Fire Sprinkler System

A: These systems are used for special hazards where rapid fire spread is a concern, as they provide a simultaneous application of water over the entire hazard. Water is not present in the piping until the system operates. Because the sprinkler orifices are open, the piping is at atmospheric pressure.

A: A well-maintained sprinkler system can stop a fire from spreading, reduce its intensity, and may even extinguish it altogether, all of which are critical for keeping overall business losses low.

A: The sprinkler discharges water automatically when a fire is detected, though it is not triggered by smoke. It controls or extinguishes the fire, so is both a fire detection and suppression system. Sprinkler systems have been around since the late 19th century, when they were pioneered by Hiram Stevens Maxim.

A: Fire sprinklers are activated by heat, not smoke. Each sprinkler head contains a small frangible glass bulb filled with a special liquid. When the surrounding air reaches a specific temperature, this liquid expands, causing the glass to break and releasing water to suppress the fire.

A: Attached to the water pipes is a sprinkler head that hangs down from the ceiling. The majority of sprinkler heads have a glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid. When this liquid comes into contact with air at between 135 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it expands.