Owners of large-scale businesses and high-rise buildings know that fire protection solutions like sprinklers are a must. Not only can a fire sprinkler system keep your business safe, but they also protect the lives of people working inside of the buildings.
The biggest question a lot of business owners have is, “How do fire sprinklers work?” After all, if you’re paying for a massive system, you ought to know how it works and how to take care of it. Read on to learn everything you need to know about one of the most popular fire protection solutions on the market!
Types of Fire Sprinklers
The first thing you should know about fire sprinklers is that there are several different types of sprinklers. These include dry pipe, wet pipe, pre-action, and deluge systems. Wet pipe systems are easily the most common type of system while deluge systems are the most complex.
At a minimum, you want your fire safety system to be up to code. If you own a business over 5,000 square feet, then Florida law mandates that you have a fire sprinkler system in your building. Working with experienced fire safety professionals ensures that your system is up to code!
How Do Fire Sprinklers Work?
How fire sprinklers work depends on the type of system.
Wet pipe systems consist of a network of pipes and sprinkler heads throughout the building. Water is stored in the pipes, ready to be deployed once the system is activated. Dry pipe systems use pressurized air to keep water out of the pipes until the system is activated.
Pre-action systems look a lot like wet pipe systems. The biggest difference is that they require two conditions in order to activate them: the sprinkler heads need activation, and an alarm must sound.
Deluge systems are complex, and water is not stored in the pipes. Water isn’t released until the time of sprinkler activation. These are typically used in spaces that are prone to fire.
What activates the system?
Fire sprinklers are heat-sensitive and don’t respond to smoke. Instead, they usually have a mechanism that activates them once they sense temperatures above 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Do You Maintain Your Fire Suppression System?
Business owners should adhere to OSHA fire safety standards, this includes fire sprinkler maintenance. The best way to do this is by having a professional come out to make sure that the system is in good working order and up to code. This helps you identify any malfunctions in the system and fix them before you actually need to use the system.
Install a Fire Sprinkler System Today!
How do fire sprinklers work? As it turns out, your building’s fire sprinkler system is a complex network of pipes and water ready to step into action at the drop of a hat. Make sure to test the system regularly, and opt for professional fire sprinkler inspections, and you’ll be in great shape.
Working with a quality fire protection company is the first step toward keeping your business and employees safe. United Fire has provided top-notch service to Florida and Atlanta businesses since 1999. Contact us today to get a quote for all of your business’s fire protection needs!
