seconds. Maintaining agent concentration
levels for 10 minutes is important in preventing the recurrence of fire.
Gaseous agents provide the following benefits:

• Safe for People

• Does not leave a residue

• Electrically non-conductive and non-corrosive

• Eliminates water damage

Typical applications include:

• Data Center Fire Suppression

• Museum & Library Fire Protection

• Semiconductor Fire Protection

• Telecommunications Fire Protection

CO2 Fire Suppression Systems

CO2 systems are the preferred choice as an extinguishant for a multitude of critical facilities. Fast,
efficient and adaptable to a wide range of hazards, the discharge of carbon dioxide [a low-cost
clean agent] is non-damaging to property and electrically non-conductive. Multi-Hazard
Protection can be designed to provide automatic, simultaneous discharge for a variety of hazards
and configurations.
CO2 systems are used for:

• Power Generation

• Cement Plant/Blast Furnace Indirect Coal Firing Systems

• Metal Production and Processing

• Printing

• Automotive

• Electronics Operations

• Electronics/Computer Production

• Research Facilities

• Shipboard (Marine) Systems

• Automated Storage and Retrieval Facilities

Low-pressure CO2 systems and equipment are best suited for applications where large quantities
of CO2are needed. A high-pressure system is recommended for smaller hazards or where space
is limited.
Benefits of CO2:

• Fast - Within seconds, CO2 penetrates the entire hazard areas to smother the
combustion.

• Environmentally Friendly - CO2 exists as a gas in the earth's atmosphere and is one of
the by-products of combustion. It's use has no environmental impact.

• Non-damaging - CO2 does not cause spoilage, requires no clean up and leaves no
residue.

• Non-conductive - CO2 is electrically non-conductive, allowing use for a wide variety of

special applications.

• Adaptive - CO2 is effective on a wide range of flammable and combustible materials.

A CO2 fire suppression system consists of one or more banks of cylinder storage containers to
supply the CO2 extinguishing agent. Flexible discharge hoses connect the cylinders into a piping
manifold. The manifold distributes the agent into the piping network. Nozzles regulate the flow of
CO2 into the protected area.

Foam / Chemical Suppression

Foam is used whenever there is a possibility of a liquid fire. The Foam will mix with water and
then expand over the liquid that is on fire, cool the fire, and will finally suffocate it.
Used in:

• Flammable Liquid Storage

• Loading Racks
 • Processing Areas

• Refineries

• Dike Areas

• Aircraft Hangars

• Heliports

• Jet Engine Test Facilities

• LNG Storage/Manufacturing

• Marine Applications

• Warehouses
Foam fire sprinkler systems offer a proven technology for the control of burning flammable
liquids. Foam fire sprinkler systems operate by mixing a foam concentrate at specific proportions
with water to create a foam blanket that smothers a fire. The distribution of a foam blanket over a
flammable liquid will extinguish a fire by eliminating the fire's oxygen supply and provide a
cooling effect on the burning fuel.
Foam concentrate is stored within a tank and can be introduced into the sprinkler water through
several different methods. A bladder tank which is the simplest form of storage will use a
proportioner to introduce and mix the foam concentrate with the sprinkler water. Foam
concentrate is forced from the tank by introducing water around a bladder which "squeezes"
foam from the tank and forces it into the proportioner. The operation of a bladder tank system is
completely mechanical; it does not require the use of electrical components which could fail as a
result of a fire. Another means of foam concentrate delivery is through the use of a foam pump.
This pump takes supply of foam from a storage tank and pumps foam into the sprinkler system at
a required percent concentration. The foam pump system will operate over a variety of sprinkler
system flows and when the hazard is at a greater distance from the foam storage location.
Foam is also available for the protection of hydrocarbon fuels and polar solvent fuels such as
ethanol. Foam systems come with variety types of foam including low expansion, medium
expansion and high expansion foam. Each foam concentrate will create various types of foam
blankets from slight "low" expansion blankets to "high" expansion ratios used to protect large
volume areas.
Contact us today to learn more about the applications of Foam / Chemical suppressions for liquid
fires.

Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems – wet pipe fire sprinklers are the most
common type of fire sprinkler system in use. In a wet pipe fire sprinkler, the
water is stored directly in the pipes and released by heat activated sprinkler
heads. This type of fire sprinkler has the advantage of being able to activate
instantly, with no lag time when the fire sprinkler heads open.
Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems – dry pipe fire sprinkler systems are
similar to wet pipe, except the water is not stored in the pipes. Instead, the
pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen gas. When the sprinkler heads
open, the gas is released and a valve opens that allows water to flow out
through the open fire sprinkler heads. While this causes a slight delay in water
discharge, it is useful in buildings where water could freeze if kept in the
pipes.
Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems – a deluge fire sprinkler system is very
similar to a wet pipe fire sprinkler system, except the fire sprinkler heads are
kept open at all times – they are not activated by heat. Instead, deluge fire
sprinkler systems are operated by a specialized fire alarm which causes a
valve to open and release the water. Once the valve opens, it can’t be closed
until manually turned off.
Deluge fire sprinklers are not commonly found in homes or offices. Instead,
they are used in places where rapid fire spread is a concern. You will usually
see deluge fire sprinkler systems near high rise windows, warehouse bay
entries or anywhere else where a fire could escape quickly.
Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler Systems – a pre-action fire sprinkler system is
basically a combination of wet pipe and dry pipe fire sprinkler system.
Basically, water is not stored in the pipes until a fire detection device detects a
fire. At this point, the detection device opens a valve to let the water in before
the sprinkler heads open. When the heads open, the pre-action fire sprinkler
system reacts as quickly as a wet pipe fire sprinkler system.
Pre-action fire sprinkler systems are best suited for areas that are at high risk
for serious water damage in the event of accidental fire sprinkler activation.