How Do Fire Sprinklers Work During a Fire?

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Know More about Fire Sprinklers and Avoid Further Damage in your Property.

Owning or managing a business necessitates that you take all the precautions you can to ensure the well-being of your employees and your Roanoke Rapids, NC, commercial building. After all, if the building is affected by a fire, it can affect every aspect of your business; it is your livelihood.

A fire suppression system is a must-have as a defense against the flames before they have a chance to engulf the building. Several types of fire sprinkler systems are available, each having its own unique characteristics. These features make each a better choice for some types of buildings, but what is essential for one could actually be more damaging for another. Therefore, the objective is to determine which option is best for your situation.

4 Types of Fire Sprinklers for Commercial Buildings

1. Wet Pipe Sprinkler System

A wet pipe system could be ideal if you need the fastest action sprinkler system and don't have as many contents that can be damaged by water. Wet pipe systems are the standard type of sprinkler system, and they are typically used in multi-level structures such as office buildings and hotels.

2. Deluge Sprinkler System

Deluge sprinkler systems are ideal for buildings that contain flammable liquids. You will mostly find these systems installed in industrial businesses. These systems have open nozzles and must detect smoke or heat to activate. As the name implies, these systems will send a deluge of water into the area, which will require fire sprinkler cleanup by fire damage restoration professionals. However, the water can save your business, unlike a fire that could result in a total loss.

3. Pre-action Sprinkler System

A pre-action fire sprinkler system is a good option if your building's contents include costly electronics and materials that are highly susceptible to water damage (e.g., books and valuable papers or artwork). The pipes are only filled with air instead of water when the system is not triggered. Water can only enter the lines if the smoke detector is activated.

Additionally, these systems require two triggers for water to be allowed into the pipes. There also must be flames (not only smoke) present to trigger it. This double trigger helps prevent water damage from the sprinklers from going off due to a false alarm.

4. Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

Like the pre-action types, dry pipe systems use pressurized air to fill the pipes until water enters. The difference is that the air escapes the lines before the water can enter. This function is suited for buildings in colder environments because the pipes are not filled with water, so they won't freeze in frigid temperatures. They are particularly beneficial for facilities located in cold climates and do not have heating systems to help keep the pipes warmer.

You can never be too safe when it comes to acting in the best interest of your business. Therefore, it's essential to understand all of your options to make the ideal choices to protect your property. This includes preventing fire damage in case a disaster occurs.

Having a properly working fire sprinkler system can make all the difference in the well-being of your business.