How Fire Sprinklers Work

7/11/2021 (Permalink)

You may be wondering if you really need to install a fire sprinkler system in your commercial building. However, sprinklers are an important part of any structure. They limit fire damage and keep your employees safe.

How Sprinklers Work

A sprinkler system has four main components. They are:

• Water pipe
• Plug
• Bulb filled with liquid
• Sprinkler head
  

The sprinkler is attached to an existing pipe in the building. When the temperature reaches a certain level, the glass bulb bursts. This frees the water from the pipe, which goes through the sprinkler head and onto the fire.

This fire suppression system allows sprinklers to work quickly. They often extinguish or contain a blaze before the firefighters even arrive at the scene.

Installing Sprinklers

You should not attempt to install sprinklers on your own. Instead, contact a contractor who understands the local standards and codes. Ideally, you should get the sprinklers installed while the building is being remodeled.

Sprinkler Myths

You may have seen television and movie scenes where a fire sprinkler system accidentally goes off in the absence of fire. This excess water then soaks the entire building and its contents.

Don’t let this myth preclude you from installing fire sprinklers in your North City, WA, commercial building. Sprinklers rarely activate unless there really is a fire in your building. That’s because sprinklers are triggered by the high temperatures that accompany fires. Burnt toast or cigar smoke alone won't cause them to operate.

You also don’t have to worry about all the sprinklers in a building going off at once and causing major flooding. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate. Of course, sprinklers and fire hoses do often leave behind water damage. Fire sprinkler cleanup specialists can help dry wet items and restore your charred belongings.

Installing a fire sprinkler system in your building can protect you and your assets. While sprinklers are relatively simple devices, they can quickly extinguish a blaze and reduce smoke damage.