How Does an Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Work?

Introduced to the United States in 1874, automated fire sprinkler systems are gaining popularity in fire control in residential areas. Fire sprinklers can quickly stop a fire before it spreads to other areas and gets out of control. Quickly suppressing fires can save lives and property. Fire sprinkler systems are so effective in stopping fires that in some parts of the country, new homes and other buildings are required to have automated fire sprinkler systems installed.

Operation

Fire sprinklers are built into the ceiling of structures and connected to pipes that run through the ceiling and connect to a water source. When a fire occurs, the sprinklers spray water in a rain-like fashion to put the fire out, much like garden sprinklers turned upside down. Fire sprinklers activate when they are heated from a fire below. Only sprinklers that become hot activate. This technology reduces water damage in parts of a structure not threatened by fire.

Detection

The sprinkler head itself is simply a cork in a water pipe that holds back water. According to Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, "In the fire sprinkler is a heat-activated trigger, usually a glass tube filled with liquid or solder link. When the heat from a fire reaches the fire sprinkler, the glass will shatter or solder melt, releasing the water." Fire sprinklers do not activate by or detect smoke.

Components

These basic components make up an automated fire sprinkler system: sprinkler heads which spray water on a fire, plumbing to deliver water to the sprinkler heads, and a water source. Additional components include control valves to turn the fire sprinkler system water on and off; alarms that sound when a sprinkler has been activated; drains to remove water from the system; and fire hose connections enabling the fire department to connect to the fire sprinkler system to deliver more water, if necessary.

Cost

Northeast Fire Prevention estimates that "the installation of fire sprinklers in new residential construction is .... around 1% to 2% of the total building cost (similar to the cost of new carpet)." Installing a fire sprinkler system can reduce insurance premiums.

Maintenance

Fire sprinkler systems require very little maintenance, including testing the alarm operation and water flow testing once a year. Some guidelines to maintain proper function of fire sprinkler systems include keeping hanging objects off of sprinkler heads, keeping paint off of sprinklers and not bumping sprinklers when moving tall objects.

Fun Fact

The Home Sprinkler Coalition states, "Installing both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system reduces the risk of death in a home fire by 82%, relative to having neither."

References

• Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition: How Sprinklers Work
• Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition: Fire Sprinkler Facts
• Northeast Fire Prevention, Inc.: Fire Sprinkler Information
• AMC Fire Protection: How Fire Sprinkler Systems Operate