11/23/2016

HowFireSprinklerSystemsWork|HowStuffWorks

How Fire Sprinkler Systems Work

BY DANIELLE FISHER HOME & GARDEN | FIRE SAFETY

Browse the article How Fire Sprinkler Systems Work

Fire sprinkler systems are triggered by extreme heat and can

quickly extinguish a fire in the room where it started.
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/JIMMI LARSEN

You've probably seen a number of movies where a small amount of smoke triggers all of the sprinklers in a building, soaking everyone and
everything inside. But did you know that sprinklers aren't even triggered by smoke, and they don't all go o at once? Fire sprinkler systems are
actually heat activated, one sprinkler head at a time, and most fires usually require only one or two sprinklers to be extinguished. These are just
two of the many misconceptions about fire sprinkler systems. In this article, we'll dispel other myths and learn the ins and outs of this important
safety technology.
You might think installing a fire sprinkler system is like choosing water damage over fire damage. This belief is a spino from the myths we just
mentioned -- that sprinklers are activated by smoke and every sprinkler head goes o at the same time. If that were the case, sprinkler systems
could potentially cause more harm than good. Aer all, if you burned a piece of toast, every sprinkler would go o, soaking all of your
belongings, even though there never was any real danger of fire. Fortunately, the clever engineers who developed these systems designed them
to reduce the damage to your property from water, smoke and fire.
Fire sprinkler systems have been around for more than two centuries and have seen significant improvements over the years. It's true that early
versions weren't very reliable and caused significant water damage. But today, sprinkler systems are credited with reducing deaths and loss of
property by more than 65 percent [source: Fleming]. Since each sprinkler head is automatically triggered by fire-specific temperature, just one or
two sprinklers can quickly extinguish and/or contain a fire to the room where it started and cause little property damage. And because sprinklers
use about six times less water than a fire hose, they're actually less harmful to your property than a visit from the fire department.
Still convinced you know everything you need to know about fire sprinklers? We'll address another common myth and discuss the details of how
sprinklers work on the next page.

Fire Sprinklers as Fire Prevention Systems

You've heard about the importance of a properly maintained smoke detector. You've probably also heard the annoying beeping noise it makes
when it needs some attention. Have you also heard that a smoke detector is all you need for fire protection? If so, you've heard another one of
the most common myths regarding fire sprinkler systems: We don't need them if we have a smoke detector. Some even believe that smoke
detectors can put out fires. They cannot. Smoke detectors are designed to alert us to a potential fire, and in cases where they're hooked up to an
alarm system, alert the fire department. They're an important part of a fire prevention system, as are fire sprinklers. The presence of one does
not cancel out the need for the other. They work together to save life and property from fire.

http://home.howstuffworks.com/homeimprovement/householdsafety/fire/firesprinkersystem.htm/printable

1/4

11/23/2016

HowFireSprinklerSystemsWork|HowStuffWorks

When a fire starts, the resulting smoke will eventually set o a smoke detector alerting residents to danger. This process can be quite slow
depending on where the smoke detector is located. Meanwhile, the fire is growing. Alerting residents to the presence of fire is important. But, so
is putting the fire out. When a fire starts, it quickly heats the air directly above it. This air rises and is pushed out to either side when it hits the
ceiling. As this hot air reaches a sprinkler head, that sprinkler head is activated.
Not just any heat source will trigger a sprinkler system to activate. The sprinkler heads must detect a high enough temperature -- usually
between 135 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit (57 to 74 Celsius). Most sprinkler heads are equipped with a glass trigger filled with a glycerin-based
liquid that expands at the appropriate temperature, breaking the glass and activating the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head is attached to a
system of pipes that are hidden behind the walls or ceiling. These pipes wind through the building and outside to connect with a reliable water
source. When the sprinkler head is triggered, a valve to the pipe system is opened, releasing the water that is kept under pressure from the pipes.
The water is quickly pushed out of the pipes through the sprinkler head, spraying water downward and out to the sides. This carefully designed
spray of water extinguishes the fire below and prevents it from spreading.
Fire sprinkler systems have revolutionized fire safety by automatically putting out fires in the room of origin and preventing fires from spreading
or re-igniting. The amount of time this process requires depends on the type of fire sprinkler system. We'll learn more about the dierent types of
fire sprinkler systems on the next few pages.

Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

Because fire sprinkler systems protect a variety of buildings and property, many dierent types have been developed over the years. These
include wet, dry, deluge, pre-action and foam. Each has its own unique set of characteristics that protect the specific building and property for
which it was installed.
As we learned on the previous page, sprinkler heads are connected to a system of pipes in the walls or ceiling of a room. These pipes are
composed of steel, copper or fire-resistant plastic. The most commonly used system in commercial buildings is a wet pipe system, which is
composed of steel pipes that are always filled with water (hence, the term "wet"). The water in the pipes is under a moderate amount of
pressure. When the sprinkler head is activated, the pressurized water in the pipes is immediately released, providing a faster reaction time than
any other type of system.
The wet pipe system is also the simplest and most reliable, boasting cost savings for easy installation and low maintenance. However, wet pipe
systems are not always the best choice. Since the pipes are always filled with water, they're not recommended for locations where the pipes
might freeze or in residential environments where accidental leaks could be detrimental.
As you might have guessed, in a dry pipe system, the pipes are not filled with water -- they're actually filled with compressed air. When the
sprinkler head is activated, a valve releases the compressed air through the sprinkler head. Once all of the air is released, the pressure in the pipe
changes, allowing water to fill the system. Dry pipe systems have a slower reaction time (up to a minute delay). To make up for this, dry pipe
systems release a larger amount of extremely pressurized water, which requires larger pipes (and a larger budget). And, while a leaky pipe in a
dry pipe system doesn't pose a flooding threat, maintenance to the system is more complicated and costly. So, this type of system isn't
recommended unless specific conditions -- an unheated warehouse in Canada, for example -- exist. Read on to learn about the dierent types of
dry pipe systems available.

More Fire Safety Tips

Even if your warehouse, oice building or apartment is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, be sure you have operating smoke
detectors, as well. And have at least one on every floor. They cost on average less than $10 and save thousands of lives every year. Just
remember to change the batteries at least twice a year.

Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems

Pre-action and deluge systems are variations of the dry pipe system. Pre-action systems must be triggered twice before water is dispensed
from the sprinkler head. The first trigger -- usually a smoke detector or a heat detector that is separate from the sprinkler head -- allows water
into the pipes. Once this trigger occurs, the system acts like a wet pipe system. The second trigger, the individual sprinkler heads, releases the
water, pushing it through the sprinkler head to extinguish the fire. This type of system provides added protection against false sprinkler head
activation. If a sprinkler head is falsely triggered, an alarm will sound, but no water will be released, since the pipes remain dry until the second
trigger has been activated. Although sprinkler heads are not likely to accidentally activate -- sprinkler heads have a one in 16 million false
activation rate -- pre-action systems are very popular when dealing with sensitive property like in a museum or library [source: USFA].

http://home.howstuffworks.com/homeimprovement/householdsafety/fire/firesprinkersystem.htm/printable

2/4

11/23/2016

HowFireSprinklerSystemsWork|HowStuffWorks

In deluge systems, like the pre-action system, water enters the pipes when triggered by a heat or smoke detector, separate from the sprinkler
heads. There may also be a manual function, where pushing a button or pulling a cord activates the system. The sprinkler heads in a deluge
system are open, meaning they don't have a trigger function and are activated simultaneously. Deluge systems are usually installed in chemical
plants or other areas where the spread of fire would be exceptionally hazardous.
The widespread use of fire sprinkler systems and the resulting innovations are no doubt a result of laws, regulations and building codes that
require their installation. We'll explore existing codes and the possible need for home regulations on the next few pages.

Fire Sprinklers and Building Codes

Fire sprinkler systems have been in use for more than 100 years. This is no doubt a result of codes and regulations, requiring the use of these
systems in public buildings. Codes and regulations that require the installation of fire sprinkler systems were first put into place in the 1960s
[source: Fleming]. Before then, builders mainly installed sprinklers to reduce property loss and insurance costs. Aer collecting staggering
statistics comparing the fire death rate in sprinkler-protected buildings versus non-protected, the fire sprinkler industry began a push for
updated building codes to require the installation of these systems.
Today, building codes in many countries require the installation of fire sprinkler systems, although the United States has the highest record of
systems installed. These codes are usually based on generic code sets developed by building associations and other reputable organizations
such as the International Code Council, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Once adopted, these
generic codes are locally amended. In the United States, building codes are set by city and state governments.
Code sets usually require the installation of fire sprinkler systems across the board for new construction of high rises and commercial buildings.
Retro-fit codes are becoming more popular. Some of the old, existing building types that now require sprinklers include hotels, nursing homes
and dormitories. You can find out more about your area's codes for fire sprinkler systems by visiting your local government's Web site. Or visit
www.nfpa.org for a free copy of the NFPA 5000 code set. The USFA Web site has many helpful resources as well, including a list of fire sprinkler
protected hotels.
Unfortunately, even though most fire deaths occur in homes, codes have not yet been put into eect requiring fire sprinkler system installation in
single-family homes. We'll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of installing home sprinkler systems on the next page.

The Wineco Hotel Fire

In 1913, and just a year aer the "unsinkable" Titanic sank, the 15-story "absolutely fireproof" Wineco Hotel in Atlanta was built without a
fire sprinkler system, smoke detectors or fire escape ladders. Then more than 30 years later in December 1946, a massive fire broke out in the
hotel, killing 119 guests, including 30 teenage boys, who had no means of escape. The tragedy, which is still the deadliest hotel fire in the
United States, led to immediate national fire and safety codes that are still strictly enforced [source: NFPA].

