HOW D0ES A FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM WORK?

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 designed to break at a specific temperature for your particular needs.

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.

(WHAT TO KNOW WHEN INSTALLING A FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM)

 If you’re looking into installing a fire sprinkler system keep this in mind it’s not a do-it yourself job.

A fire sprinkler system should only be installed by a certified professional. Never try to do it yourself.

Be sure the company you choose is a licensed C-16 contractor for the State of California.

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