To ensure that everyone feels safe in your workplace, you need to have a tried and tested fire safety plan to rely on. In addition to defining clear escape routes and planning regular fire drills, it’s crucial to verify that your fire sprinkler system is in working order. Fire sprinklers can help save lives when they are properly inspected. If you don’t have a functioning sprinkler system in your workplace, you’re putting yourself and your employees at risk.
Fire sprinkler systems contain various components that allow them to do their job effectively. To get the most out of your sprinkler system, it’s important to understand how it works. Here are all the answers to any questions you might have, including “How do fire sprinkler systems work?”
The Anatomy of a Fire Sprinkler
A standard fire sprinkler includes a set of key parts that enables it to work properly. These main components include:
- Alarm check valve: The alarm check valve is connected to an electric bell or mechanical water motor gong. When water flows through the alarm valve, it activates the bell or gong and alerts bystanders that there is a fire.
- Check valve: The purpose of the check valve is to prevent water in the sprinkler system from re-entering the public water supply. This valve also plays an essential role in keeping backflow at bay.
- Butterfly valve: To keep your entire fire sprinkler system running smoothly, you need a properly functioning butterfly valve. This key component helps to regulate the flow of water throughout the sprinkler system.
- Control valve: Without a control valve, water cannot flow out of your sprinkler system. It’s crucial to keep this valve open at all times, except for routine maintenance or repairs.
- Fire sprinkler head: This is the main component of any fire sprinkler system. When activated, the fire sprinkler head opens automatically and releases a flow of water. The sprinkler head will only begin to discharge water once the activating link has reached a specified temperature.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with each of these vital components. When asking yourself, “How do fire sprinkler systems work?”, you can always refer to these parts as a guide on the inner workings of a sprinkler system.
How Are Fire Sprinkler Systems Activated?
To learn about how fire sprinklers are activated, it’s helpful to understand the way these systems are set up in homes or office buildings.
When asking yourself, “How do fire sprinkler systems work?”, remember that modern fire sprinkler systems consist of a vast network of piping. This piping is filled with pressurized water that is released once the sprinklers are activated. Because water is always stored inside the piping, your fire sprinkler system is always prepared to respond to a fire.
To activate, a fire sprinkler system must reach a specified temperature. The air below the sprinklers will begin to heat up rapidly once a fire breaks out. When the air temperature rises to a certain degree, the sprinkler system will respond by triggering the control valve and releasing water from the fire sprinkler heads.
Fire sprinkler systems are designed to react quickly to a fire. If you rely solely on a smoke detector, the local fire department may not arrive in time to extinguish the flames. Not only does a quick response time help save lives, but it also protects against widespread property damage in your home or business.
How To Keep Your Fire Sprinklers in Optimal Condition
Now that you have the answer to the question: “How do fire sprinkler systems work?”, it’s important to confirm that all of your sprinklers are in proper working condition. Your sprinkler system must be thoroughly inspected by a trained professional to ensure optimal safety for your entire workforce.
The main components of the system, such as the control valves and alarm devices, should be inspected quarterly. The system gauges need to be tested weekly or monthly, and the piping and fittings require annual inspections to work at their best.
In addition to scheduling routine maintenance with a skilled expert, it’s a good idea to have your facility owners or staff members look at the fire sprinkler system on a regular basis. This can help alert you to any potential concerns and allow you to take care of them as soon as possible. Even minor issues may become more serious as time goes on, so it’s crucial to pay close attention to anything that might seem out of place.
When checking your sprinkler system, make sure that it’s located in an easily accessible area. If your sprinklers malfunction or become damaged in some way, you’ll want to have easy access to the control valve to shut off the system immediately. This will help prevent further water damage and keep your working environment safe and secure.
Keep Your Workplace Safe With the Right Fire Sprinkler System
A fire sprinkler system is an essential component of your building’s fire safety protocol. Knowing the answer to “how do fire sprinkler systems work?” helps you understand how sprinklers can significantly boost the safety of your workplace.
Be sure to have each part of your sprinkler system professionally inspected and tested on a regular basis. Whether you have a dry pipe sprinkler system, a wet pipe system or a deluge sprinkler system, our experts can provide professional inspections, repairs and maintenance to give you greater peace of mind.
WFX focuses heavily on Fire Sprinkler Systems. Schedule a consultation or call us today at 855-WFX-1978.
