Wet  Pipe  Systems  The  most  common  sprinkler  type  is  a  wet  pipe  system,  which  are  used  in  buildings  where  there  is  no  risk  of  freezing.    Reaction  times  are  fast,  as  there  is  always  water  within  the  pipes  above  the  sprinkler  heads.    Wet  systems  are  required  for  multi-­‐storey,  high  rise  buildings  and  for  life  safety.  

 

Alternate  Systems  Although  not   installed   these  days,  Alternate   systems  have   the  pipes   full  of  water   for   the  Summer  and  are  drained  down  and  filled   with   air   in   the   Winter.     This   type   of   system   was   used  where   there   is   a   danger   of   pipe   work   freezing   for   example  within  car  parks.            

Dry  Pipe  Systems  The  pipes  are  filled  with  air  under  pressure  at  all   time  and  the  water  is  held  back  by  the  control  valve.    When  a  sprinkler  head  opens,  the  drop  in  air  pressure  opens  the  valve  and  water  flows  into  the  pipe  work  and  onto  the  fire.    Dry  pipe  systems  are  used  where  wet  systems  cannot  be  used.    

Pre-­‐Action  Systems  Pre-­‐Action  systems  are  designed  to  protect  high  value  business  critical  areas  where  sensitive  equipment  are  protected.    As  the  

dry  pipe  system,  the  pipes  are  filled  with  air,  and  water   is  only   let   into  the  pipes  when  a  detector  head  operates.    Pre-­‐Action  systems  are  used  where  it   is  not  acceptable  to  have  the  pipes  full  of  water  unless  there  is  a  fire.    

Deluge  Systems  Deluge  are  bespoke   systems  used   in  high  hazard  areas,  where   large  number  of  open  nozzles  discharge  simultaneously  to  suppress  severe  fuel  hazards  with  high  heat  release  rates.    Commonly,  a  Deluge  system  is  fitted  with  a  sprinkler  detection  line  permanently  charged  with  air.    In  the  event  of  a  fire,  the  sprinkler  heads  in  the  fire  area  will  operate.    

Water  Supply  The  water  supply  is  an  essential  part  of  all  sprinkler  systems,  with  “Town’s  Main”  as  the  most  economical  method   of   ensuring   a   water   supply.     However,   the   correct   volume   and   water   pressure   is   not   always  achievable,  and  a  galvanised  water  storage  tank  and  pump  may  required.        

Sprinkler  System  Options  Explained  

Surefire  Services  Limited  Unit  4,  Barnes  Wallis  Court  Wellington  Road,  High  Wycombe,  Bucks,  HP12  3PS  Tel  No:    0845  601  4110        Fax  No:    0870  622  0773            Email:    info@surefire.co.uk          Internet:    www.surefire.co.uk  

Assessed  to  ISO  9001      Cert  No.  752