January 15, 2018

How Do Commercial Fire Suppression Sprinkler Systems Work?

 

You may have an image of what commercial sprinkler systems look like based on what you’ve seen in movies and T.V. shows. Most popular media would have you believe that these systems work by spraying an entire building down with water at the slightest hint of a fire. In real life, however, these systems are a bit more sophisticated and designed to minimize damage, rather than create more of it. If you want to know more about how the fire suppression sprinkler system in your commercial building works, keep reading.

 

Heat Detection

Unlike regular smoke detectors, which indicate fire danger based on the presence of smoke, sprinkler systems detect heat to know when to kick on. Like smoke, heat rises when there is a fire, and the temperature of the air around the ceiling will generally need to hit 135-165 degrees to trigger the sprinklers to turn on.

 

A Contained Reaction

Just because a sprinkler system features many sprinkler heads to create adequate coverage over the whole floor plan of your building does not mean that every sprinkler will go off at once. Only those in the vicinity of the fire—and, thus the hotter air—will turn on. This controlled, contained reaction will minimize potential water damage and contain a fire quickly. Often, only one or two sprinklers will kick on to contain a fire.

 

Testing and Maintenance

To stay operational through time, fire suppression systems must be properly installed and tested. Routine maintenance will ensure that your system is ready in the event of a fire, so you can remain prepared.

 

To learn more about commercial fire sprinklers and other fire suppression systems for commercial spaces, contact Kazal Fire Protection, Inc. You can reach us on our website for an overview of our services, or call (520) 323-1518 for a consultation with our design team.