

The hot gases from a fire will raise the temperature at ceiling level and when the area adjacent to the head reaches a specific temperature that sprinkler head will actuate and spray water on to a fire. When heat is applied from a fire below, the glass bulb will burst, due to expansion of the liquid in the bulb, or the solder will melt, which then releases the plug and water flows through the sprinkler head. The water is held back by a glass bulb or soldered strut which holds a plug in place. Water can be supplied from a tank via pumps or from the town mains, providing the flow is sufficient and fills the pipes.ĭetector heads are nozzles that direct a jet of water on to a deflector plate which defuses over a large area. How Sprinklers Work:Ī fire sprinkler system are a network of fixed water pipes supplied by two water sources with sprinkler heads fitted at recommended distances apart.

Depending on the system type, the pipes can be filled with water, pressurized air, or nitrogen gas. Pipes are generally made out of fire-resistant plastic, steel, or copper. If you don’t have an adequate and proper system, your building won’t have the protection it needs.Ī sprinkler system consists of a series of heads that are connected to a system of pipes, which are usually installed on the ceiling, although they can be installed on walls as well. Just as there are many types of buildings in varying conditions, there are also different fire sprinkler system types. Having the right sprinkler system in a building is a must. Definitions:Ī fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection measure, consisting of a water supply system, providing adequate pressure and flow rate to a water distribution piping system, onto which fire sprinklers are connected. is officially formed and publishes codes for automatic sprinkler installation.

It consists of shell and soldered brass cap.ġ882 -Grinnell invents an improved sprinkler that can withstand higher pressures and distributes water more evenly.ġ896 -N.F.P.A. Winter was a problem, and making sure someone was watching at all times.ġ806 -John Carey designs a system of perforated pipes, plungers, and burning strings.ġ812 -Colonel William Congreve designs perforated pipes with valves.ġ875 -Parmelee invents the first modern sprinkler.A tank on the roof of the structure was drained during a fire and released the water into the pipes.Used clay and wood pipes with holes drilled into them.Officially developed and used by Henry Parmalee in 1874 to protect his piano factory.
