When picking a fire sprinkler system for your property, there are four types: wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge.
Fire sprinkler systems serve as the first line of defense for properties in a fire emergency, preventing fires from spreading and causing significant damages. When picking a fire sprinkler system for your property, there are four types: wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge. Continue reading to learn more about commonly used fire sprinkler systems.
Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler System
Wet pipe fire sprinklers are one of the most common fire sprinkler systems. In this system, the sprinkler pipe is filled with water, requiring the location of the sprinkler system’s pipes to maintain a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the water in the pipes from freezing. To activate a wet pipe sprinkler system, the fusible link or glass bulb must reach a certain temperature, causing it to rupture, allowing water to flow freely from the affected sprinkler heads. Wet pipe sprinkler systems are often found in office buildings, high-rise buildings, educational institutions, and other properties with common hazards.
Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler System
Wet pipe sprinkler systems and dry pipe sprinklers systems are very similar, except dry pipe fire sprinklers are filled with pressurized air instead of water. The air pressure keeps water from entering the system. However, when a fire sprinkler detects increasing temperatures, it activates, releasing the air pressure and discharges water into the pipes allowing water to flow out the sprinkler heads. Since dry pipe fire sprinklers don’t contain water, they can be stored in areas with freezing temperatures, such as unheated warehouses, parking garages, and other facilities that utilize fire sprinkler systems.
Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler System
Like dry pipe fire sprinklers, pre-action fire sprinklers also contain pressurized air instead of water. Pre-action fire sprinkler systems are activated by a specific event in a two-step activation process. First, a fire must be detected by your fire system’s smoke detector. Second, a fire sprinkler head must detect an increase in temperature indicating a fire. This two-step activation process helps prevent your system from accidentally activating. Pre-action fire sprinklers are ideal for places with valuable data such as server rooms, museums, or libraries.
Deluge Fire Sprinkler System
Unlike other fire sprinkler systems, deluge fire sprinklers don’t contain pressurized air or water, and the sprinkler heads remain open and activate all at once. Deluge fire sprinklers are connected to a water supply through a deluge valve that opens when smoke or heat is detected, releasing water to the sprinkler heads. This system is typically used in high-hazard facilities such as industrial plants, manufacturing companies, and other facilities that need a fast-acting deluge fire sprinkler system.
Contact Chesapeake Sprinkler Company Today!
Chesapeake Sprinkler Company is a leading fire sprinkler contractor in the region. As a full-service fire protection company, we offer design, fabrication, installation, testing, maintenance, and inspection of fire protection systems. Everything you need from your fire suppression specialist.
For more information, please email or call our Odenton location at 410-674-7041, our Ashburn location at 703-729-5150, or for service/maintenance Chesapeake Protection Services at 410-674-7577. For emergencies, call 800-298-3473 (FIRE). Feel free to keep in touch through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!