1. Automatic Sprinkler Systems
FET 112 – Fire Protection Systems
Objective #2

2. Automatic Sprinkler Systems

3. Automatic Sprinkler System
“For fire protection purposes, an integrated
system of underground and overhead piping
designed in accordance with fire protection
engineering standards……usually activated by
heat and discharges water over the fire area.”

4. History and Development of Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Early “sprinkler” systems involved the use of steel pipe with drilled holes or perforations provided along the length of pipe
This type of system involved a manually operated water supply
Corrosion, plugged holes, poor distribution of water onto the fire

5. History and Development of Automatic Sprinkler Systems
The concept for the use of a heat-actuated device dates back to approximately 1860, but it was not until 1875 that this concept was incorporated into a device
Henry Parmelee is given credit for the first “automatic” sprinkler
Brass Cap soldered over a perforated distributor designed to screw onto a nipple

6. NFPA 1995 report: U.S. Experience with Sprinklers…
“NFPA has no record of a fire killing more than two people in a completely sprinklered public assembly, educational, institutional, or residential building where the system was properly operating.”

7. Automatic Sprinkler System
Detects a fire
Sounds an alarm
Controls or extinguishes the fire
Enhances life safety
Reduces severity of loss
Minimizes business interruption
Most reliable and effective of all fire protection devices / systems

8. Automatic Sprinkler System Common Misconceptions
Heat from lighting a cigarette can activate the system
When one “goes off”, they all “go off”
Easily activated by accident
Will cause severe water damage
Leaks and drips are common problems
Not cost effective

9. Automatic Sprinkler System Why Do They Fail?
Construction 6%
Impairments 8%
Other Causes
11%
Obstructions 8%
Partial Protection 8%
Maintenance
35%
Inadequate Water
10%
Occupancy
14%
National Fire
Protection Association

10. Automatic Sprinkler System
INSPECTOR’S
TEST
CONNECTION
CROSS
MAIN
BRANCH
LINES
BULK MAIN
(RISER)
WATER
MOTOR
ALARM
FIRE
DEPT.
CONNECTION
ALARM VALVE
AUTOMATIC
SPRINKLERS
MAIN
DRAIN
CONNECTION
O.S. & Y. GATE VALVE TO CONTROL WATER
SUPPLY TO SYSTEM
WATER SUPPLY
Automatic Sprinkler System

11. Automatic Sprinkler System Design Considerations
Occupancy / storage / hazards
Environment
Building construction
Size / height of building
Special features
Location
Water supply

12. Occupancy Classifications
Light Hazard: Low Combustibility / low quantity of contents
Ordinary Hazard Group 1: Combustibility is low, quantity is moderate, moderate rate of heat release
Examples - parking garages / bakeries / canneries / laundries
Ordinary Hazard Group 2: Combustibility / quantity is moderate to high, heat release moderate to high
Examples - dry cleaners / printing / wholesale -retail sales

13. Occupancy Classifications
Extra Hazard Group 1: Combustibility and quantity very high, probability of rapidly developing fires with high heat release, little or no flammable / combustible liquids
Examples - feed mills / paper - wood - rubber products manufacturer
Extra Hazard Group 2: Same as group 1 with moderate to substantial amounts of flammable / combustible liquids or extensive shielding of combustibles
Examples - woodworking with flammable finishing, flammable liquids spraying, flow coating, mobile or modular housing manufacturers

14. Automatic Sprinkler System Types of Systems
Wet pipe system
Dry pipe system
Deluge system
Preaction system
Antifreeze system (loop)

15. Wet Pipe System System entirely filled with water
Heat opens system and water begins to flow immediately
Flowing water causes an alarm to sound
Water controls or extinguishes the fire
No action required to restore system except replacing activated sprinklers
Must be non-freezing locations

16. Wet Pipe System RISER SYSTEMSIDE SUPPLY PRESSURE SYSTEM PRESSURE
CLAPPER
(CLOSED)
PILOT
VALVE
TO ALARM
MAIN
DRAIN
O.S. & Y.
VALVE
SUPPLY SIDE

17. Wet Pipe System

18. Dry Pipe System
Used in unheated or artificially cooled areas (40º F or less)
System filled with air or nitrogen under pressure
Sprinklers opening releases air or nitrogen causing dry pipe valve to trip (open)
System fills with water and flows out opened sprinklers
Following activation system must be drained and reset

19. Dry Pipe Sprinkler System (Set)
AIR PRESSURE
FILLER CUP
FOR WET
SEAT
SYSTEM
MAIN
DRAIN
O.S. & Y. VALVE
INTERMEDIATE
CHAMBER
WATER
PRESSURE
GUAGE TO
ALARM
CLOSED CLAPPER
AIR

20. Dry Pipe Sprinkler System (Tripped)
AIR PRESSURE
GUAGE
WATER
PRESSURE
GUAGE
FILLER CUP
FOR WET
SEAT
SYSTEM TO
ALARM
OPEN
CLAPPER
2” DRAIN
O.S. & Y. VALVE

