Sprinkler System Working Principle

Not just any heat source will trigger a sprinkler system to activate.

Sprinkler system working principle.

Principle of operation normally a wet pipe automatic fire sprinkler system is fully charged with water coming from a known reliable water supply. Each sprinkler is nothing but a faucet or tap as they call it in some countries a hole in the pipe through which water can escape into the building below. The cap valve are held tightly against the orifice by a system of levers and links or other releasing devices pressing down on the cap and anchored firmly by struts on the sprinkler. The sprinkler heads must detect a high enough temperature usually between 135 and 165 degrees fahrenheit 57 to 74 celsius.

A sprinkler system is a network of pipes running through the ceiling of a building holding water under pressure. When the air is hot enough and reaches a sprinkler head it triggers a chain reaction. Principle of operation under normal conditions water discharged from an automatic sprinkler is restrained by a cap or valve. The installation is pressurised with the alarm valve secured in the open position.

When a blaze ignites the air directly above it heats rapidly. Note the red liquid alcohol in the glass bulb. Sprinkler heads operate individually.