What are the four types of fire sprinklers?

Wet pipe fire sprinklers are the most common type and are found in most buildings. They are simple and reliable, as they operate by constantly having water in the pipes ready to spray out when a fire is detected. Wet pipe sprinklers are ideal for buildings that have a standard fire risk.

Dry pipe fire sprinklers are commonly used in areas where temperatures become very low, or where there is a risk of freezing. Instead of water, the pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen, which keeps the water out until a fire heat triggers the sprinklers. This type of sprinkler is particularly beneficial in colder environments, such as parking garages and warehouses.

Pre-action fire sprinklers are useful in areas where water damage is a concern, such as computer rooms or art galleries. They operate similarly to dry pipe sprinklers as they are not filled with water until activated by a fire detector and require two steps to activate. They are more complex than wet pipe sprinklers and are beneficial in high-value areas where water damage is not acceptable.

Deluge fire sprinklers are commonly used in high-risk areas, such as chemical or oil storage facilities. Unlike the other types of sprinklers, deluge sprinklers are always open, and the water is delivered immediately when a fire is detected. They are useful in preventing the spread of fire in areas that contain highly flammable materials.