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| What
is an automatic fire sprinkler system? |
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The automatic fire sprinkler system is the
most widely used fire protection system today. The whole
philosophy of sprinklers is based upon the premise of
applying the right amount of water (as little as
possible) in the right place (the seat of the fire) at
the right time (as quickly as possible). Many ordinary
hazard systems used to be fed directly from the town's
mains, but increasingly a water tank and pumps are being
installed to guarantee adequate water flow and pressure.
Types
of fire sprinkler systems:
- WET
- DRY
- PRE-ACTION
- DELUGE
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| What
is a WET fire sprinkler system? |
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The
fire sprinkler system is constantly charged with water under
pressure, which holds the fire sprinkler valve in the
closed position. When a fire sprinkler head is activated water instantly flows on to the fire.
A wet fire sprinkler system is commonly installed in
areas where the ambient temperature is above 32 degrees
F. |
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| What
is a DRY fire sprinkler system? |
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Used where a frost risk may arise,
the
dry fire sprinkler system is constantly charged with
compressed air, which holds the fire sprinkler valve in
closed position. When a fire sprinkler head is
activated, the air pressure is lost, the valve
opens and water flows into the system and on to the
fire.
A
dry fire sprinkler system is commonly installed in areas
where the ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees
F. |
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| What
is a PRE-ACTION fire sprinkler system? |
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A combination of an electrical/mechanical detection
system, charged with compressed air, sprinkler pipes are
only filled with water upon electrical detection to
avoid accidental water damage.
A pre-action fire sprinkler system is commonly installed in
high-risk areas such as data processing facilities or
cold storage warehouses. |
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| What
is a DELUGE fire sprinkler system? |
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A
combination of an electrical/mechanical detection
system, fire sprinkler heads are open and the pipe is not
pressurized. When the detection system is activated water discharges
through all of the sprinkler heads in the system. A
deluge fire sprinkler system is commonly installed in high-risk areas
such as power plants, aircraft hangars, and chemical
storage or processing facilities. |
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| How
are fire sprinkler heads rated? |
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Each
fire sprinkler head is rated for certain degree,
depending on its application. For example if a fire
sprinkler head is rated for 155 degrees, as soon as the
surrounding temperature reaches 155 degrees the bulb
will burst and thus engage the fire sprinkler system. |
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| How
do I know my fire sprinkler system will work? |
| The laws set forth by your local fire department and the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) protect you
by making sure that all fire related systems are tested
at regular intervals to insure proper operation of that
system.
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| Should
I have my fire sprinkler system tested? |
| YES. Your
local fire department will notify you
as to when and how often this should be done. The minimum testing would be annually and the maximum would
be quarterly. Check with
Basic Fire Protection, Inc. or your local Fire
Department. |
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| Who
can test my fire sprinkler system? |
| Only a certified technician can test and certify
your fire sprinkler system.
Check with
Basic Fire Protection, Inc. |
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| Should
I have my backflow services on my fire sprinkler system
tested? |
| YES. The backflow services need to be tested annually. Your local Fire
Department will notify you. |
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| Fire
Sprinkler Facts |
| The
chances of a fire sprinkler accidentally going off are
extremely remote. |
| Fire
sprinkler
heads are heat-activated. Smoke does not activate the fire
sprinkler head. |
| Each
fire sprinkler head is rated for a certain degree
depending on its application. |
| Each
fire sprinkler discharges individually, all fire sprinklers do not
diffuse at once. |
| Residential
fires are usually controlled with one fire sprinkler head. |
| 90%
of all fires are controlled with six or fewer heads. |
| Quick
response fire sprinklers release 8-24 gallons of water per
minute compared to 50-125 gallons per minute released by a
fire hose. |
| Property
losses are 85% less in residences with fire sprinklers
compared to those without sprinklers. |
| Water
damage from a home fire sprinkler system will be much less
severe than the damage caused by water from fire-fighting
hose lines or smoke and fire damage if the fire goes
unabated. |
| Installation
of fire sprinklers can provide discounts on insurance
premiums. |
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| For more information about fire sprinklers please visit
SprinklerNet |
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