21. Dry Pipe Valve
Set
Tripped

22. Dry Pipe System

23. Dry Pipe System Quick Opening Devices
Required if system capacity exceeds 500 gallons or time for water flow to test connection exceeds 60 seconds.
Accelerator: Sprinkler opening causes air pressure to drop. Accelerator activates, sending air pressure under clapper causing dry pipe valve to trip
Exhauster: Sprinkler opening causes exhauster to open, allowing air to escape to atmosphere. Dry pipe valve trips quicker

24. Quick Opening Device Accelerator RESTRICTED ORIFICE AIR AIR
FLEXIBLE
DIAPHRAGM
RESTRICTED
ORIFICE
AIR
AIR
ACCELERATOR
VALVE
CLAPPER TO
ALARM
AIR
SEAT
WATER
SEAT
WATER
BALL DRIP
INTERMEDIATE CHAMBER
WATER
Accelerator

25. Quick Opening Device (Exhauster)
RISER
SYSTEM
RESTRICTED ORIFICE 40 40
AIR TO
ATMOSPHERE

26. Deluge System Special use system All sprinklers are open
Valve to system is opened by a heat / smoke detection system
Water flows from all sprinklers upon activation
Requires draining / resetting following activation
Valve must be in heated location

27. Deluge System ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE OPEN SPRINKLER TO ALARM AUTOMATIC
OR MANUAL
ACTIVATING
DEVICE
SUPPLY
PRESSURE
ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE
OPEN
SPRINKLER
TO ALARM
MAIN
DRAIN

28. Deluge System

29. Preaction System
Developed for properties highly susceptible to water damage
Requires 2 activations for water discharge
Piping is filled with air/ sprinklers closed
A fire detection system opens valve flooding system with water and sounding an alarm
Water does not flow until heat opens a sprinkler
May allow time for manual fire suppression
System requires draining / resetting

30. Preaction System ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE CLOSED SPRINKLER TO ALARM
AUTOMATIC
OR MANUAL
ACTIVATING
DEVICE
SUPPLY
PRESSURE
ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE
CLOSED
SPRINKLER
TO ALARM
MAIN
DRAIN

31. Preaction System

32. Review of the Three Types of Preaction Systems

33. Non-Interlocked Preaction systems
Designed so the Deluge Valve will open when EITHER the detection system operates OR a loss of pneumatic (air) pressure in the sprinkler system occurs
When the Deluge Valve opens, water will flow into the sprinkler piping and out of any open sprinklers and any other opening on the system.
In the event of non-operation of the release system, the system will operate as a dry system.

34. Single-Interlocked Preaction systems (most common)
Activation of a fire detection system will fill the system piping with water
Used where:
It is desirable to have water available at the sprinkler when the sprinkler operates
The sprinkler piping is subject to:
Damage
Freezing conditions
Accidental water discharge must be minimized

36. Double-Interlocked Preaction systems
Activation of BOTH the detection system and operation of an automatic sprinkler are necessary to cause discharge of water in the hazard area
Activation of one only will not cause the valve to open
Detection only – alarm condition
Sprinkler activation – loss of air pressure

38. Antifreeze System (Loop)
Used in small unheated area such as a loading dock
Connected to a wet pipe system
Capacity of antifreeze system should not exceed 40 gallons
Must meet local / state health regulations
Solution must meet proper type / mixture

39. Antifreeze System (Loop) – (cont.)
Heat opens the sprinklers releasing antifreeze followed by water from wet pipe system
System requires restoration following the activation
Annual testing of solution required

40. Antifreeze System (Loop)
SPRINKLER
FILLING CUP
WET
PIPE
SYSTEM
WATER
VALVE
HEATED
AREA
UNHEATED
AREA
ANTI-
FREEZE
SOLUTION
CHECK VALVE
DRAIN VALVE

41. Residential Sprinkler Systems

42. History – Residential Systems
Automatic Sprinkler Systems have been successfully used to protect various occupancies, including commercial and industrial buildings for over 100 years
However, a residence has historically been the place where most people die
In 1973, a report of the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control titled, “America Burning” brought to light this fact
80% of fire deaths were in the home

43. Residential Installation
Although increasing, it is estimated that less than 3 percent of the one- and two-family homes in the United States have them installed

44. Residential Sprinkler Systems
Handout of NFPA 13R – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height
NFPA 13D – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes

45. Residential Sprinkler Systems (cont.)
NFPA 13R addresses cost-effective sprinkler protection with LIFE SAFETY as its PRIMARY GOAL and PROPERTY PROTECTION as a SECONDARY GOAL
NFPA 13R provides a high, but not an absolute, level of life safety and a somewhat lesser degree of property protection

46. Residential Sprinkler Systems (cont.)
A sprinkler system designed and installed with NFPA 13R is expected to prevent flashover (total involvement) in the room of fire origin, where sprinklered, and to improve the chance for occupants to escape or be evacuated
Criteria was developed by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC) during actual fire tests

47. Residential Sprinkler Systems (cont.)
The main differences between a commercial sprinkler system (NFPA 13) and a residential sprinkler system is the sprinkler heads and the incoming service arrangement
Response Time vs. Conductivity of the head

