Fire Sprinkler System

Specifications

1. System Types
   • Wet Pipe System: The most common type, where the pipes are constantly filled with water. When a sprinkler head is activated, water is immediately discharged. This system is typically used in areas where the temperature is above freezing.
   • Dry Pipe System: Used in colder climates, this system fills the pipes with air or nitrogen. When the sprinkler is activated, the valve opens, releasing water into the pipes. The dry pipe system prevents freezing by keeping the water away from the pipes until needed.
   • Pre-action System: A combination of dry and wet systems, the pre-action system requires both heat and smoke detection to activate the sprinklers. It is often used in areas with sensitive equipment.
   • Deluge System: In a deluge system, all sprinkler heads are open, and water is discharged when the system is triggered. Deluge systems are typically used for high-risk areas where rapid fire spread is a concern, such as chemical plants or oil refineries.
2. Sprinkler Head Types
   • Standard Spray Sprinkler: Commonly used in residential and commercial buildings, these sprinklers disperse water in a uniform pattern.
   • Upright Sprinkler: Mounted on the ceiling with the sprinkler head facing upward, ideal for industrial applications with large ceilings.
   • Pendant Sprinkler: Also ceiling-mounted, but the head faces downward, making them ideal for areas with standard ceiling heights.
   • Sidewall Sprinkler: Designed for installation on walls, these sprinklers are used in spaces with limited ceiling height.
   • Escutcheon (Cover Plate): The cover plate is used to hide the sprinkler’s mounting hardware, providing a clean, finished appearance.
3. Pipe Material and Construction
   • Pipe Material: Pipes are generally made from steel, copper, or CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride), with steel pipes being most common for industrial and commercial systems.
   • Pipe Diameter: Sprinkler system pipes range from 1-inch to 6-inch in diameter, depending on the size of the building and the required flow rate.
   • Pressure Rating: Pipes are rated for high-pressure water flow, often up to 175 psi (pounds per square inch) for standard systems.
4. Water Supply
   • Water Source: The water supply for a sprinkler system is typically provided by municipal water lines, on-site water tanks, or pumped storage tanks.
   • Water Storage Capacity: Fire sprinkler systems are designed with sufficient water storage capacity, typically ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 gallons, depending on the size of the facility.
   • Pressure Maintenance: A fire pump may be used in larger systems to maintain adequate water pressure for sprinkler operation, ensuring sufficient flow for fire suppression.
5. Activation Temperature
   • Sprinkler Activation Temperature: Standard sprinkler heads are designed to activate at temperatures ranging from 135°F to 165°F (57°C to 74°C), but higher-temperature heads are available for environments such as kitchens or factories, where heat levels can be higher.
   • Thermal Sensitivity: Sprinkler heads are equipped with a thermal element, such as a glass bulb filled with a colored liquid that expands when heated, causing the bulb to break and activate the sprinkler.
6. Flow Rate and Coverage
   • Flow Rate: The flow rate of a sprinkler system is typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A typical sprinkler head may release 15 to 30 GPM, with larger industrial systems capable of delivering much higher flow rates.
   • Sprinkler Coverage Area: Each sprinkler head typically covers an area of about 12 to 15 feet in radius, with the overall system designed to ensure full coverage of the building.
7. Control Valves and Components
   • Control Valves: Essential to managing water flow to the system, control valves ensure that the water supply to the system can be turned on or off in case of maintenance or fire.
   • Alarm Valve: Typically used in wet pipe or dry pipe systems, alarm valves trigger an alarm bell or visual indicator when the system is activated, alerting occupants to the emergency.
   • Flow Switch: This component is designed to detect water movement and trigger the system’s alarm. It ensures that the sprinkler system is working when activated.
8. System Monitoring and Maintenance
   • Monitoring Panel: Sprinkler systems are usually connected to a fire alarm control panel (FACP) that monitors system status and provides alerts if any components malfunction.
   • Testing and Inspection: Regular maintenance is required to ensure the system operates correctly. Inspections should be conducted semi-annually or annually to check the sprinkler heads, valves, and pressure systems.
   • Hydraulic Calculations: Flow tests and hydraulic calculations should be performed to ensure the system meets local codes and fire protection standards.
9. Compliance and Certification
   • NFPA 13 Compliance: Fire sprinkler systems are designed to comply with NFPA 13, the standard for the installation of sprinkler systems, ensuring systems are effectively installed and maintained.
   • Local Fire Codes: Sprinkler systems must meet local fire safety codes, which can vary by location. These codes often align with national standards, such as those set by NFPA and ISO.
   • FM Global and UL Listed: Sprinkler systems may be FM Global or UL listed, meaning they have been tested and approved for use in fire protection systems.