Fire Sprinkler System Design

Fire sprinkler systems serve a great purpose of preventing fire damage in commercial buildings and households. Different types of fire sprinkler system design are available, each of which has varying working techniques. Choosing the best fire sprinkler system means designing a system of fire suppression that suits your needs and covers every angle of safety in terms of fire hazards and building code.

The potential benefits of installing and maintaining a fire sprinkler design are various; some are below.

Safety from physical injuries
Security of property from fire damages
Corporate security
Confident workers in fire hazardous places
A good reputation in terms of responsibilities as a landlord and industrial or commercial building owner

Here are a few things to keep in mind when designing a fire sprinkler system.

Main Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

Wet Pipe System

Wet pipe sprinkler systems—or traditional fire sprinklers—are the most common across residential and commercial buildings. When a fire begins, the heat activates the nearest sprinkler head, releasing pressurized water stored in the pipes. Each sprinkler head is activated independently, reducing water damages in the event of a false alarm. Wet pipe systems are an inexpensive, low-maintenance option appropriate for offices, schools, and commercial properties.

Dry Pipe System

As opposed to wet pipe systems, dry pipe systems do not store water in their pipes. Instead, they are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen, which is released if a fire activates the valves in the sprinkler head. The pipes then fill with water and discharge it over the smoke or flames. While this system is more complex than a wet pipe system, it is the most appropriate for cold climates where there is a high risk of frozen pipes halting an emergency fire response.

Pre-Action System

Pre-action systems are another form of dry pipe sprinkler, but require a two-step activation. When heat or smoke is detected, the pre-action valve will open and allow water into the pipes. Then, sprinkler heads can be individually activated to release water over the fire. This two-step process enables facilities to shut off the system in case of a false alarm, protecting their assets from water damage. Pre-action systems are especially useful in places where accidental discharge could lead to irreparable damages, such as museums, libraries, and data centers.

Deluge System

Deluge sprinkler systems are another version of a dry pipe system. However, as opposed to all previous options, the sprinkler heads in this system are always open. They do not have a heat-sensing element in the sprinkler head itself, and require an external smoke or heat sensor to activate. Once heat is detected, water fills the pipes and is released to all open sprinkler heads, creating a flooding effect across the entire area. This system is most often used in industries with flammable liquids that are likely to spread rapidly.

Installing a Sprinkler System

Fire sprinkler systems are an essential part of a complete fire safety protection plan for any facility.

While it is important to understand the difference between available sprinkler system options, the design, installation, and maintenance of these systems should always be handled by trained professionals. Once your sprinkler system is installed, fire protection professionals will work with you to develop a maintenance program that meets your needs and ensures the utmost safety for your employees and assets.

Buildings that Require Fire Sprinkler Systems

The next step in designing a fire sprinkler system is to know the building type. Whether it is a commercial, industrial, or residential building will help to determine the best fire sprinkler design.

The designers of the fire sprinkler system will cooperate alongside engineers and architects to draft out a fire sprinkler design. The final blueprint will be in accordance with NFPA rules and codes. The most common type of NFPA standard in use for designing a fire sprinkler system is the NFPA13.

Other Factors

Occupancy hazard is another factor. This helps measure the level of hazards that potentially exist. The amount of energy capable of releasing in the case of fires determines how much water is needed. This makes it easier to design the fire system. The products and components present in the building are subject to the term “occupancy hazard.”

Further, the area of design also matters. The level and positioning of the building can make it difficult to supply water to all sprinkler heads at once. Therefore, considering the worst-case scenario helps in identifying any potential hindrances that can occur in the operation of the fire sprinkler system.