Water-based installations are the most common type of fixed fire suppression system. Sprinkler systems represent the primary category of these installations. They are fully automated, allowing for rapid detection and suppression of fire directly at the source.
The system consists of a network of integrated piping, sprinkler heads, alarm check valves, a pump room, and a water storage tank.
The system operates by detecting fire through sprinkler heads—nozzles equipped with heat-sensitive bulbs that burst when temperatures rise, allowing water from the system to flow directly onto the fire source. The resulting pressure drop in the piping triggers the alarm check valve, which in turn activates the sprinkler pump. By connecting the system to a monitoring station, a fire signal is transmitted to facility management and the fire department to initiate further emergency response.
Sprinkler Installations
Sprinkler installations can be divided into three categories:
Wet pipe systems
…in which the entire installation is filled with water. These are used in environments with temperatures above freezing (e.g., shopping centers, hotels, warehouses, and office spaces).
Dry pipe systems
…in which the piping above the alarm check valve is filled with compressed air or nitrogen. These are used in environments with temperatures below freezing (e.g., cold storage, freezers, underground parking).
Pre-action dry pipe systems
…which are systems where a fire signal is sent from a control panel connected to dual-action sprinkler heads. Fire suppression occurs only when both mechanisms are activated simultaneously, which prevents accidental discharge. These are used in areas where the risk of accidental water damage must be minimized (e.g., server rooms, document archives, libraries, etc.).
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