Automatic extinguishing systems are the most effective means of
controlling fires. When properly installed, sprinkler systems are a
highly effective safeguard against loss of life and property. The
National Fire Protection Association has no record of a multiple
death fire in a fully sprinklered building where the sprinkler system
was working properly. The savings in the cost of insurance often makes
the expenditure for a sprinkler system a wise business investment.
Automatic sprinkler systems consist of a system of pipes with sprinklers
placed at intervals along the pipes. Water is fed through the pipes to the
sprinklers. The sprinkler system is temperature sensitive. The heat from
a fire will activate the system causing water to discharge from the
sprinklers. The water should be discharged in sufficient quantity to
either extinguish the fire entirely or at least prevent its spread.
The idea of automatic sprinkler protection is not new. In about 1878, a
rustic version of today’s sprinkler system, called the Parmalee sprinkler,
received its first practical application in the United States.
Constructing a new building with sprinkler protection requires careful
evaluation of the building design, construction, location, intended
occupancy, and water supply to ensure effective operation of the system.
The building occupant is a major consideration in designing a sprinkler
system. The system will be designed to properly safeguard against the
hazards inherent to that occupancy. For example, the sprinkler system
designed for an office building would be greatly different than that
of a woodworking operation. Older buildings can be retrofit with sprinkler
protection, but that often mandates renovations to prepare it for the
installation. This can be quite expensive.
There are six major types of sprinkler systems. While each of these systems
is different, all have one thing in common: All include a system of pipes
to carry water from the source to the sprinklers.
- Wet pipe systems
- Dry pipe systems
- Preaction systems
- Deluge systems
- Combined dry pipe and preaction systems
- Special types
The design and installation of a sprinkler system should be entrusted
only to fully-qualified professionals.
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