Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems
What are Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems?
Water-based fire suppression systems are active fire safety systems where water is used in a controlled manner to contain and extinguish a fire. Automatic sprinkler systems are widely used against fire risks in residential, commercial, industrial, and various other building types, providing a high level of protection when designed and applied correctly.
An automatic sprinkler system basically consists of a water supply of suitable capacity, fire pumps, piping installation, control and alarm valves, and sprinkler heads. Water is delivered from the fire water source to the sprinkler heads placed inside the building via pumps and piping. The system is designed by considering the building's intended use, fire hazard class, architectural features, storage conditions, and relevant regulations and standards.
What is a Sprinkler Head?
A sprinkler head is a special fire extinguishing component that operates when the ambient temperature reaches a certain level during a fire, spraying the water in the system onto the fire zone in a controlled manner. Sprinkler heads help contain the fire at an early stage and aim to limit the spread of the fire to surrounding areas.
- Sprinkler heads open with the effect of heat during a fire and spray water onto the fire zone in a showering pattern.
- Every sprinkler head has a heat-sensitive triggering mechanism that operates at a specific temperature value.
- Depending on the application area and fire hazard class, sprinkler heads operating at different temperature values and products with different design features can be used.
- The mechanism keeping the sprinkler head in the closed position can be in the form of a heat-operated fusible link or a glass bulb mechanism that breaks with the expansion of a special liquid inside.
- Sprinkler selection and placement are made by considering the building's intended use, ceiling height, fire load, storage layout, environmental conditions, and relevant design criteria.
Types of Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads can be used in different types depending on the application method and the direction of the water spray. Common sprinkler types include upright, pendent, and sidewall sprinkler heads.
Upright Sprinklers
This is the type of sprinkler positioned on top of the piping installation, distributing water from top to bottom. It can be preferred especially in applications where the installation is exposed.
Areas of Application
Archives and Libraries
Shopping Malls and Centers
Warehouses and Logistics Centers
Factories and Industrial Facilities
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Hotels and Accommodation Facilities
Offices and Commercial Buildings
Schools and Universities
Parking Lots and Indoor Areas
Residential Projects
Transportation and Infrastructure Facilities