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QR1207 Preact Sys

A preaction sprinkler system employs sprinklers connected to a piping system containing air, with a supplemental detection system in the same areas. There are three types of preaction systems: non-interlock admits water upon detection or sprinkler activation; single interlock admits water on detection only; double interlock admits water only if both detection and sprinklers activate. Preaction systems are used where accidental water discharge is a concern, providing protection while minimizing unwanted water release.

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50 views1 page

QR1207 Preact Sys

A preaction sprinkler system employs sprinklers connected to a piping system containing air, with a supplemental detection system in the same areas. There are three types of preaction systems: non-interlock admits water upon detection or sprinkler activation; single interlock admits water on detection only; double interlock admits water only if both detection and sprinklers activate. Preaction systems are used where accidental water discharge is a concern, providing protection while minimizing unwanted water release.

Uploaded by

Le Duc
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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QUICK

RESPONSE
Saving life and property through effective licensing, plan review,
and inspection of fire protection systems.
December 2007

PREACTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM


NFPA 13 defines a preaction sprinkler system as “a sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers
that are attached to a piping system that contains air that might or might not be under pressure, with a
supplemental detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers.”

A preaction type sprinkler system employs the basic concept of a dry pipe system in that the sprinklers
are closed and water is not normally contained within the pipes. One difference, however, is how water
is admitted to the system. Water introduction into the system’s piping is initiated by opening of a
normally closed, mechanically latched valve known as a preaction valve. Means of operating the
preaction valve depends on which of the three types of preaction systems, non-interlock, single
interlock or double interlock, is installed. Another difference is that a preaction system utilizes a
means of flame, heat, or smoke detection.

Preaction valve operation is dependent upon one or two of the following events occurring, sprinkler
activation and detection device activation. A non-interlock system requires only one of either event to
occur before water is admitted into the system. A single interlock system is activated only upon the
event of detection device activation. Two separate events must happen; sprinkler activation and
detection device activation, before water is admitted into a double interlock system.

Preaction systems, particularly the double interlock system, are normally used to protect properties
where accidental water discharge is a significant concern. Even though premature or accidental
sprinkler system discharge is extremely rare, some property owners prefer these types of systems.

Types of preaction systems


Non-interlock system admits water to
sprinkler piping upon operation of detection
devices or automatic sprinklers.
Single interlock system admits water to
sprinkler piping upon operation of detection
devices.
Double interlock system admits water to
sprinkler piping upon operation of both,
detection devices and automatic sprinklers.

Quick Response is presented monthly by the


Minnesota State Fire Marshal – Fire Protection Section
www.fire.state.mn.us

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