How Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Work?
Fire sprinkler systems are a fairly simple machine, and once you understand the basics about them you will be able to make an informed decision on the one that you want to use. For example, should you use one of these systems in a residential environment and is it an important part of home fire safety? You may also be wondering if you need to use antifreeze in these fire protection systems in areas where the property is unheated or where wintertime temperatures would cause the pipes to freeze. These are all valid concerns, and understanding how the various types of fire sprinkler systems operate can answer these questions easily.
Traditionally, fire sprinkler systems were only used in an industrial or commercial location and this is typically true today as well. For example, local building codes will usually regulate the types of businesses which need to have these systems on hand at any given time. Most large industrial businesses will need to have them available, as will public areas that house over 100 people, such as hotels and motels. Residential fire sprinkler systems are also becoming more common and these are a rather cost-effective way of protecting your personal property from fire damage.
Regardless of whether you are talking about home fire safety or if you are talking about protecting a larger business, there are two basic types of simplex fire alarm systems that are generally used. Either of these is going to make use of the sprinkler head, which is what will trigger the system into activating. There are a number of different ways that this can occur, but all of them are going to be heat activated. When the heat reaches a specific temperature that is preset by the sprinkler head, the item that is holding back the water, such as a glass bulb or a small piece of solder, will break loose and allow the water to flow out of the sprinkler head.
In the case of a location that is unheated or when wintertime temperatures may routinely reach below freezing in that building, you may go with a waterless system. The way that this works is that air pressure is filled in the pipes and this pressure is what keeps the water from flowing into it. The sprinkler heads will operate in the same manner, and if they are heated above a certain degree the air will be allowed to escape and the water will begin to flow. It is not necessary to put antifreeze in these systems, as the air will effectively act as a barrier to keep the water out.
One of the more interesting things about these fire sprinkler systems is the fact that only one sprinkler is going to operate at a time and the other sprinklers will not operate until their temperature rises above the preset degree. This is true in both residential and business systems, and it provides some protection from additional water damage. In waterless applications, there will be no antifreeze in the pipes so it is not going to cause additional damage from this chemical. Having these fire protection systems installed is a very important part of home fire safety or keeping your business safe from extreme damage.
