Fire sprinkler systems are critical safety features in commercial and residential structures. These systems are designed to help control or extinguish fires and fire hazards in order to protect occupants and property.
Fire sprinkler systems are arguably one of the most important aspects of owning or leasing a building, yet many business owners are unfamiliar with how their fire sprinkler systems work.
This article will answer eight of the most common questions you may have about your fire sprinkler system.
1. What Exactly Is a Fire Sprinkler System?
Fire sprinkler systems are a complex network of pipes, nozzles, and sprinkler heads designed to detect, control, and extinguish fires.
2. How Do Fire Extinguisher Systems Work?
These systems are made to detect heat from a potential fire. When they detect heat, they automatically activate to spray an extinguishing agent (usually water) onto the area in order to either extinguish it or control it until professional help arrives.
For large networks, the sprinkler head closest to the detected location activates. This is contrary to most depictions in the media, where every sprinkler throughout a building turns on, saturating the structure in water. In real life, all the sprinkler heads do not activate at once.
3. How Much Water Damage Do Sprinklers Cause?
Fire sprinkler systems are designed to limit the flow of water needed to control a fire. Rather than flooding an area, these systems unleash a controlled amount of water in the heat-detected location.
Water damage may be unavoidable, but fire sprinklers put out less water than the fire hoses firefighters use.
4. How Expensive Are Fire Sprinkler Systems?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, as the installation and maintenance costs of a fire sprinkler system largely depend on the size of the building.
If you operate your business out of an older building or one with a complex design, you may be looking at higher costs, too.
Regardless, the potential damage caused by a fire outweighs the costs of installing and maintaining a system.
5. How Much Maintenance Do They Require?
Fire sprinkler systems need to be checked and maintained on a routine basis to ensure they’re optimized for performance in the event of a fire.
Maintenance checks may include:
- Repairs
- Inspections
- Testing
These maintenance checks should always be done by a professional.
6. How Often Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Malfunction?
Sometimes, fire sprinkler systems malfunction and activate when there isn’t a fire. This is extremely rare and is usually caused by equipment that hasn’t been serviced routinely.
Regularly scheduled maintenance and inspections decrease the risk of accidental activations and malfunctions.
7. Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Freeze in the Winter?
If your fire sprinkler system hasn’t been regularly maintained, there is a chance it may freeze in cold weather.
To prevent this from happening, your sprinkler system should be installed to withstand the type of climate you live in. A fire extinguisher in New Jersey, for example, must be able to withstand temperatures well below freezing.
8. Are Fire Sprinkler Systems Required in All Commercial Buildings?
No, not all commercial buildings are required to have fire sprinkler systems. The requirements depend on:
- The size of the building
- The type of building
- Other individual factors
Local commercial building regulations and codes will dictate whether your building needs a fire sprinkler system.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection in NJ
For installation, inspections, and maintenance by fire extinguisher professionals, contact ABC Fire & Safety. We are the leading provider of commercial fire safety in Kenilworth and surrounding areas. Contact our team to learn more about our services.
