Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems and Applications


Wet Pipe Sprinkler


  • Always filled with water and ready to go
  • Commonly found in office buildings, hotels and high-rise buildings



Dry Pipe Sprinkler


  • Extinguishes with air, nitrogen or water
  • Fill with water when the system activates
  • Ideal for unheated buildings such as warehouses





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Testing and Inspections for Sprinkler Systems



Sprinkler System Inspection & Maintenance


Properly maintained automatic fire sprinkler systems help save lives. Fire sprinkler systems react quickly so they can dramatically reduce the heat, flames and smoke.

Field service is a core strength of Tyler Fire Alarm that makes us the preferred service provider for our clients. We offer a full range of pre-scheduled fire sprinkler inspections and maintenance. Per NFPA 25, various parts of sprinkler systems must be tested at different intervals.

In commercial structures, we test fire hoses while testing your sprinkler system. The service trucks carry everything we need to get the job done completely the first visit.


Below are some of the items tested during a sprinkler system inspection:


  • The main control valves are open
  • Systems are functional upon arrival
  • The control valves operate through the full range
  • The electric alarm test is satisfactory
  • The valves are lubricated as needed
  • There are extra sprinkler heads in the cabinet
  • The gauges are good and reading correctly
  • The building is heated in wet sprinkler area
  • The alarm time is delayed in seconds
  • The water motor and gong are functional
  • The alarm devices are functional & free of damage
  • Is stock and storage 18″ below the sprinklers?

More testing may be required depending on system type



How Do Fire Sprinklers Work


Sprinkler systems are one of the most useful tools in your firefighting arsenal. Today’s sprinkler systems have been shown to reduce deaths and property loss by more than 65 percent.


How Fire Sprinklers Detect Heat


Fire sprinklers are triggered by high heat, not smoke. When a fire ignites, the air directly above it heats up rapidly. The hot air rises and spreads throughout the ceiling. When the air is hot enough, it triggers a chain reaction.

Your sprinkler heads have a glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid. The liquid expands when it comes in contact with air heated to between 135 and 165 degrees. As the liquid expands, it shatters its glass then the sprinkler head activates.


How Fire Sprinklers Put Out or Slow the Spread of Fire


Sprinkler heads are attached to a pipe that connects directly to a reliable water source outside of the building. When heat activates the sprinkler head, a valve opens allowing pressurized water from the pipe system to spray out.

The water in a fire sprinkler system has to be pressurized, which allows the spray to travel outward in an arc thoroughly douses the fire preventing it from reigniting.


How Fire Sprinklers Minimize Water Damage


Most people think sprinkler systems are tied together, that they all activate when one is triggered.

In this case, putting out a fire would be like trading fire damage for water damage. Sprinkler heads function individually. Many times, fires are extinguished after just one or two sprinklers activate, then water damage is confined to the small area where the fire started. Fire sprinklers douse fires with approximately six times less water than a fire hose. Quick action is less damaging to your property than the fire department.



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