What are the Different Types of Sprinkler Systems for Buildings?
There is a wide range of sprinkler systems available, and the right choice depends on many factors. Safety is of paramount importance, and businesses and homeowners should take the necessary precautions to prevent tragedy from striking and to uphold fire safety regulations.
There are actually numerous types of fire sprinkler systems but it might sound like a broad term. All sprinklers serve the same purpose – to protect and preserve – but achieve their objectives in different ways.
When working to safeguard life, safety cannot be ensured with standard fire detection equipment or generic smoke detectors. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of automatic sprinkler systems for buildings, their functionalities, and a closer look at the reasons for their popularity.
What are the Different Types of Sprinkler Systems for Buildings?
There are different types of fire sprinkler systems in place to save lives in the event of a fire. They are designed to prevent any damage to the surrounding area and property. Fire protection systems help suppress smoke and flames and reduce the likelihood of a fire spreading. They reduce the overall damage and provide the chance to evacuate while the local fire services arrive on the scene.
There are four main types of sprinkler systems for buildings. Each type has been adapted to the requirements of various facilities, residencies, and complexes to maximise response times. They also ensure that all employees and assets remain protected.
Let’s take a look at the main types of sprinkler systems.
Wet Pipe System
Wet pipe systems are a common type of residential sprinkler system as well as a popular choice for most commercial buildings. When a fire breaks out, the temperature activates the nearest automatic sprinkler head, water is discharged from the pipe storage. Following the initial activation, the surrounding sprinkler heads follow the same process, but it is important to remember that they will only release pressurised water if heat is activated. This prevents water damage if the alarm has been raised by mistake.
Wet pipe systems are a typically inexpensive, low-maintenance option suited to office buildings, schools and commercial businesses.
Dry Pipe System
Unlike wet pipe systems, dry pipe sprinklers do not store water in their piping system. Instead, they are filled with air or nitrogen, which is released upon activation of the sprinkler head. The pipes then fill with water and are propelled into the smoke and flames.
This type of system is slightly more complex and expensive than the likes of a wet pipe system. These systems are most adept in colder environments where frozen puppies can prevent emergency services from doing their jobs.
Pre-Action System
Pre-action systems are another type of dry pipe sprinkler. However, they are activated in two steps. When high temperatures or smoke are detected, the system prompts the pre-action valve to open, allowing water to enter the pipes.
The sprinkler heads can be individually activated to pour water onto any flames or smoke nearby. The two-step process allows for the system to be halted in the event of a false alarm. This prevents any property damage from the copious amounts of water being released.
Pre-action fire sprinkler systems are used in places that are prone to accidental discharge which could lead to severe disaster and irreparable damage. Pre-action systems are commonly found in facilities that store high-value property such as:
- Museums
- Libraries
- Data Centres
- Banks
Deluge System
Like pre-action systems, a deluge system is another type of dry pipe system. The difference here is that the sprinkler heads remain open constantly. They do not operate via a heat detector element in the sprinkler itself. They include an external smoke or heat sensor. Once the sensor detects a rising amount of heat, the pipes fill with water and are diverted to all open sprinkler heads, creating a flooding effect across the coverable area.
Deluge systems are commonly found in buildings containing highly flammable liquids. If flammable liquids are ignited, they could lead to devastating consequences and loss of life.
The Importance of Fire Sprinkler Systems
A National Fire Chiefs case study analyses the importance of fire sprinkler systems in residential homes, protecting vulnerable people.
In December of 2018, it is believed that a fire was started in a bedroom of a flat occupied by a patient in a Sheffield residential facility, which accommodates people with a range of physical and mental disabilities.
The facility has been designed and installed with a sprinkler system. The sprinkler system activated when it detected the fare and controlled the blaze successfully until the fire crews arrived on the scene to completely extinguish the leftover flames.
If the fire had spread without notice, It would have unleashed chaos on the residents of the home, putting lives at risk, obliterating property and resulting in the loss of life. Because there was a sprinkler system in place, there were no reported casualties and the damage to the property was kept to a minimum.
In instances where sprinklers had not operated, National Fire Chiefs report that there are 111 reported casualties.
This amplifies the importance of upholding proper fire safety regulations and ensuring that a sprinkler system is installed to protect occupants and property.
For Further Support on Proper Fire Safety Measures
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If the information provided has prompted further questions or inquest into solutions for your business, or questions on different types of residential fire sprinkler systems, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to answer all of your questions.
