Installing a fire sprinkler system in your commercial building will do more than simply help you comply with New Jersey fire safety regulations. It will also help you protect your assets and safeguard your personnel.
Choosing to install a system is just the first step, though. From there, you’ll need to decide which system is best for your business. The following information regarding the various fire sprinkler systems available in New Jersey will help you choose the best one for your establishment.
Wet Systems
When you buy a fire extinguisher in New Jersey, you have a device that uses chemicals that treat specific types of fires. Wet sprinkler systems, in contrast, don’t use any chemicals. Instead, they store water in pipes, and a significant rise in temperature causes the gauge in each sprinkler head to burst. As such, water is only released in areas where there’s a potential fire.
The primary advantage that a wet system provides is that the water remains immediately available, eliminating the delay that’s common with dry systems. However, that also means the pipes are more likely to freeze or burst in instances of cold weather.
Dry Systems
Any fire extinguisher in your commercial building is useful in putting out small or contained fires. For larger threats, many commercial building owners prefer dry sprinkler systems that store pressurized gas or chemicals in pipes. The system releases the chemical through the sprinkler heads, with water following closely behind.
As with a wet system, dry sprinklers only release water through the heads when and where there’s a sharp rise in temperature. That prevents widespread water damage in your building, and the delay in dry systems also provides more time to turn off the system during a false alarm. While these systems require more maintenance than wet systems, they’re the best option for unheated commercial buildings.
Pre-Action Systems
Every sprinkler system requires routine service and testing. Fortunately, you can ensure that maintenance is performed when you schedule a fire extinguisher inspection in NJ. These inspections represent an important step with pre-action systems as, similar to dry systems, they don’t store water in the pipes. Instead, pressurized air keeps water from escaping through the sprinkler heads prematurely.
Once a rise in heat triggers the system, the pressurized air gets flushed through the sprinkler heads. The flow of water follows behind and gets directed to the heads connected to the triggered alarm. The pre-action procedure prevents the water from damaging sensitive assets, such as papers, artwork, or electronics.
Deluge Systems
In deluge fire sprinkler systems, the heads remain open, and the pipes stay filled with water. As soon as the alarms detect a potential fire, water is immediately released. While most systems only release water through the heads in a specific area, all of the sprinkler heads in a deluge system get activated at once.
A deluge system is ideal when there’s a potential for a widespread fire in a commercial or industrial building. It’s especially beneficial in facilities that store chemicals or flammable substances, such as commercial kitchens, factories, and anywhere with a higher risk of fire or explosions.
Which System Is Best for Your Business?
You’ll have to assess your fire risks and your need to protect your assets against both fire and water damage to determine the right system for your business. Many companies will install several types of sprinkler systems to provide the best protection. For example, a restaurant might install a wet system in the customer dining area and a deluge system in its kitchen.
Fire Sprinkler Installation Services You Can Trust
ABC Fire & Safety can help you choose the right fire sprinkler(s) for your commercial business. In addition to handling installations, we provide inspections, maintenance, and repairs to extend the functionality and lifetime of the equipment. Contact us today to get started!
