If your building lacks a fire-suppression sprinkler system, consider retrofitting it to protect your association. While the cost may appear high, it’s a worthwhile investment, as fire damage could cost much more than installing the system. Fire sprinkler systems are an important part of any fire safety plan
Understanding different sprinkler system choices is important, but design, installation, and maintenance should be left to trained specialists. After installation, fire protection experts can help build a maintenance program tailored to your requirements, providing the safety of both employees and assets.
What Is a Sprinkler System and Why Is It Important?
A sprinkler system is designed to control or extinguish fires in the early stages, making it secure for occupants to exit and for firefighters to handle the situation. Sprinklers help reduce fire damage, allowing your organization to resume procedures more quickly.
A fire suppression system also reduces liability, as sprinkler systems are seen as “a reasonable level of care.” Without one, building owners may face important costs, over $1 million per life lost in a fire. Some states even offer income tax reductions for buildings with sprinkler systems.
Above all, it provides peace of mind, knowing your building and its occupants are protected.
What Are the Main Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems?
There are four main types of fire sprinkler systems: wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge, each designed for different applications based on the facility’s needs and hazards.
1. Wet Pipe System: The most main type, with water-filled pipes that start when a fire sprinkler reaches a set temperature. Suitable for office buildings, schools, and high-rises, where temperatures are maintained above 40°F to prevent freezing.
2. Dry Pipe System: Contains nitrogen or pressurized air instead of water, making it ideal for unheated areas like warehouses and garages. When triggered by a temperature increase, air pressure drops, and water flows into the pipes.
3. Pre-Action System: Uses pressurized air or nitrogen, requiring two steps for activation—a heat or smoke detector first opens the pre-action valve to fill the pipes with water, followed by sprinkler activation. Suitable for places like museums and data centers to avoid accidental discharges.
4. Deluge System: Features open sprinkler heads that activate all at once when a heat or smoke detector detects fire. Ideal for high-hazard areas such as industrial plants, where rapid water discharge is crucial.
Choosing the right system depends on the facility type and hazards present, providing effective fire prevention.
Residential vs. Commercial Sprinkler Systems
Residential Sprinkler Systems: Unlike commercial properties, residential buildings aren’t always legally required to have fire sprinklers. However, homeowners may install them for safety and may even see lower insurance premiums. Residential sprinklers are typically simpler, connected to the domestic water supply, and designed to blend in with home aesthetics. Standards for these systems are outlined in NFPA 13D.
Commercial Sprinkler Systems: According to NFPA 13, commercial buildings over 5,000 square feet, structures taller than 55 feet, or those undergoing certain expansions must have fire sprinklers. Townhomes with more than two residential units also require sprinkler systems. These regulations ensure comprehensive fire protection for commercial properties.
Maintenance and Inspection of Sprinkler Systems
The adopted codes require all commercial entities and nonprofit organizations to follow the NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
Monthly, Quarterly, & Annual Fire Sprinkler Inspections
Maintenance and Inspection of Sprinkler Systems: Commercial entities and nonprofits must follow NFPA 25 for inspecting, testing, and maintaining fire sprinkler systems, with additional requirements from the local authority (AHJ). Check with your fire marshal for local codes.
Inspection Frequency: Weekly inspections can be done by trained staff, checking air and water pressure and ensuring valves are sealed and open. Monthly inspections should confirm wet pipe system pressure and check for damage. Quarterly, annual, and multi-year inspections require a licensed technician, and comprehensive records must be kept for at least one year.
Maintenance and Testing: Regular maintenance is important for proper functioning. Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual testing should be conducted by a licensed technician, and parts should be revised as required. Annually, lubricate valves and clean key components. Ensure no internal obstructions are affecting the system.
Staying on top of inspections and maintenance helps prevent fire safety failures and code violations.
How Do You Choose the Right Fire Sprinkler System for Your Space?
Choosing the Right Fire Sprinkler System: It’s important to select a fire sprinkler system suited to your building’s occupancy, hazards, ceiling height, construction, air temperature, and water supply. The right choice provides effective fire control and protection.
