Common Reasons to Activate Fire Sprinklers

Fire sprinklers are designed to detect heat and disburse water if a fire is detected. The first apparent reason to be concerned is the presence of smoke. However, just because you see smoke does not mean that there is a fire. There are also instances where fire sprinkler systems failed which can result in water damage, mold growth, and even structural property, so getting Insurance for fire sprinkler contractors and keeping your sprinkler system in top condition is essential to protect your building and family.

Heat

Most commercial and residential fire sprinklers have a temperature sensitivity of 56 degrees Celsius, but they can be calibrated to work at higher temperatures if necessary. When installing a sprinkler system, it’s important to keep heating devices and other heat sources as close to the sprinklers as possible. If you have a new heat source, you’ll need a professional to check the system and adjust the sprinklers accordingly. In addition, many sprinkler installations are made with a wet pipe system. Water may flow if the pipe system freezes, but the sprinkler system may not activate until the ice melts.

Corrosion

Corrosion is a silent killer of fire sprinkler systems. Without inspection, this damage can go undetected, leading to a minor leak that could put lives at risk. It is dangerous because metallic fire sprinkler pipe creates an environment ideal for corrosion. For example, when filling a wet system, a small amount of air is trapped in the tube, which reacts with water to cause corrosion. Similarly, when loading a dry system, water collects in the pipe walls and becomes condensation, which provides the moisture needed for corrosion.

Smoke Detectors

While most of the smoke detector laws in the U.S. are based on the NFPA 72, or National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, there are some universal guidelines across the developed world. For example, in Canada and Australia, smoke detectors must be installed at every habitable level, including attics. The United States, like many countries, also requires smoke detectors on every level that has an accessible bedroom and in the vicinity of all other habitable levels.

Flames

Fire sprinklers are an excellent way to protect your home from the spread of fire. This type of protection can extinguish a small fire in 90 seconds, using less water than a fire hose. In addition to saving lives, these fire safety devices limit water damage. When flames ignite in a home, sprinklers are triggered. Propane and natural gas can also cause a fire. It only takes an errant spark to ignite a small leak in either of these gases. Additionally, improperly mixed household chemicals can ignite when exposed to the air, so proper mixing should be done outside the home. Lightning strikes can also result in fires. Lightning is particularly dangerous in heavily wooded areas.

High Temperature

Fire sprinkler systems are designed to activate when a particular temperature is reached. The high fire temperature triggers the sprinkler head to release water and extinguish the fire. Sprinklers do not detect smoke, so they will not activate on their own, but if the room has a lot of smoke, an early-warning system could be installed. In residential areas, a fire sprinkler system should not be installed too close to heating or cooking equipment since they could accidentally activate the system.