Fire Sprinkler Systems: How They Work and Why You Need Them

4/29/2023 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler heads are an important part of building fire protection.

A fire sprinkler system is an automated system that detects and suppresses fires. It uses water to extinguish flames, prevent the spread of fire, and protect people and property from damage.

Components of a Fire Sprinkler System

The water supply for a sprinkler system needs to be able to provide enough pressure so that it can reach all areas of your home or business before running out during an emergency situation. The water supply can come from either municipal sources or private well, however, if you live in an area where there are earthquakes or floods then you should consider having two separate sources for backup purposes.

If possible try not using PVC pipes because they tend not to last as long as other materials such as copper or steel due to corrosion issues over time which could cause leaks within your pipes causing damage inside your walls/ceilings etc.

How Does a Fire Sprinkler System Work?

A fire sprinkler system is made up of a network of pipes and valves that are connected to the building's water supply. The pipes are connected to the sprinkler heads, which are installed in various locations throughout your home or business. When a fire breaks out, heat from the flames activates a device inside each sprinkler head called an electric solenoid valve (ESV). This causes water from nearby pipes to flow through small openings in their bodies into an expansion chamber within them and then out onto floors, walls and other surfaces where it cools down hot spots caused by flames.

Sprinklers can be activated by either heat or smoke detectors; however most systems use both technologies together as part of what's called "dual detection." If there's no smoke present but only heat from an electrical short circuit or other source causing damage to wiring insulation near one location within your structure then this may trigger activation too!

Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

Wet pipe systems - These are the most common type of sprinkler system and use water from a municipal water supply or private well. The water is stored in an underground tank, which can be located either inside or outside your home. When there's a fire, this type of system uses gravity to distribute water through pipes that run throughout your home.

Dry pipe systems - These also use municipal or well water but have no storage tank; instead, they rely on pressurized air pressure to keep water flowing through pipes after they've been activated by heat sensors or manual activation switches (usually installed by firefighters). They're best suited for areas where frequent fires are unlikely because they don't have much capacity for storing excess amounts of liquid when there isn't one happening--and if there is one happening, it might take too long for firefighters to get there before everything burns down anyway!

Fire sprinkler systems are an important part of a building's fire protection plan, and they can help to protect you and your property from the devastating effects of a fire.