Fire Sprinkler Services

The most common type of fire sprinkler system installed at a property is going to be a wet system.

A wet sprinkler system will typically consist of a backflow prevention device, control valves, inspectors test / main drain, and a water flow alarm. All of these need to be inspected and tested annually at minimum.

Antifreeze systems are typically installed at multifamily living communities where there are fire sprinklers protecting breezeways and patios. Penthouses in high-rise buildings often have an antifreeze loop system incorporated into the installation, fed off of a wet system.

An antifreeze system is a wet pipe sprinkler system that utilizes an antifreeze solution to prevent water from freezing inside the sprinkler system. This allows for installation in areas that are exposed to freezing temperatures.

Prior to the onset of freezing temperatures, antifreeze solution should be tested to ensure the determined freezing point is being met and the pre-mixed solution is limited to 30% propylene glycol or 38% glycerine by volume.

Dry systems are specialized automatic sprinkler systems that are used for a variety of situations where it is not desirable to have water actively in the sprinkler piping. Commonly used in hospitals, data centers, attics, and other water sensitive areas.

In addition to these applications, areas that are especially prone to freezing temperatures such as parking garages benefit from having dry systems installed.

Along with an annual inspection, dry systems should have a 3-year Full-Trip performed to simulate normal operation. This is performed every three years to make every effort to keep the system dry as much as possible to help prolong the life of the system and deter corrosion.

Similar to a Dry System, Preaction Systems are specialized automatic sprinkler systems that are used in situations where it is undesirable to have water actively in the sprinkler piping. The most common application is data centers or data rooms that host sensitive data, as well as electrical equipment rooms.

Unlike Dry Systems, Preaction Systems require multiple actions or events to occur before the system operates. There three types of Preaction Systems:

• Single Interlock
• Double Interlock
• Non-Interlock

A Single Interlock Preaction System admits water to sprinkler piping upon operation of detection devices.

A Double Interlock Preaction System admits water to the sprinkler piping upon operation of both detection devices and automatic sprinklers.

A Non-Interlock System admits water to sprinkler piping upon operation of detection devices or automatic sprinklers.

Deluge Systems are similar to Preaction and Dry systems where they are specialized automatic sprinkler systems that are used in highly sensitive protection applications.

Unlike Preaction and Dry Systems, Deluge Systems employ open sprinklers or nozzles that, when activated by the operation of a detection system, water flows through the system and discharges from all sprinklers or nozzles.

The most common application of Deluge Systems is in Airplane Hangers or Helicopter Landing Pads, but is often integrated with a Foam System.

When the water pressure present is not substantial enough to supply the sprinkler system, a fire pump gives your sprinkler system the boost it needs to operate as designed.

Fire pumps should be flow tested annually and should have a monthly pump churn performed to ensure normal operation.

For more information on inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures for fire pumps, please contact us.

Fire Sprinkler Systems, Domestic Water Systems, and Irrigation Systems are all supposed to have backflow prevention devices installed to help protect the drinking and potable water supply.

These devices are to be inspected and tested annually. Jayhawk Fire Sprinkler can assist with all your backflow preventer needs.

Chances are, your property has a backflow prevention device. Thanks to the implementation of online compliance engines, backflow testing is starting to be tracked more consistently by the water district / purveyor in certain areas.