This document discusses automatic sprinkler systems, including their history and components. It describes different types of sprinkler systems like wet pipe, dry pipe, and pre-action systems. The key factors in determining the appropriate sprinkler system are identified as occupancy, commodity classification, storage heights and arrangements. The document provides diagrams of sprinkler system components and outlines the inspection, testing and maintenance requirements.

2. Basic Components
Introduction
Discuss Objectives
The Automatic Sprinkler
Types of Sprinkler Systems
Matching The Risk With The Correct Protection
Design Methods and Water Supplies
Automatic Sprinkler System Components
Sprinkler System Inspection, Tests, and Maintenance

3. The Automatic Sprinkler
History dates to mid to late 1800’s
Forerunner of modern sprinkler was perforated pipes
Extremely effective - Controls over 96% of fires
Designed to apply water over the source of the fire
Operates from heat generated by fire
Each sprinkler operates independently
Numerous types to meet protection requirements

4. The Automatic Sprinkler
Deflector (Upright)
Frame
Levers
Links
Solder
Cap

5. Upright & Pendent Standard Sprinklers

6. Pendent Quick Response Glass Bulb
Sprinkler

7. ESFR Sprinkler
Early Suppression Fast Response

8. Types of Sprinkler Systems
Wet Pipe Systems
Dry pipe Systems
Pre-action Systems
Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR)
Large Drop

9. Wet Pipe Systems
Area must be heated
Piping contains water under pressure
Water applied as soon as sprinkler fuses
Fast acting - Preferred system

10. Typical Wet Pipe System Riser

11. Alarm Check Valve with Trim

12. Alarm Check Valve for Wet Pipe System

15. Dry Pipe Systems
Area experiences freezing temperatures
Piping contains air under pressure
Water application delayed until air
pressure bleeds from system after sprinkler
fuses
Slow acting - Less desirable system

16. Typical Dry Pipe System

17. Typical Dry Pipe Valve with Trim

18. Dry Pipe Valve Assembly

21. Pre-action Systems
Area contains high valued water
damageable contents
Piping contains air under pressure
Separate fire detection system
Early alarm before water discharge

22. Preaction System

23. Typical Preaction System Riser

24. ESFR Sprinklers
Applications/Advantages
 Excellent for high storage
 Eliminates in-rack sprinklers
 Flexible storage arrangements

25. ESFR Sprinklers
Disadvantages
 Cost …often require fire pump
 Installation / construction restrictions
 Not Good for coolers or freezers
 Still require in-racks for motor oils,
vegetable oils and aerosols

26. Large Drop Sprinklers
Applications/Advantages
 Also excellent for high storage
 Also eliminates in-rack sprinklers
 Good for coolers & freezers

27. Large Drop Sprinklers
Disadvantages
 Larger water demands … fire pump
 Still require in-racks for motor oils,
vegetable oils and aerosols

28. Matching The Risk
With The Correct
Protection
+
Design Methods and Water
Supplies

29. Design Methods
Pipe Schedule
 Older method based on tables in NFPA 13.
Hydraulically Designed
 System specifically matched to the
Occupancy or Commodity Classification
 based on specific water density for a
calculated area (_ usgpm/sq.ft. over _ sq.ft.)

30. Key Determining Factors
 “Occupancy”- Light, Ordinary, Extra
Hazard
 “Commodity Classification” for storage &
warehousing (Class I to IV or Plastic)
 Storage Heights
 Storage Arrangements (Rack vs Palletized)
 Specialty products / risks (aerosols, etc.)

31. The Decision Tree
Determine
Occupancy
Storage or
Warehousing
Use NFPA 13
Occupancy Tables
See Appendix A
Commodity Class
1,2,3,4 or Plastics
See Appendix B
Temperatures
above 400F
Use wet pipe
Temperatures
between
00F and 400F
Use drypipe
Temperatures
below 00F
Use pre-action
Storage > 12 foot
Use NFPA 231C
See Appendix D
Rack Storage
Idle Pallets
Aerosols
Motor Oils
Vegetable Oils
Other
Flammable
Liquids
Tires
Rolled Paper
NFPA 231
NFPA 30B
NFPA 30
NFPA 30
NFPA 231D
NFPA 231F
Use NFPA 231
See Appendix C)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No

32. The Decision Tree - Example
The Details:
 Dry Grocery Warehouse
 Cereal, paper towels, pop canned food
products
 New building 25 ‘ high roof
 20 feet high storage
 Product palletized in solid piles (no racks)

33. Water Supplies
 Public Supply & Booster Pumps
 Gravity Tanks (Water Towers)
 Pressure Tanks
 Suction Tanks or reservoirs with Fire
Pumps

34. System
Components

35. The Fire Pump

36. Typical Fire Department Connection

39. P I V
Post indicator Valve

40. OS&Y
Outside Stem & Yoke Valve

41. Butterfly Valve w/ Tamper Wiring

42. Standard Gate Valve

43. Swing Check Valve

44. Typical Inspector’s Test Connection
Dry Pipe System Shown - Wet Pipe System is Similar

45. Dry System Auxiliary Drain

46. Typical Air Maintenance Arrangement
for Dry Pipe System from
Separate Air Compressor

47. The Complete
Fire Protection
System

48. Typical Plant
Fire Protection System

49. Sprinkler System Inspection,
Test, and Maintenance
National Fire Protection Association
Standard #25