Fire Safety Solutions

Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most reliable systems because of their simple design. In fact, the only operating components are the automatic sprinklers and the automatic alarm check valve. Additionally, an automatic water supply keeps the system piping pressurized with water at all times.

As a result, all piping remains filled with water until sufficient heat is applied. When this occurs, one or more sprinklers fuse and open. However, only the activated sprinkler discharges water. During operation, exposure to heat causes the sprinkler’s sensitive element to release, allowing water to flow. Furthermore, sprinklers are manufactured to react to a range of temperature ratings for different environments.

Dry pipe systems are used, by regulation, in areas where ambient temperatures may drop low enough to freeze water in a wet pipe system. As a result, they prevent system failure caused by frozen pipes. These systems are the second most common sprinkler system type and use automatic sprinklers connected to a piping network filled with pressurized air. Therefore, water is not present in the piping until the system activates.

Additionally, the piping remains pressurized with air at a maintenance pressure, which is lower than the water supply pressure. During operation, when one or more automatic sprinklers are exposed to sufficient heat, they activate and open. Consequently, the maintenance air vents through the activated sprinkler, allowing the dry pipe valve to open and water to enter the system.

Deluge systems use open sprinklers, meaning the heat-sensing element is removed during installation. As a result, all sprinklers connected to the piping system remain open. These systems are used for special hazard areas where rapid fire spread is a concern. Therefore, they provide simultaneous water application across the entire hazard area.

Additionally, water is not present in the piping until the system activates. Because the sprinkler orifices remain open, the piping stays at ambient air pressure. To prevent water supply pressure from entering the piping prematurely, the system uses a deluge valve at the supply connection. This valve is mechanically latched and does not reset. Once tripped, it remains open to ensure continuous fire suppression.

Pre-action sprinkler systems are specialized for use in locations where accidental activation is not desired. For example, they are commonly installed in museums, data centers, and areas housing rare artworks, manuscripts, or books. Additionally, these systems combine features of wet, dry, and deluge sprinkler systems to provide controlled fire protection.

Single interlock systems operate in a similar way to dry pipe systems. However, they require a supervised detection event before water enters the system piping. As a result, the pre-action valve opens only after this event occurs. Double interlock systems, on the other hand, function similarly to deluge systems but use automatic sprinklers. Therefore, they require both a supervised detection event and sprinkler activation before water is introduced into the piping.

Foam water sprinkler systems are designed for areas with high fire risk. They are commonly used in flammable liquid zones, fuel storage areas, and aircraft hangars. Additionally, these systems discharge a mixture of water and low-expansion foam through the sprinklers to suppress fires effectively.

Depending on the system design, foam is injected during activation. As a result, the system controls flames rapidly and limits fire spread. Therefore, foam water sprinkler systems provide reliable protection for specialized commercial and industrial hazards.

Operationally identical to deluge systems, water spray systems utilise pipe and nozzle configurations that protect unique hazards, such as an electrical transformer containing flammable liquid. The spray nozzle and pipe setup are designed around the often three-dimensional nature of the hazard.