Does your building meet updated fire codes? There’s a good reason the fire marshal mandates indoor capacities: fire hazards. These fire hazards become much more dangerous and devastating when there are too many people and too few emergency exits—as such, maintaining and upgrading fire sprinkler systems is essential. Let’s learn some more about them before you make your investments.
The Wet-Fire System
Wet-Fire sprinkler systems are among the most common systems in use. These systems rely on a steady water supply; the heat emanating from the fire will cause the core to burst, which then releases water via the sprinkler head. However, this is not an all-or-nothing configuration – only the sprinkler heads closest to the fire will activate when triggered by heat, fire, flames, and smoke. This feature works to minimize damage caused by false alarms and only respond to problematic zones filled with fire hazards.
The Dry-Fire System
You might be wondering what dry-fire sprinkler systems are supposed to be. After all, you can only use water to put out fires, right? In some cases, this tactic is the wrong approach altogether – it can make the situation worse instead of better. These fire sprinkler systems use air and not water. Furthermore, the water is kept stored away from the pipes until it is needed. Although it takes longer for the water to arrive, it is still a more measured response when unheated buildings and properties are at risk of freezing over. In the next winter storm, harsh conditions and subzero temperatures can do more damage to infrastructure than you might imagine. These systems are favored in areas where pipes freezing and bursting are more likely than the rampant spread of fires.
Preaction Systems
Let’s end our discussion by talking about preaction fire sprinkler systems. When you want the best of both worlds in terms of fire protection, then this is your solution. They are typically deployed in museums and libraries – buildings that house delicate and intricate assets that are easily damaged and ruined. Preaction systems depend on an air supply rather than a water reservoir, but they do not activate until after a fire is detected by its sensors. What this means is that smoke and fire alarms need to go off first. Thus, mechanical failures and false alarms cannot wreak havoc on your building’s interior.
Trust the Professionals at ARK Systems
Located in Columbia, Maryland, ARK Systems provides unsurpassed quality and excellence in the security industry, from system design to installation. We handle all aspects of security with local and remote locations. With over 30 years in the industry, ARK Systems is an experienced security contractor. Trust ARK to handle your most sensitive data storage, surveillance, and security solutions. Contact ARK Systems at 1-800-995-0189 or click here today. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!