The American University in Cairo

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS

Sprinkler System

OPERATION
Automatic sprinkler system as a network of

charged hose line (pipes) suspended throughout a facility and ready to deliver water through regularly spaced nozzles (sprinklers) shortly after fire starts. Water is automatically released when sprinklers fusible element (metal link or glass bulb) is heated equal or above its temperature rating.

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The metal link melts or the bulb bursts,

releasing the water under pressure, which hits the sprinklers deflector to form an umbrella-like spray pattern over the fire. Each sprinkler operates individually.

Types of Sprinkler Systems

1. Wet-pipe System
2. Dry-pipe System 3. Pre-action System 4. Deluge System

The Wet-pipe Sprinkler System

Is the most common.
The sprinkler piping is filled with water

under pressure. When the individually fused sprinklers operate, the water immediately discharges and continues to flow until the system is shut off.

The Dry-pipe Sprinkler System

Is used in unheated areas where water in

piping would be susceptible to freezing. Instead of water, the the piping contains pressurized air. The air holds the water behind a dry-pipe valve, which is located in heated area. When a sprinkler operates, the drop in air pressure automatically opens the dry-pipe valve, which lets water into the pipes. Time delay.

The Pre-action Sprinkler System

Is similar to a dry-pipe system but is considered slightly more efficient. This system is used where an alarm in advance of sprinkler operation is desired, and where it is particularly important to prevent accidental discharge of water. Heat or smoke detectors are installed throughout a protected area. When a detector actuates, an automatic water control valve admits water through sprinkler piping, where it remains until a sprinkler head operates.

The Deluge System

Operates in much the same manner as the

pre-action system, but with one exception: The sprinkler heads are open (they have no fusible element) so that water will discharge from all sprinklers simultaneously, wetting down the entire protected area. This system is used in high-hazard occupancies where the immediate application of large quantities of water is needed.

Alarms
Within each sprinkler system is an alarm. It is activated when a predetermined

amount of water flows through an alarm actuating device. A local alarm sounds an audible signal on the premises and alert employees. A proprietary or central station alarm sends an electrical impulse to a supervisory station.

Alarms

Types Of Sprinklers
1.
2. 3.

4.
5. 6. 7. 8.

Upright Standard Sprinkler Pendent Standard Sprinkler Dry-pendent Sprinkler Sidewall Sprinkler Rack Storage Sprinkler Large-drop sprinkler Early Suppression-Fast Response (ESFP) On-off Sprinklers

Sprinkler Components
Orifice Size
Temperature Rating Occupancy (light Moderate Extra)

Control Valves
Commodity Classification Sprinkler Piping and Spacing Water Supply (Tanks Muncipal -) Connections (Test conn. siamese)