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The first line of defense against fire in many occupancies is an automatic sprinkler system. Properly operating sprinkler systems have a success record of better than 96%. Most automatic sprinkler system failures can be traced to human error, sabotage, vandalism, or explosions which knock out sprinkler system piping. It is essential that all firefighters have a sound, working knowledge of automatic sprinkler systems and the specific tasks required of the engine company to support them.
Automatic Sprinkler
Automatic sprinkler systems are found in many types of occupancies including mercantile, commercial, industrial, warehousing and assembly. Increasingly, sprinkler systems are being installed in residential occupancies--both permanent (multiple dwellings) and transient (hotels and motels).
Pre-incident Planning
Engine and ladder companies should be familiar with automatic sprinkler systems found in their response areas and any special characteristics or problems with these systems. Many buildings equipped with automatic sprinkler systems are already included in CIDS for various reasons, but CIDS information related to the sprinkler system itself may not be available. Engine company chauffeurs should pay particular attention to the location and condition of siamese connections and nearby hydrants.
The Operation Sprinkler System
A 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. Although historically only used in factories and large commercial buildings, home and small building systems are now available at a cost-effective price.
Fire sprinkler systems are hooked up to water pipes in your ceiling and walls. The network of water pipes is either filled with water at all times, or hooked up to your water main or a storage tank via a water pump or valve. The sprinklers themselves are installed on your ceilings or sometimes high on the walls.
Each sprinkler in the fire sprinkler system is fitted with a glass bulb containing gases and liquids that expand under heat, or with a fusible link with seals that melt upon contact with high heat. When a fire starts, it sends a plume of hot air toward the ceiling. This expands the contents of the glass bulb. When the gases get hot enough, the glass bulb breaks. In the case of the fusible link, the heat melts the seals on the links.
This releases a valve connected to the water pipes in the ceiling, dousing the fire with water. The glass bulbs and link seals are often designed to break at a specific temperature-usually around 68°C.The droplets released by the fire sprinkler system are strictly controlled to be large enough to penetrate the core of the fire without evaporating. They bring the temperature inside the fire down below sustainable levels. As a result, the fire goes out quickly before it has a chance to spread to different areas of the house.
