How Sprinklers Work During a Fire

This article will explore how commercial fire sprinkler systems operate during a fire, their detection and response mechanisms, and why they’re an essential part of any building’s fire safety strategy.

The Role of Fire Sprinkler Systems in Commercial Buildings

At any business property, the risk of fire can come from many different sources—electrical malfunctions, kitchen accidents, or industrial processes. Fire sprinklers are designed to act quickly and automatically, reducing the chances of a fire spreading out of control. They serve as the first line of defense, controlling the flames until emergency personnel can arrive.

For property managers and business owners, investing in a reliable fire sprinkler system means investing in the safety of employees, customers, and valuable assets.

How Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Detect Fires?

Contrary to popular belief, fire sprinklers do not activate in response to smoke. Sprinklers work by being activated to heat. Smoke detectors, which are often installed alongside sprinkler systems, are designed to alert building occupants of a fire. However, sprinklers respond only when the temperature reaches a certain threshold, usually between 135°F and 165°F (57°C to 74°C).

Each sprinkler head is equipped with a heat-sensitive element, either a glass bulb filled with a liquid that expands when heated or a metal fusible link that melts at a specific temperature. When the surrounding air reaches the designated temperature, the element reacts by either shattering the glass bulb or melting the link. This triggers the release of water from the fire sprinkler head, aimed directly at the source of the fire.

Targeted Response: Only the Necessary Fire Sprinkler Heads Activate

One common misconception is that all the sprinklers in a building activate when a fire is detected. In reality, fire sprinklers are designed to operate independently, meaning only the sprinklers nearest to the fire will activate. This is a crucial feature because it helps limit water damage to areas not affected by the fire.

By targeting only the necessary areas, fire sprinkler systems reduce the risk of unnecessary damage while maximizing the effectiveness of fire suppression. The goal is to control or extinguish the fire before it can spread, giving firefighters time to arrive and fully extinguish any remaining flames.

How Water is Delivered to Fight the Fire

Once activated, sprinklers work to release water at a high pressure to douse the fire. Fire sprinkler systems in commercial buildings typically rely on a network of pipes connected to the building’s water supply. In some cases, a backup water supply is stored in a tank to ensure sufficient pressure and volume during a fire emergency.

Sprinkler systems use different types of water delivery methods depending on the type of sprinkler system installed:

Wet Pipe Systems: The most common type of fire sprinkler system, wet pipe systems, have water stored in the pipes at all times. This allows for immediate water release when a sprinkler head is activated.
Dry Pipe Systems: The pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen in dry pipe systems. When the sprinkler head is triggered, the air is released, allowing water to flow into the pipes and reach the affected area. This type of system is typically used in areas prone to freezing temperatures.
Pre-Action Systems: These systems require two triggers before releasing water—one from a smoke or heat detection system and one from the sprinkler itself. This helps prevent accidental activation and is often used in environments where water damage could be particularly costly, such as data centers or libraries.
Deluge Systems: Deluge systems activate all sprinkler heads simultaneously in response to a fire alarm signal. These are used in high-hazard areas where fires could spread rapidly, such as chemical plants or factories.

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How Sprinklers Work To Extinguish or Control a Fire

The key to fire suppression lies in the amount and distribution of water. Fire sprinkler heads are engineered to distribute water in a pattern that effectively covers the fire’s area. As water is sprayed over the fire, it works in two ways:

Cooling: Water helps to cool the fire and its surroundings, reducing the temperature and slowing the fire’s progress. The cooling effect also prevents the fire from reigniting.
Oxygen Deprivation: Water spray helps to reduce the availability of oxygen, which is one of the three components (along with heat and fuel) that fire needs to survive.

Benefits of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems

Investing in fire sprinkler systems offers numerous benefits beyond meeting local code requirements. Here are a few of the most significant advantages:

Protection of Life and Property: Fire sprinklers can contain a fire in its early stages, reducing the risk to occupants and minimizing the potential property damage. This makes them invaluable for preventing both loss of life and costly repairs.
Minimized Business Disruption: Fires can result in extended business shutdowns, leading to loss of income and customer trust. A fire sprinkler system can prevent small fires from turning into major disasters, helping businesses return to normal operations much faster.
Compliance and Insurance Benefits: Most commercial properties are required by law to have fire sprinkler systems installed. A properly installed and maintained sprinkler system is a proven risk-reduction measure and may reduce insurance premiums.
Cost-Effective Fire Suppression: Compared to the financial impact of a full-scale fire, the cost of installing and maintaining a fire sprinkler system is relatively low. Many businesses find that the protection and peace of mind quickly offset the upfront expense that these systems provide.

Fire Sprinkler Systems Required by Code

In most urban and suburban areas, commercial buildings must have fire sprinkler systems installed according to national or local building codes. However, sprinklers may not be mandated in some rural counties where there is little to no code enforcement. For property owners in these areas, installing a fire sprinkler system is still a smart investment, providing a level of fire protection that far outweighs the installation costs.

Even if it’s not required, installing sprinklers can reduce liability and help ensure a business is prepared for unexpected fire emergencies.

Secure Commercial Sprinkler Systems in Your Building With BMF Solutions Today

Score reliable commercial sprinkler systems for your building with BMF Solutions. We specialize in designing and installing systems that ensure safety and compliance, helping protect your business and employees. Let us provide peace of mind with our expert service and top-tier fire prevention solutions tailored to your needs.