Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Operating Principle

Each sprinkler head opens independently once a glass bulb or fusible link fails at a defined activation temperature. Because only the sprinklers directly above the fire open, water discharge stays confined to the affected area – a common misconception assumes the entire system activates at once. The cooling effect on the fire and its surroundings usually controls or extinguishes a fire while it is still in its early stages.

System Types

Wet pipe systems, with water permanently in the pipework, are the default in heated buildings. Dry pipe systems, filled with pressurised air, protect areas exposed to freezing or left unheated. Preaction systems reduce the risk of accidental discharge in particularly sensitive areas, while open deluge systems discharge through all nozzles simultaneously where fire can spread very rapidly, such as with flammable liquids.

Insurance Relevance

Automatic sprinklers are regarded as the single most effective loss control measure for limiting major fire losses. Property insurers reward properly designed, functioning systems with a more favourable risk rating. The most common causes of inadequate loss limitation are maintenance gaps or a hazard classification that no longer matches actual occupancy.