The most efficient and effective fire protection is provided by Fire Sprinkler Systems. With fire brigades not readily available in some areas, fire sprinkler systems might come handy saving lives and property. There are 6 types of fire sprinkler systems; each used under different circumstances. Let’s study them briefly to find out about them.

Wet Pipe Systems:

It is the most commonly used fire sprinkler system. It is reliable, efficient, and economical. Wet pipe systems are made up of a system of pipes with pressurized water inside. In case of emergency, the pressurized water is released from the sprinkler heads of the pipes to control fire. These are quite versatile in their usage and can work in any environment. The addition of a fire pump to the system can make them even more efficient by controlling the water pressure and volume. Moreover, backflow preventers make sure that the water does not move back to the water source thus preventing contamination.

Dry pipe systems:

In environments where there is a risk of freezing, dry pipe fire sprinkler systems are used. Unlike water sprinkler systems, they contain air or pressurized nitrogen in the pipes. When the system is activated only then the pressurized water is released which is otherwise held back by a valve. This is a special type of valve designed especially for holding the pressurized water back. Upon activation, the valve opens and the pressurized water enters the pipes and then out from the sprinkler heads to distinguish the fire.

Pre-action sprinkler systems:

These are similar to dry pipe systems in their work. However, they use an electronic valve (a pre-action valve) to hold the pressurized water back. This valve only activates when the fire detection system detects fire in the surroundings. Upon detection, the valve opens electronically and the pressurized water is released into the pipes. It works as a wet pipe system point forward.

Deluge systems:

Deluge systems are similar to pre-action sprinkler systems in their working. However, there are two key differences. Firstly, the sprinkler heads are open; secondly, the pipes are not filled with pressurized air or nitrogen. There is a deluge valve that connects the system to the water supply. A fire detection system is installed with the sprinkler and upon detection, water is released through the sprinkler heads. These systems are used in high hazard areas like power plants.

Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) systems:

These are installed on the ceilings of the storage houses or warehouses for fire protection. The amount of water released by ESFR sprinklers is at least three to four times more than that of traditional fire sprinkler systems; nearly 100 gallons per minute of water per sprinkler. They provide fire protection in high piled storage occupancies.

In-rack sprinklers:

These sprinklers are used in small warehouses to contain the fire and protect the property from damage. They are installed in close proximity to the warehouses. One drawback is that they can not prevent the fire but help to contain and extinguish it after it has been detected by the fire detection system.