Sprinkler Systems at Home

Despite the fact that a home fire occurs every 79 seconds,

current building codes do not require automatic sprinkler
systems in new-home construction.
ISTOCKPHOTO/THINKSTOCK

According to the American Fire Sprinkler Association, a home fire occurs every 79 seconds. A 2009 National Fire Protection Association study
reports that 3,000 deaths a year can be attributed to fires in homes [source: Figueroa]. Given these startling statistics and what we've already
learned about the life- and property-saving characteristics of fire sprinkler system installation, it's hard to believe that less than 2 percent of
homes in the United States have fire sprinkler systems [source: Hall]. So why are homeowners hesitant to install a system that could save their
lives and property?
http://home.howstuffworks.com/homeimprovement/householdsafety/fire/firesprinkersystem.htm/printable

3/4

11/23/2016

HowFireSprinklerSystemsWork|HowStuffWorks

While aesthetics shouldn't outweigh life safety, one reason many single-family homeowners don't want to install sprinkler systems is that they
believe sprinkler heads are an eye sore. Fortunately, new designs for residential systems are actually quite undetectable, and many can be
installed flush to the ceiling. Flush sprinkler heads are hidden behind a metal panel that hides the sprinkler head, but still allows it to spray
normally.
And residential sprinklers are smaller than commercial ones and require less water. They're typically dry pipe systems, providing added
protection against potential water damage that could occur during home improvements or other home accidents. Additionally, since the
development of residential systems is a newer concept, their designs include many new innovations (like improved sensitivity), making them
faster than commercial sprinklers.
Perhaps the most common myth about home sprinkler systems is that they're expensive. Not only is the installation of a home fire sprinkler
system aordable, it can drastically decrease your home owner's insurance premium. Considering installation costs, reduced insurance rates
and potential property destruction costs, a 2007 National Institute of Standards and Technology found the addition of a home sprinkler system
could produce up to $4,800 in savings. Home systems will only continue to become more cost-eective as they become more common. Don't be
surprised if you're required to install sprinkler systems in your home at some point in the future.

Related Articles
How Fire Works
Can you really fight fire with fire?
How Fire Engines Work
How Fire Extinguishers Work
How Smoke Detectors Work

More Great Links

Fire Sprinkler Initiative
U.S. Fire Administration
National Fire Protection Association
International Code Council

Sources
USFA. "Residential Sprinkler Myths and Facts." April 15, 2009. (March 7,
2010)http://www.snohomishfire.org/Community%20Information/Residentail%20Fire%20Sprinklers/Basic%20Information/Myths%2
0and%20Facts%20FEMA.pdf
Fleming, Russell. "The Fire Sprinkler Situation in the United States." National Fire Sprinkler Association. 2002. (March 15,
2010)www.sprinklerworld.org/vds.doc
Rollins Fire Sprinklers, Inc. "Learn About Fire Sprinklers." (March 15, 2010)http://www.rollinsfire.com/learn.html
Faith, Nicholas. "How Fire Sprinklers Work." The Providence Journal. (March 15,
2010)http://www.projo.com/extra/2003/stationfire/pdf/sprinkler.pdf
Fleming, Russell. "Anniversary Time: Recalling three big years in the development of automatic sprinklers." NFPA Journal.
November/December 2009. (March 15, 2010)http://www.nfpa.org/publicColumn.asp?
categoryID=1920&itemID=45069&src=NFPAJournal&cookie%5Ftest=1
Rodgers, Harlold. "Patent Application Publication." USPTO. September 20, 2007. (March 7,
2010)http://www.google.com/patents?id=lKeBAAAAEBAJ&printsec=description&zoom=4#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Fire Protection Group. "Fire Protection Systems." (March 15, 2010)http://www.apifiregroup.com/index.php
NFPA. "Residential Fire Sprinkler Information Kit." (March 7, 2010).http://docs.google.com/viewer?
a=v&q=cache:II0GNdavoA4J:www.firesprinkler.org/downloads/AFSA8060.pdf+fire+sprinkler+stats&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShD2Ldb_sWCeg3oGBhdeAU_xuT6jPHjHeOs77539boosZt9Z8evjlP
eTeLBKjnOyGuNt-d9T5NZvKjlQUVudUkZK0l2QtRh8DrhVexbza2Fk-DJAYQLws_dcDd2nuhtX93C1UUV&sig=AHIEtbRtbge58UqgGoUM3wyY8o6wMmHGg
NFPA. "U.S. Experience with Sprinklers." February 2010. (March 7,
2010)http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Sprinkler_Fact_Sheet.pdf
NFPA. "The deadliest fires and explosions in U.S. history by property class." February 2010. (Dec.,
2002)http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/Research/Wineco.pdf
http://home.howstuffworks.com/homeimprovement/householdsafety/fire/firesprinkersystem.htm/printable

4/4