Below are the four types of fire sprinkler systems. The design goal of each of these systems is the same: to prevent flames from spreading and reduce fire damage. The main difference between these types of fire sprinkler systems is their applications and how they are activated.
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.
Wet pipe fire sprinkler systems are the most common type of sprinkler system encountered. Wet systems constantly have pressurized water in them, which allows for a quick reaction to a fire. Wet sprinkler systems are usually the most simple and easily maintained. However, due to freezing concerns, this type of system shall only be used in applications where the temperature always exceeds 40 degrees.
A dry pipe sprinkler system contains pressurized air within the pipes. This pressure is most often maintained with an air compressor or, in some applications, nitrogen bottles. When a fire sprinkler head is activated, the compressed air is purged when water fills the system piping and races toward the open sprinkler head(s). Dry pipe systems are most often used for low temperature applications (below 40 degrees) to prevent freezing. However, dry-pipe fire sprinkler systems activate more slowly and require more maintenance.
These types of fire sprinkler systems 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.
Whether new construction or renovation, B&C Fire Safety is fully capable of a complete ground-up fire sprinkler system installation. From simple retail build-outs to high-rise towers, B&C has a proven track record of completing projects on time and on budget. In fact, we are the preferred subcontractor for numerous local and national contractors that operate in our area. Our in-house design team will be happy to discuss your project, whether large or small, to ensure that you meet all local and NFPA codes and standards. Put your mind at ease knowing that B&C Fire Safety does not feel safe unless you are protected!
B&C Fire Safety can provide service and repairs on all types of fire sprinkler systems. Proper maintenance ensures your fire sprinkler system is reliable and effective. Trust the fully trained sprinkler professionals at B&C to repair and maintain your system for top performance as well as peace of mind.
Below are just a few of the systems and components that our technicians are trained on:
Why stay current with your sprinkler inspections?
Inspections are required in weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, 3-year, and 5-year increments. It is fully permissible for on-site maintenance staff to conduct weekly and monthly visual inspections with a small amount of training. Inspections that are required on a quarterly or less frequent basis are much more involved and are therefore required to be performed by a licensed fire protection contractor.
All systems are different, so please reach out to our team to confirm what inspection frequency your system will require.
