How Does a Fire Sprinkler Work? A Step-by-Step Guide to Fire Safety
When a fire starts, sprinkler systems are designed to quickly control the flames and prevent loss and damage to people and property. But how do these systems detect a fire, and what happens after they’re activated? Experts at Firetech Sprinkler Corp. explain how each component works and how different types of systems are designed to work best in commercial and residential buildings.
Contact Firetech Sprinkler Corp. to learn more about our services.
Components of a Fire Sprinkler System
Each component of your fire sprinkler system is essential to ensure a quick response to a fire. These sprinkler system elements work together to stop a fire from spreading while reducing damage and disruption.
- Sprinkler heads: These use a heat-sensitive element to detect fires and release water. Fire sprinkler heads are strategically placed throughout the building and release water only in the affected area.
- Control valve: This component regulates how water is released in a fire sprinkler. When a sprinkler head is activated, the control valve remains open to efficiently allow pressurized water to flow through the proper pipe to reach the fire.
- Waterflow switch: This specialized component detects water flow in the system and triggers an alarm that notifies occupants and emergency responders of a fire. It also prevents false alarms by isolating individual zones so only the impacted area activates the alarm and sprinklers.
- Fire department connection: This connection allows emergency responders to pump additional water into the system to supplement the existing water supply to the sprinklers and support firefighters in the building.
How Fire Sprinklers Detect Heat
Fire sprinklers are triggered by high heat, not smoke. When there is a fire, the air above the fire heats up rapidly. When this hot air rises, it spreads across the ceiling where the sprinkler head is located. When the hot air reaches one of the sprinkler heads, it starts a chain reaction.
A sprinkler head contains a glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid. When this liquid encounters air between 155 degrees to 200 degrees, it begins to expand until it shatters the glass, activating the sprinkler head.
How Water Is Released From Fire Sprinklers
Sprinkler heads are attached to pipes connected to a water source outside the building. After the sprinkler head has been activated by heat, pressurized water flows out from the pipe system.
Pressurized water is important because it allows it to spray outward in an arc. This helps to thoroughly douse the fire in water and prevent reignition. Sprinkler heads function individually to prevent widespread water damage. Most of the time, only one or two sprinklers need to be activated to completely control a fire.
Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems
While fire sprinkler systems work similarly to detect and control fires, they can be designed to meet the specific safety needs of the property. There are several different types of systems available. These include:
- Wet-pipe systems: These are traditional systems that store pressurized water in pipes to release immediately when heat is detected.
- Dry-pipe systems: The pipes in these systems are filled with air or nitrogen instead of water. When activated, the air leaks out of the pipe, and water flows from a valve in a heated area. They’re useful in cold climates where pipes in unheated areas will likely freeze.
- Foam suppression systems: These systems store a foaming agent and water separately, and they are combined upon activation to quickly smother a fire in properties where water would be harmful.
Depend On Firetech Sprinkler Corp.
Turn to Firetech Sprinkler Corp. for all your fire sprinkler system needs. We’re a full-service provider of industry-best systems with over 30 years of experience.
We offer:
- System design by NICET-certified professionals
- Installation by certified sprinkler technicians
- Inspection, testing, and maintenance
- 24/7 emergency services
Contact Firetech Sprinkler Corp. to schedule services today.