What To Consider Before Installing Fire Sprinkler Systems in Residential or Commercial Buildings
Fire sprinkler systems are an essential element in any residential or commercial building. They come in handy when fire outbreaks occur as they prevent it from spreading and causing significant damages. The market is packed with a wide range of fire sprinkler system types. Below are some factors to consider when installing the systems in your commercial or residential building;
The Type of Fire Sprinkler Systems
This is one of the most important factors to consider before installing fire sprinkler systems in either a residential or commercial location. There are four main types of fire sprinkler systems in the market. They are:
• Wet pipe sprinklers
These are the most common type. They are ideal for residential buildings. With this type of sprinkler, cold water is stored under pressure within the pipes. It is then released immediately through sprinkler heads. This happens immediately when the predetermined temperature level is reached.
• Dry pipe sprinklers
These take longer to activate. They are ideal for commercial buildings like factories that are prone to issues like pipe freeze and bursts. Instead of water, the pipes are filled with either nitrogen gas or pressurized air. They are, however, connected to a storage tank or the main water tank. When a fire occurs, the air leaks from the pipes, causing the water from the tank to get passage through the pipes to the sprinkler heads.
• Deluge
These types of fire sprinklers are ideal for areas like warehouse loading bays, where there are chances of rapid-fire damage. With this type of fire sprinklers, a nozzle is open at all times, hence making it the fastest activating type. A fire alarm usually triggers them. Once they are activated, a water valve is released, and the sprinkler immediately goes off.
• Pre-action
This one combines both the effects of wet and dry pipe fire sprinklers. They are ideal in places that are prone to water damage. Therefore, with this type of fire sprinklers, water is not stored within the pipes until the system detects a fire. When a fire is detected, the water is immediately released into the pipes and sprinkled through the head. Regardless, the response time is extremely fast, hence making it a safe option for commercial areas.
When choosing the right type of fire sprinkler, you ought to consider the functioning, the benefits and downsides of each type. You also have to consider the area where you want to install the system. For instance, you can use it in a residential building, a wet fire sprinkler would be ideal, and deluge would be suitable for commercial areas.
Type of Fire Sprinkler Head and Releasing Mechanism
Another significant factor to consider before installing a fire sprinkler system is the type of sprinkler head. A sprinkler head is the component of the system whose role is to discharge water when a fire is detected. The main difference between the various sprinkler heads lies in the way the trigger mechanism works. Sprinkler heads that are ideal for residential areas are those that are connected to the ceiling from where water is discharged. These are known as conventional fire sprinkler heads.
On the other hand, there are upright heads, which aim water towards random directions. They are recessed into the ceilings, or they can be covered using resin caps. They are ideal for commercial areas.
The other type is the sidewall heads which are attached to the highest points on walls. They offer more coverage than most types. They are the best option for commercial buildings. The most crucial factor to consider when choosing the type of fire sprinkler head is where you want the system installed.
Cost of Installation
Another factor to consider is the cost of installing the system. Different types of systems have various costs. The best thing to do would be to look into the different types and their price tags, consider the cost of labour, and the pros and cons of each of them. Putting all these factors into consideration, you should be able to make the best decision. You may also want to consider different installation providers and the services that they offer. Naturally, the size of the location where the system is to be installed also affects the cost of the process. This is because it takes several fire sprinkler heads to cover the whole area. Purchasing and installing numerous sprinkler heads and connecting them costs more money.
The Water Supply Source
You also need to consider the source of the water supply for the fire sprinkler system. Some acceptable water supply sources that you can use for your system are an elevated tank and a pressure tank that meets the standards for a pressure vessel. It should feature a suitable pressure source, a water storage source that is connected to a pump for operating. You can also use a well that comes with a pump to ensure sufficient pressure and capacity for the system’s demands or a reliable system of waterworks with an automated pump.
Triangle Fire Systems
Triangle Fire Systems is a provider of fire sprinkler installation services. The company offers a wide range of fire sprinkler systems and installation services at a variety of costs. It is based in the UK. For more information visit https://www.trianglesprinklersystems.co.uk/
