There are a number of ways that you can protect your building from structural fires. Fire protection experts often recommend installing a sprinkler system, particularly in commercial spaces and apartment buildings. You can choose from the following types of fire sprinkler systems.
Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems
This is among the most popular options. The sprinkler heads are activated by heat independently of each other. This means that not all of the sprinklers will automatically go off if any one of them goes off. Rather, each sprinkler must be activated individually. This is helpful for minimizing potential water damage to the different areas of the building. Another key characteristic of wet pipe fire sprinkler systems is that they involve piping that is constantly filled with water. There is no lag time between the activation of the sprinkler head and the discharge of water.
Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems
In contrast to wet pipe systems, dry pipe systems are filled with air, rather than water. They are usually used in northern climates where pipe freezing is a concern. When the sprinkler heads are activated by heat, the system sends water through the pipes and out through the sprinkler heads. Because of this, there is a slight lag in the time between activation and discharge.
Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler Systems
Pre-action fire sprinkler systems feature dry pipes filled with air. When the smoke detector is activated, water passes through the pipes to be discharged through the sprinkler heads. The difference between this system and the dry pipe system is that the pre-action method requires two triggers before water will be discharged. This prevents accidental discharge or false alarms, and it makes the pre-action system ideal for buildings in which water damage could be catastrophic. Examples include libraries and data centers.
Are you remodeling your building and wish to include an upgraded fire sprinkler system? Talk to the experts at Kazal Fire Protection, Inc. in Tucson by calling (520) 323-1518. Our in-house design team can develop plans for your remodeling project at a fast turnaround time.