Wet Vs Dry Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems are important to the safety and security of a building. But did you know that there are two classes of fire sprinkler systems, each with benefits and problems depending on the implementation and type of building you plan to use it in? This article will explain the differences between the two, and in what cases they should be used.

Wet Sprinkler Systems

Wet sprinkler systems are the first type of sprinkler system. These consist of a set of pipes that run through the building connected to sprinkler heads, as well as a water pump to keep the system at a constant pressure. Water is fed through the pipes by the water pump up to the sprinkler head. When a fire starts, the rise in temperature will break the glass of the sprinkler head, allowing water to come out of the head. This creates a drop in pressure, signalling the water pump to start pushing the water out at a continuous rate to help extinguish the fire.

These sprinklers are good all-purpose sprinklers that will service most types of buildings. The key with these sprinklers is that they must be in heated buildings. If not, the pipes will freeze and burst and cause many more issues, such as safety problems and water damage.

Dry Sprinkler Systems

Dry sprinkler systems are the second type of fire sprinkler system. This is composed similarly to the wet system, except for one valve. This valve separates the system, keeping air in the pipes and water in the pump. By keeping air in the pipes, should the pipes get cold they won't freeze and break. This is particularly good if you are in an area that will freeze fairly easily. For example, an attic has a tendency to get cold because it isn't insulated.

One of the problems with this set up however is that once the sprinkler head has burst, it takes some time for the air to escape the head before the water will come out. This delay can allow the fire to spread more than a wet system would allow for.

Now with the knowledge of the different types of sprinkler systems, you will be able to decide which is best for your building, or perhaps what combination of the two would be most beneficial. Ensure that you follow all safety requirements and legislation when installing your fire suppression system.