Sprinkler system how does it work

The sprinkler valves are often grouped together in an arrangement called a sprinkler manifold which makes them easy to locate and reduces the amount of sprinkler wire required. The sprinkler wire connects each automatic valve to the sprinkler timer or controller.

The sprinkler timer tells each valve to open at a specified time, run for a specified time, and then close. Some sprinkler timers can be connected to smart devices which automatically calculate when and how long the system should run and shut the system off when it is raining.

The ability to precisely control watering according to specific conditions in the yard is the key to how an automatic sprinkler system conserves water. Lateral line pipes carry water from the automatic valves to the sprinkler heads. Drip zones, which use very low flow sprinkler devices called emitters to deliver water garden, shrub, and flower beds, are becoming more and more common as a water-conserving replacement for traditional sprinkler heads.

However, the way water is stored and is delivered through pipes depends on the type of fire sprinkler system. Wet pipe systems store water in the pipes and release it immediately when the trigger breaks.

Dry pipe systems store water behind a valve that needs to be released before the water can flow through the pipes and out of the sprinkler head. A pre-action sprinkler is like a dry pipe system except for the valve is controlled by an electronic device. The only exception is the deluge sprinkler system that is not activated by heat at all.

Instead, a fire alarm releases the water and a valve must be manually closed to stop the flow of water. Wet pipe, dry pipe, and pre-action sprinklers all use pressurized air. In wet pipe sprinklers, pressure in the pipes ensures the water is delivered quickly. In dry pipe and pre-action sprinkler systems, pressurized air is used to fill the pipes instead of water filling the pipes. Once the air is released, due to a fire being detected, the water then flows through the pipes.

It is a myth that once a fire is detected all fire sprinklers go off. If you require a sprinkler system where all the sprinkler heads go off at the same time, then you need a deluge sprinkler system. Sprinkler systems are no longer about pretentious home-improvement: they are the ideal mean of taking care of your lawn. By installing even the simplest of systems, you can finally take that year-long vacation in the middle of July, without having to leave the keys to your neighbor to ask them to water your petunias.

Just schedule the desired watering hours into your controller and drive off! We are reader supported. External links may earn us a commission. Table of Contents. Related Posts. When a fire is detected, the device opens the valve located inside the pipes to allow the water to flow out of the sprinkler system. This system contains both a double interlocking mechanism as well as the pressurized air or nitrogen.

This mechanism monitors the pipes for leaks as well as holding the water away from the piping in order to prevent an accidental release. A deluge system is ideal for a highly hazardous area that could contain a fuel hazard with a high rate of heat.

This system is typically found near warehouse bay entries or any other place a fire could spread rapidly. The sprinkler head stays open all the time and are not activated by heat. This system is activated by a fire alarm that causes the water to release.

Once open, the valve must be shut off manually. When it comes to protecting your business, there is nothing better than a sprinkler system, but which system will you choose? At Fireline , we offer an array of portable fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems to keep commercial kitchens safe.