Fire sprinkler systems slow the spread of fire and toxic smoke. They give people in commercial and residential buildings more time to escape and help prevent material damage. Learn about the four types of fire sprinkler systems in NYC and their benefits.
Dry pipe systems contain pressurized air or nitrogen gas instead of water. Air pressure keeps the dry pipe valve closed to keep water out of the system. Since the system’s pipes don’t contain water, they’re ideal in locations that freeze, such as unheated parking garages.
In a fire, the temperature increase will trigger a drop in the system’s air pressure. The pressure drop opens the dry pipe valve, water enters the system, and the sprinkler heads release the water.
The most common type of fire sprinkler system in NYC is the wet pipe system. The primary benefit of a wet pipe fire sprinkler is that it’s highly effective thanks to its fast reaction time. When a part of the system reaches a certain temperature, it breaks and releases water.
Facilities must keep wet pipe systems at a minimum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent water from freezing in the pipes. One important thing to know about the fire sprinkler code in NYC is that different authorities detail standards for maintaining water-based fire protection systems. Only a Licensed Fire Suppression Contractor (LFSC) or Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) can legally install approved systems.
The pipes in a pre-action sprinkler system always hold pressurized air. The activation process starts when a smoke or heat detector senses the presence of a fire. The sensor transmits a signal that opens a valve and fills the system with water. Then, the fire sprinkler head senses a temperature increase before it opens and pours out water. This two-step process helps to prevent erroneous activation. This is a common sprinkler system in places like libraries.
While a pre-action system has a longer activation process than wet and dry pipe systems, the deluge system discharges water quickly. Deluge fire sprinkler systems do not contain water or pressurized air, but the sprinkler heads are always open and activate simultaneously in the event of a fire.
A smoke or heat detector detects the presence of fire, causing the valve to open. Water rushes to all fire sprinklers, and each sprinkler releases water.
The deluge method works well in facilities with highly incendiary material, such as industrial plants. This fire sprinkler system dumps a large amount of water to cool and extinguish large-scale fires quickly. Deluge system installers can use water additives such as low-expansion foam for more protection.
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