Factors to Consider:
- Temperature Rating: Choose based on the maximum ceiling temperature to prevent accidental discharges from overheating.
- K-Factor: This value is determined by water flow and pressure requirements. Higher K-factors work for high-volume, low-pressure systems, while lower K-factors suit lower-volume, high-pressure supplies.
- Orientation: Sprinklers can be installed in five ways:
- Upright: Water flows upward, creating an umbrella pattern.
- Pendant: Water flows downward, forming an umbrella spray.
- Horizontal Sidewall: Mounted on walls to spray outward.
- Recessed: Partly or fully set into the ceiling.
- Concealed: Fully hidden within a cover plate.
- Response Type: Thermal sensitivity defines the speed of activation. Types include fast and standard.
- Design and Performance Characteristics:
- Spray: Covers a broad range of hazards.
- CDMA: Controls fires in areas like warehouses.
- CMSA: Protects against high-challenge fires in combustible storage.
- Extended Coverage: Covers larger areas.
- QR: Quick response for rapid fire suppression.
- Open: Used in deluge systems without a thermal element.
Choose sprinklers based on these factors to ensure proper fire protection for your space.
Atasee Sprinkler Can Help You Choose the Right Fire Protection Equipment.
Every building is unique, and there are many things to consider when selecting the right fire sprinkler system. But have no fear—Damia Global Services Sprinkler is here to install the best fire protection equipment for your building and industry.
The Cost of Installing and Maintaining a Fire Sprinkler System
Fire safety is most important for both residential and commercial properties. Installing and maintaining a fire sprinkler system is an important part of protecting a building from fire damage. Here’s a brief look at the costs involved.
Understanding Fire Sprinkler Systems:
Fire sprinklers automatically detect and extinguish fires using a network of pipes and sprinkler heads. When started by heat, the sprinklers release water to control or extinguish the fire. The two main types of systems are:
- Wet systems: Water is always present in the pipes.
- Dry systems: Pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen, with water released when a fire is detected.
Cost Breakdown for Installation:
Installation costs change based on building size, layout, sprinkler type, and complexity. Working with a reputable company is essential for keeping with fire codes. The main cost components include:
- Design and Engineering: Designing the layout and calculating water supply, pipe sizing, and hydraulic requirements.
- Materials and Equipment: Costs for pipes, sprinkler heads, valves, and control panels, vary by system type and building size.
- Labor: Skilled labor costs depend on installation complexity, number of sprinklers, and geographic location.
- Permits and Inspections: Required to meet fire code compliance; costs rely on area and project scope.
- Additional Costs: These may have modifications to utilities, building alterations, or special concerns for heritage properties.
- Understanding these costs helps you plan for a fire sprinkler system that meets your property’s needs and fire safety standards.
How Fire Sprinkler Systems Save Live
Fire sprinklers are important in many commercial buildings and some homes, providing life-saving protection. Here’s how they work:
Activation:
Sprinklers are not triggered by smoke but by high heat. As hot air rises, it spreads across the ceiling. Once the temperature reaches 135 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, the liquid in the sprinkler’s small tube bursts, activating the system.
How They Work:
Each sprinkler head connects to a water source. Once activated, pressurized water sprays out, hitting a circular disk to fan the water and douse the fire effectively.
Common Myths:
Contrary to popular belief, sprinklers do not all activate at once. Each head works individually, and most fires can be extinguished by one or two sprinklers, minimizing water damage.
Manual Shut-Off:
After the fire is out, the sprinkler system does not automatically shut off. It must be turned off manually by closing the valves on the risers, usually done by first responders.
Life-Saving Impact:
According to the National Fire Protection Association, having sprinklers reduces civilian fire deaths by 89%, injuries by 27%, and firefighter injuries by 60%.
Conclusion
Wherever you work, you’ve probably found fire sprinkler systems, which are usually installed in side walls or ceilings. Sprinkler systems are most commonly seen in commercial structures, while they are also regularly installed in residential ones.
Sprinkler systems are the best option to help prevent fires in any facility, but they are especially helpful in places like schools, hospitals, hotels, warehouses, and many more.