49. Residential Sprinkler Heads
Classified as Fast Response Sprinkler Heads
Also, the spray from the residential sprinkler heads must wet the walls of the fire test chamber within their area of coverage to at least 18 inches from the ceiling

52. Water Spray Systems

53. Water Spray Systems
The term water spray refers to water that is discharged from specially designed nozzles or devices to produce a predetermined
Pattern
Particle size
Velocity
Density
The use of these designations cannot be taken as an indication of any specific discharge pattern or spray characteristics of the nozzle

54. Water Spray Systems (cont.)
Water Spray Systems are also called Water Fog Systems
These systems are typically designed to protect a specific piece of equipment with surface coverage
In addition, water spray systems are usually of the deluge type of system

56. Water Spray Nozzles
Spray nozzles are not equipped with fusible operating elements
Discharge from water spray nozzles differ from standard sprinklers in the following ways:
Pattern from spray nozzles may be elliptical
Water spray is forcefully directed onto the object or surface being protected
The nozzle spray must overcome wind and draft conditions
The required design density

59. Advantages of Wet Systems
System simplicity
Relative low installation and maintenance expense
Ease of modification
Short down time following a fire

60. Disadvantages of Wet Systems
This type of system is not suited for subfreezing environments
Not practical where piping is potentially subject to severe impact damage

61. Advantages of Dry Systems
Their ability to provide automatic sprinkler protection in spaces where freezing is possible
Example locations may include: unheated warehouses and attics, outside exposed loading docks, and within commercial freezers

62. Disadvantages of Dry Systems
Increased complexity
Higher installation and maintenance costs
Lower design flexibility
Increased response time
Increased corrosion potential
With the exception of unheated buildings, dry pipe systems are generally not recommended

64. Advantages of Deluge Systems
Faster response to fire occurrence
Usually more effective in controlling or extinguishing a fire condition
Single action is required for water release
Used where large amounts of water is of minimal concern

65. Disadvantages of Deluge Systems
Requires fire detectors for the actuation of the system
Potential water collection in the area of system operation

66. Advantages of Preaction Systems
Dual action is required for water release
Used in water sensitive environments
Example locations may include: archival vaults, fine art and storage rooms, rare book libraries and computer centers

67. Disadvantages of Preaction Systems
Higher installation and maintenance costs
Modification difficulties
Potential decreased reliability

68. Standpipes / Hose Supply

69. System Components
Listed - FM / UL / ULC / other recognized testing organizations
Properly designed
Properly installed
Adequately supported / braced
Protected from cold / vandalism / other damage
Regularly tested
Maintained

70. Automatic Sprinkler

71. Automatic Sprinklers Sprinkler Storage Cabinet

72. Valves Identification Signs

73. Fire Department Connection
RISER
MAIN
DRAIN
DRY PIPE
VALVE
FIRE DEPT.
HOSE
CONNECTION
CHECK
VALVE
CONTROL
VALVE
AUTOMATIC BALL DRIP

74. Fire Department Connection
RISER
MAIN
DRAIN
FIRE DEPT.
HOSE
CONNECTION
ALARM
CHECK
VALVE
CHECK
VALVE
CONTROL
VALVE
AUTOMATIC BALL DRIP

75. Fire Department Connection (FDC)

76. Problem?

77. Supervision Waterflow Water level / temperature (tank) Water pressure
Air pressure (dry pipe system / pressure tank
Valve tamper
Fire pump status
Valve room temperature
Other

78. Water Overflow (Standby)
MOTOR GONG
PRESSURE SWITCH
SUPPLY
PRESSURE
SYSTEM
PRESSURE
CLAPPER
CLOSED
PILOT
VALVE
LOCAL
ELECTRIC
ALARM
RETARD
CHAMBER

79. Water Overflow, Operating
MOTOR GONG
PRESSURE SWITCH
SUPPLY
PRESSURE
SYSTEM
PRESSURE
CLAPPER
OPEN
LOCAL
ELECTRIC
ALARM
RETARD
CHAMBER

80. Water Motor Gong

81. Waterflow

82. Valve Tamper

83. Big Problems!

84. Questions one must ask? Sprinkler System
Is the water supply adequate?
Was the system properly installed, flushed and tested?
Is the system and all components protected from cold, vandalism, or other damage?
Does the owner thoroughly understand the system and know how it works?
Is the system being properly tested and maintained?

85. Questions one must ask? Components
Are the sprinklers of the proper type, temperature classification, and obstructed?
Are all sprinkler control valves accessible / open / locked / supervised?
Is the sprinkler piping being used to support shelving / racks / storage / etc.?
Is the fire department connection visible / accessible / in working order?
Are the alarms tested / working / monitored?

86. Questions one must ask? Occupancy
Is the sprinkler system designed for the present occupancy?
Is the entire occupancy sprinklered?
Is there unanticipated high piled stack / rack storage / aerosols / flammable liquids / other hazards?
Is the building protected from exposure fires?
Are the vertical / horizontal / openings protected?
Are there unsprinklered combustible spaces?

87. Final Thoughts
Simply installing a sprinkler system will not guarantee adequate fire protection.
The system must be properly designed,
installed, tested, and maintained to
be effective.

88. QUESTIONS???