4 Types of Fire Sprinklers

There are many types of fire sprinkler systems that are available for your building. Whether you have a retail building, a high hazard industrial facility, or a warehouse, you can find a sprinkler system that works well for your application.

Traditional Fire Sprinklers

Traditional fire sprinklers are the most common form of fire sprinklers. It is a wet pipe system, meaning the system’s pipe are filled with pressurized water. When the system activates, the sprinkler head nearest the fire will activate, discharging water onto the flames. This is the simplest form of fire sprinkler. It is used in most applications because it is the most inexpensive option while also being very effective.

Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems

In contrast to traditional sprinkler systems, dry pipe sprinklers do not have water in the sprinkler pipes. Instead, the pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen. When the sprinkler system activates, water will fill the pipes and then be discharges onto the flames. These systems are used in cold, unheated areas where water could freeze.

Pre-action Sprinkler Systems

In areas where accidental discharge of the sprinkler system could cause irreparable damage, a pre-action sprinkler system is used. These systems are a form of dry pipe sprinklers that require a two-step process to activate. First, a fire is detected, and the pre-action valve opens, allowing water into the pipes. Then, each sprinkler head is individually activated to allow water to be released.

Deluge Fire Sprinklers

Deluge sprinkler systems are used in high hazard applications. In these systems, the pipes contain unpressurized air, making it a dry pipe system. The sprinkler heads are always open and when a fire is detected, a deluge valve opens and allows water to be released to all the open sprinkler heads. This creates at total flood which puts out a fire quickly and effectively.

WSFP Does Fire Sprinklers

At Western States Fire Protection, we design, install, inspect, test and service many types of fire sprinkler systems. We can install traditional fire sprinklers, dry pipe systems, pre-action sprinklers, and deluge sprinklers. Our team is experienced and qualified to design a sprinkler system that fits the needs of your facility while remaining in compliance with local and NFPA standards. We also provide ongoing, inspections and service for your systems. If you have an emergency with your fire protection system, we have technicians who will respond to your situation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Fire Prevention Week 2019

October 6^th – 12^th, 2019 is Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week has been recognized since 1922 by the NFPA. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge made Fire Prevention Week a national observance. Fire Prevention Week is observed on the week of October 9^th to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 people homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000.

Fires can be extremely destructive. Learning how to prevent fires is extremely important for your safety and the safety of those around you. During Fire Prevention Week, take time to learn how to stay safe in case of a fire.

“Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”

This year, the theme for Fire Prevention Week is, “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape!” This theme highlights the importance of making a fire escape plan for your home and practicing what you can do during a fire to stay safe.

Make Your Home Escape Plan

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely after the smoke alarm sounds. When every second counts, it’s very important that you’re prepared and know what to do during a fire. Planning and practicing a home fire escape plan can help you make the most of the time you have to escape.

Here are some steps you should take when making a fire escape plan for your home:

Draw a map of your home with all doors and windows.
Visit each room in your house and find two ways out.
Make sure that all doors and windows can open easily so you can use them to get outside.
Make sure your home has working smoke alarms. Test them to see if they work.
Pick a meeting place in front of your home.
Talk about your escape plan with everyone in your home.
Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 or the local emergency number.
Practice your home fire drill.

Be a Hero in Your Home & Community

According to an NFPA survey, only 1 out of 3 American households have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. This Fire Prevention Week, you can be a hero by taking small, but important actions to keep yourself, your family, and those around you safe from a fire. One of the easiest ways you can protect your loved ones is to plan and practice a home escape plan. When the smoke alarm sounds in an actual fire, it will be too late to start making a plan.

Interested in learning more about how you can participate in Fire Prevention Week? Visit the NFPA’s website for great resources and materials. Learn how to make an escape plan and raise public awareness about the importance of fire prevention.