Automatic sprinkler system
Sprinklers are simple devices that are individually operated by the heat from a fire. When a fire starts hot gases rise. If a sprinkler is present, a glass bulb or solder link gets hot and at a specific temperature breaks, releasing a cap and allowing water to flow onto a diffuser.
The diffuser breaks up the water flow into carefully controlled droplets which penetrate the fire and cool the burning material to below its ignition point, thus controlling the fire. Only the sprinkler(s) directly over the fire are operated.
The sprinklers are connected to pipework, usually filled with water, which is supplied either from the water mains or from a storage tank via a pump. When a sprinkler operates, the flow of water in the pipework operates a flow switch which in turn operates an alarm system. The flow of water is small, usually less than 1/100th of the water used by the Fire and Rescue Service.
Foam suppression
Foam suppression is used where flammable liquids or plastics can catch fire. The fire spreads very quickly and toxic combustion gases are emitted. Foam is used as a blanketing and cooling agent, coating the fuel to prevent contact with oxygen.
Water deluge
Sprinkler systems are usually designed to protect the whole building. Deluge systems are used in rooms with high ceilings to quickly wet down an entire area in facilities that contain high flammable liquids and chemicals.
Hydrants and hose reels
Fire hydrants are installed on properties to enable the fire service to have instant access to a local water supply to limit the spread and extinguish the fire.
Fire Hose Reels are designed to provide a large, continuous, controlled volume of water to fight fires.
Dry Risers
Dry risers are used to supply water within buildings for fire-fighting purposes. The provision of a built-in water distribution system means that fire fighters do not need to create their own distribution system in order to fight a fire and it avoids the breaching of fire compartments by running hose lines between them.
Dry risers do not contain water when they are not being used, but are charged with water by the fire service when necessary.
Wet Risers
Wet riser systems are very similar to dry, except that they are permanently charged with water. They are used where floors are over 50m above the Fire Service access level and where supply pressures exceed those of the fire appliance.
The most successful and dependable way to protect your property from fire is to fit a sprinkler system. It provides automatic detection, alarm and firefighting capability at all hours of the day and night, 365 days of the year.
Source: BSA
