How Do Fire Sprinklers Work?

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler systems are a proven method to minimize fire damage.

What Are the Functions of Fire Sprinklers?

While you know your business in Liberty, OK, is better protected with a fire sprinkler system, it’s also important to understand how it works.  

Three Simple Steps

Surprisingly, fire suppression systems are activated by heat and not smoke. As heat rises, this simple system is activated quickly with three steps.

The head has a plug that includes a triggering device. This is often a glass tube, called an ampule, filled with glycerin-based liquid, which quickly expands as it gets hot.
As it expands, the tube is designed to break once a specific temperature is reached, typically around 155 degrees. The thinner the ampule, the faster the system will respond.
After the mechanism is tripped, the pressurized water forces out the plug and begins to spray water. There is a deflector plate included that ensures water sprays evenly.

In most systems, only the sprinkler heads that reach the heat mark will go off and not the entire system. Once activated, the system will continue to spray until the water is shut off at the main valve. This makes it extra important to keep sprinkler heads cleaned and maintained so they aren’t accidentally set off.

Fire Sprinkler Cleanup

While a fire suppression system is designed to minimize the amount of water required to put out the flames, it still means excess water entering your property. No matter how many sprinklers go off, the end results will likely require a professional water and fire damage company to provide proper cleanup. To avoid a false alarm, it’s important to regularly maintain the system and get an annual inspection done by a professional.
Fire sprinkler systems have been around a long time and are a proven method to minimize fire damage. Understanding how they work helps you have a better understanding of what to expect if it is set off.