While a fire extinguisher is required in all commercial spaces, it will not successfully contain a large fire from spreading. Any fire extinguisher in New Jersey is helpful, but it can’t compete with a fire sprinkler system.
Fire sprinkler systems are often forgotten about until there is a fire event. These life-saving devices work with other passive and active fire protection systems to help subdue flames and smoke, reducing the advancement of a fire.
Customers and employees have more time to escape the premises safely while waiting for a fire response team to arrive. Having the right fire sprinkler system for your business is crucial to your success and the protection of your visitors.
Types of Commercial Sprinkler Systems
There are five major kinds of commercial fire sprinkler systems. The type of facility and hazards determines which sprinkler is the most effective. Each design varies in operation, but they both aim to prevent the spread of a fire.
Wet Pipe Sprinklers
Traditional fire sprinkler systems are also called wet pipe sprinklers. They are the typical system found in many buildings. During a fire event, heat triggers the closest sprinkler head, discharging pressurized water that is contained within the pipes.
Every sprinkler head operates individually, limiting water damage, especially during a false alarm. Traditional fire sprinkler systems are cost-effective and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for schools, offices, and other commercial spaces.
Dry Pipe Sprinklers
Unlike traditional fire sprinkler systems, a dry pipe system does not keep water in the lines. Instead, they contain pressurized nitrogen or air, which is released during a fire when the sprinkler valves are triggered. After discharging these gasses, the tubes fill with water and spray over the flames and smoke.
A dry pipe system is more intricate and expensive than a traditional system. But it’s suitable for frigid climates with a higher chance of frozen pipes, which can prevent an emergency response during a fire.
Pre-Action System
A pre-action system is similar to a dry pipe sprinkler. However, it has two steps to complete before it activates. First, as smoke or heat gets detected, the pre-action valve opens, permitting water to move through the pipes. Then, the sprinkler heads individually start, releasing water over the blaze.
Commercial buildings can deactivate the system during a false alarm through this two-step process. This protects their property from water damage. These valuable systems are beneficial in areas such as showrooms, data centers, and libraries, where an accidental discharge could lead to irreparable damages.
Deluge System
The third type of dry pipe system is the deluge sprinkler system. Unlike the other systems, these sprinkler heads remain unrestricted. These systems do not contain a heat-sensing component; therefore, your building must have an exterior heat or smoke sensor to trigger them.
After the system detects heat, water surges through the lines and is discharged through all available sprinkler heads. This creates flooding throughout the entire space. A deluge system is most commonly used in areas with volatile liquids that can disperse fast.
Foam Water Sprinklers
Water is one of the most common options to use for a fire sprinkler system. But it’s not always the best choice.
Foam is helpful when the fire is related to flammable liquids like alcohol or gas. You can find this system in a kitchen or automotive repair shop. A foam water system expels water and a foamy substance that moves through the pipe to put out the fire.
Equip Your Commercial Building with a Fire Sprinkler System
To learn more about local codes and requirements, you can contact your local fire authority or reputable fire safety company. And for the safety of your customers, employees, and business, it’s essential to schedule an inspection or installation for a fire sprinkler system and a fire extinguisher in Kenilworth.
