The fire sprinklers are manufactured while taking care of many things in the mind. It is essential to use quality materials to manufacture. This article will discuss the major components of a fire sprinkler system and how you can choose the best product.
Fire Sprinkler System Components
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Some of the essential fire sprinkler components are:
1. Control Valve
It is also known as the stop valve. The control/stop valve is usually locked in an open position to be visible. It is also painted with red color so we can recognize it.
This valve is used to stop the flow of the city water coming into the system directly. When the sprinkler wasn’t active, the city water flow stopped coming inside the system.
There is a supervisory switch that comes with the valve. The switch will help to check whether the valve is opened or closed.
2. Alarm Valve
The alarm valve controls the flow of water into the fire sprinkler system. One side of the valve can only be opened. So this valve has another name, i.e., a one-way valve.
The valve is open if the pressure on the sprinkler side is more minor. The pressure should be less than the pressure of the water supplied.
Then the heads of the fire sprinkler are open in case of a fire outbreak; the valve is opened. The water flow to the other sprinkler system is allowed by this valve.
3. Sprinkler Heads
This is the only component of the entire sprinkler system which one can see daily. The sprinkler heads are also valves that will open when they sense a high temperature.
All these systems work excellently. If there is a small fire in your building, then that area’s sprinklers will only be activated. The other sprinklers will remain off, and the entire office will not be doused.
4. Alarm Test Valve
One can test the fire sprinkler system through this valve. Through this valve, one can test your fire sprinkler system. The entire system won’t be shut down for this testing.
This valve can stimulate the flow of water through the fire sprinkler system. This valve is placed in the middle of the drain on the sprinkler side of the fire alarm and the alarm valve.
5. Motorized Gong/Bell
An audible alarming sound is created if your system ever goes off. Once the system is activated again, the water’s flow will set off a hammer, which will strike a bell. Then the alarming sound is audible. Some of the other components of a fire sprinkler system are:
6. Pressure Switch
This switch helps to measure the fall in the water pressure after the alarm valve is on. It will watch your sprinkler system, also used in dry sprinkler systems.
When it is being watched, it indicates that the system is activated. It also alerts the fire department that your systems are going off. You can have automated smart sprinklers to you work with your home automation service.
7. Flow Switch
The water flow is being monitored through different pipes with this switch. It also helps one know when to turn off the alarm system.
Most of the time, the delay is because of some mechanical issues. It is because of the tiny fluctuations in the water pressure that won’t turn on the alarm every time.
8. Pressure Gauge
It helps measure the pressure in the fire sprinkler system.
Generally, there are two gauges:
- The first one shows the pressure of the water supply.
- The other one shows the installation pressure.
Major Types Of Fire Sprinkler Systems
The four significant types of fire sprinkler systems are:
1. Wet pipe fire Sprinkler system:
The process of activating a wet pipe fire sprinkler system is straightforward. This system is used to maximize residential buildings. All the cold water will be stored in a pipe in this system.
If the temperature is raised above a given level, the water inside it will be released. The facilities must maintain a temperature of at least 40 degrees. It also prevents the water from freezing. So, the sprinkler heads will immediately release the water.
2. Dry pipe fire Sprinkler system:
This sprinkler system usually takes a little longer to activate. This sprinkler system is filled with nitrogen or pressurized air. The air pressure holds the valve close. It also prevents the water from entering the system.
They are used mainly in any unoccupied building. It can also be used where the pipe may burst and freeze. So, they are ideal to use in a freezing climate.
3. Deluge fire Sprinkler systems:
A deluge fire sprinkler system is used where rapid-fire damage is a big issue. They are used in high-rise buildings. The nozzle is also always open in the deluge sprinkler system.
The alarm is triggered when it opens a water release valve. All the facilities, like industrial plants and manufacturing companies, need a deluge fire sprinkler. These companies need a fast-acting deluge sprinkler system.
4. Pre-action fire sprinkler:
When the wet and dry pipe systems combine, the pre-action fire sprinkler is made. This system contains pressurized air/nitrogen instead of water.
To activate a pre-action fire sprinkler, we need to follow two steps:
- The pre-action valve needs to be opened first. So this valve will open when the smoke detector sends the signal indicating fire.
- Also, the fire sprinkler head should detect an increased temperature.
They are generally used when there is a significant risk of water damage. The water will be released to the sprinkler heads if the fire is detected. The response in a pre-action fire sprinkler is as fast as a standard wet pipe sprinkler system.
Nowadays, even an automatic sprinkler system is also used. Places such as museums, libraries, and data rooms are ideal for this sprinkler.
FAQ
1. What is a Check Valve in the fire sprinkler system?
In this valve, the water flows only in one direction. The check valve also works automatically; no external control is required. There are other names for this valve, too, such as non-return valves and one-way valves. Every fire sprinkler would need a dependable water source for immediate use in a fire emergency. A check valve feature is a hinged clapper with a spring to keep the valves closed. It can keep the valves closed until the water flowing from any source can open it.
2. What are various kinds of check valves used for protection?
a. Alarm check valve
b. Swing check valve
c. Grooved check valve
d. Grooved shotgun riser check valve
Every other day you hear the news that another house is going up in flames. People’s lives and belongings are lost within a few minutes. So, installing a fire sprinkler system is an innovative and reliable choice. Fire sprinklers are now used everywhere in every part of the world. To ensure your’s and your’s property safety, you must install the fire sprinkler system.
Final Talk
All the above types of fire sprinkler systems can be used according to the user’s needs and requirements. Saving people’s lives is also very important using the residential wet pipe sprinkler. There are many statistical figures which will prove that this system ensures safety. Also, it shows reduced property loss damages.
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