Everything You NEED to Know About Fire Sprinklers
Directional fire sprinkler heads might be a new phrase for you, but if you have heard the term before then you will know exactly how important these devices are at keeping you and those around you safe from harm.
Whether you are the owner of an office building, commercial complex, or a plain and simple homeowner, at the very core of your priorities is a burning (no pun intended) desire to keep you and those around you safe.
Fire protection and safety is of paramount importance now more than ever before. This is due to the surplus of cellular, mobile, adapter and electrical appliances we surround ourselves with in day to day life.
Businesses across the country are installed with directional fire sprinkler heads in order to prevent combustion, arson and other types of incendiary hazards no matter how big or small.
In this article, we’ll delve into the different types of directional fire head sprinkler, how and where they are used, proper fire sprinkler head identification and how you can spot the best ones for your business, as well as their functionalities.
How Do Fire Sprinkler Heads Work?
Nearly all fire sprinklers are composed of the same. Intricate components; a sealing plug that stops water from escaping, a heat-sensitive element that allows water to flow at a given temperature, a deflector that distributes water effectively, and a frame.
Sprinkler heads with a glass bulb typically contain a glycerin-based liquid. Once the air reaches temperatures of around 68C or 93C the liquid expands, causing the glass to break. This allows the water to escape and flow toward a deflector, which disperses the water throughout the room.
Sprinklers with a fusible link function using a heat-sensitive alloy. When the temperature rises high enough, the alloy will melt, allowing the elements to fall away, subsequently activating the sprinkler.
When combined with other fire suppression devices such as fire extinguishers, they provide sufficient protection against fires and smoke.
TYPES OF FIRE SPRINKLER HEADS
Installing new sprinkler heads to extinguish fire – or replacing outdated ones- can be a difficult process. Although all types of fire sprinkler heads share similar characteristics, each individual fire sprinkler system is designed for different environments, applications and demands careful consideration.
So let’s take a look at which directional fire sprinkler heads are on the market.
PENDANT SPRINKLER HEADS
In many commercial and residential spaces you are likely to find one of these sprinkler heads, in fact they are the most common faucet for sprinkler systems. These heads extend from the ceiling to provide the surroundings with as much coverage as possible. If there is a fire, these sprinklers are designed to send a stream of water downward onto the deflector, which cascades the water across the room.
CONCEALED PENDENT HEADS
Concealed pendant heads are recessed into the ceiling and covered using a decorative cap so that they blend into the decor. Who said safety can’t be fashionable? It’s common to think that the decorative cap can prevent the sprinkler’s functionality, but this cap is specifically designed to evacuate in the case of a fire. Once the sprinkler head has been activated, it will drop down from the ceiling and water is dispersed.
UPRIGHT SPRINKLER HEADS
Upright sprinkler heads are constructed so the head is directed towards the ceiling of your desired room or facility. This is a direct opposite to the process of the pendant heads which propel water downwards. Upright sprinkler heads are generally used in mechanical environments containing a lot of machinery, and in inaccessible rooms where ordinary fire safety measures are obsolete. Upright sprinkler heads are used to provide better coverage between obstructions like air vents.
SIDEWALL HEADS
These sprinkler heads are commonly found in tight spaces like hallways. Sidewall sprinklers will operate in a half-circle pattern, which allows the water to cover the entire surrounding area.
Sprinkler systems are specifically designed to prevent and combat property damage, injuries, and loss of life. It is vital to remember that each directional sprinkler head must be connected to the proper sprinkler systems and installed by a qualified technician. For more information on fire sprinkler systems, visit our website or get in touch with us on the following line.
HIGH-PRESSURE MIST SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we’ve been installing a variety of automatic fire sprinkler systems. One of our most esteemed systems involves the use of a high-pressure mist. These sprinkler systems are commonly found in UK residential properties, we’ve been installing this type of fire safety method for over 15 years, which makes us one of the most experienced firms in the industry to see the development of this technology.
A water mist fire sprinkler is a fire protection system that controls, suppresses and can extinguish a fire within a residential property. By using small, fine amounts of water, the mist is able to cover all of the surface area prone to fire.
Mist sprinklers have been commended for their effective fire prevention. The most molecules that are produced are considered to be the most efficient droplet size for combating and controlling fire.
WHY CHOOSE THE RAD-MIST SYSTEM?
Our high-pressure water mist system utilises your existing mains supply, which prevents an unnecessary portion of your budget being eaten away, ultimately reducing the cost of your bill.
Some of the other key factors of our mist system include:
- Minimal Water Damage
- Rapid Installation Times
- Full Accreditation
- Aesthetically Pleasing
DO BUSINESSES LEGALLY REQUIRE DIRECTIONAL FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS?
In the UK, the law states that only businesses accumulating 20,000 square metres and over must install life-saving fire sprinklers. However, if a business employs at least five people or is open to the public then that business is under a legal requirement to launch a fire risk assessment which should identify the need for a directional fire sprinkler system.
While the UK’s current law may not directly label commercial sprinkler systems as mandatory, they could still be made to minimise the risk of a fire within the workplace.
CAMPAIGNING FOR CHANGE
The legislation surrounding fire systems in UK businesses is complex to say the least. This has pushed many organisations across the country to pursue change. Three years ago, the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety found that the documentation in place is ‘not fit for purpose’. It was made abundantly clear that England’s fire sprinkler laws were lagging behind the likes of Europe where a lot of countries demand that 3,000 square metre buildings require a sprinkler system.
In the wake of the review, the Fire & Rescue Service has launched a number of campaigns, such as Sprinklers Save Lives. We’ve seen efforts from the National Fire Chiefs Council with their annual sprinkler awareness weeks (#ThinkSprinkler) that strives to facilitate a change in legislation.
CONCLUSION
The best fire sprinkler does not exist – only the right model for a specific coverage area’s requirements. Certified fire sprinkler designers and installers are key to ensuring that the directional sprinkler head, location, and temperature are customised to the fire safety standards and design of a structure. If you’re considering replacing fire sprinklers or installing new ones or seeking further safety advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
