Fire Sprinkler Systems

• Fire sprinklers are active fire protection measures.
• They consist of a water supply system, providing adequate pressure and flowrate to a water distribution piping system.
• The water distribution piping system has fire sprinklers attached.
• Fire sprinklers are designed to detect fire and discharge water.
• Fire sprinklers are designed to control or extinguish fire.
• Wet pipe sprinklers are the most common type of fire sprinkler system.
• Wet pipe systems contain water under pressure.
• When the heat from a fire raises the sprinkler head to its operating temperature, the sprinkler activates.
• Activation causes the release of the water and suppresses the fire.
• Dry pipe sprinklers are used in areas where freezing temperatures are a concern.
• Dry pipe systems contain pressurized air or nitrogen.
• When a fire occurs, the sprinkler head activates, releasing the pressurized gas
• Releasing the gas allows water to flow into the piping and onto the fire.
• Pre-action sprinklers are a hybrid between wet and dry pipe systems.
• Pre-action systems require a fire detection event to occur before water is allowed into the piping.
• This can help prevent accidental water damage if a sprinkler head is damaged.
• Deluge sprinklers are used in high-hazard areas.
• Deluge systems have open sprinkler heads.
• When the fire detection system activates, water is released through all sprinkler heads simultaneously.

Installation Techniques

• Fire sprinkler installation must adhere to local and national fire codes and standards.
• NFPA 13 is a widely used standard for the installation of sprinkler systems.
• A fire sprinkler system design should consider the building's occupancy and hazard level.
• Hazard levels include light hazard, ordinary hazard, and extra hazard.
• Sprinkler system design should consider the building's layout and construction.
• Sprinkler system design should consider the water supply characteristics.
• Piping must be properly sized and supported to handle the water pressure and flow.
• Sprinkler heads must be installed in the correct orientation.
• Sprinkler heads must be installed at the correct spacing to provide adequate coverage.
• Sprinkler heads must be installed away from obstructions that could block the spray pattern.
• Installation includes proper testing and inspection of the system.
• Hydrostatic testing verifies the integrity of the piping.
• Flow testing ensures adequate water supply.

Fire Protection Codes

• Fire protection codes mandate the installation and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems in many buildings.
• The International Building Code (IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC) are model codes.
• Model codes are adopted and amended by local jurisdictions.
• NFPA codes and standards are often referenced in building and fire codes.
• Codes specify the types of buildings that require fire sprinklers.
• Codes specify the design and installation requirements for fire sprinkler systems.
• Codes specify the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for fire sprinkler systems.
• Codes are enforced by local fire marshals and building officials.

Maintenance Practices

• Regular inspection, testing, and maintenance are essential for ensuring the reliability of fire sprinkler systems.
• Regular maintenance ensures the reliability of fire sprinkler systems.
• NFPA 25 is the standard for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems.
• Weekly or monthly visual inspections can identify leaks, corrosion, or other issues.
• Quarterly inspections of gauges and alarm devices are standard.
• Annual inspections include a main drain test to verify water supply.
• Internal pipe inspections are recommended periodically to check for corrosion or blockage.
• Sprinkler heads should be replaced after a certain number of years, as specified by the manufacturer.
• Any damaged or corroded components should be replaced immediately.
• A maintenance program should include keeping accurate records of all inspections, tests, and maintenance activities.

System Types

Wet Pipe Systems

• The most common type of fire sprinkler system.
• Piping is constantly filled with water under pressure.
• Simplest design and generally the least expensive to install and maintain.
• Fastest response time because water is immediately discharged when a sprinkler head activates.
• Not suitable for environments subject to freezing temperatures.

Dry Pipe Systems

• Used in areas where freezing temperatures are a concern.
• Piping is filled with pressurized air or nitrogen.
• When a sprinkler head activates, the gas is released.
• Releasing the gas allows water to flow into the piping and onto the fire.
• Response time is slower than wet pipe systems.
• Slower response time is due to the time it takes for the water to travel through the pipes.
• Requires more maintenance than wet pipe systems.
• Requires more maintenance due to the complexity of the air compressor and other components.

Pre-Action Systems

• Hybrid between wet and dry pipe systems.
• Water is not allowed into the piping until a fire detection event occurs.
• Fire detection event triggers a valve to open.
• Opening the valve allows water into the system.
• Can help prevent accidental water damage if a sprinkler head is damaged.
• More complex and expensive than wet or dry pipe systems.
• Used in areas where water damage is a major concern, such as data centers or museums.

Deluge Systems

• Used in high-hazard areas where a large volume of water is needed to quickly suppress a fire.
• All sprinkler heads are open.
• When the fire detection system activates, water is released through all sprinkler heads simultaneously.
• Provides the most rapid and complete coverage.
• Requires a large water supply.
• May cause significant water damage.

Special Systems

• There are specialized sprinkler systems for unique fire protection needs.
• These systems may use alternative extinguishing agents such as foam, or specialized sprinkler heads for specific hazards.
• Examples include fire pumps and water storage tanks
• Examples include in-rack sprinklers for high-piled storage.