How Do Fire Sprinklers Work?
Fire sprinklers work differently than many people believe. They are not activated by smoke or fire detectors, and not all sprinklers in a system activate simultaneously. In reality, most fire sprinklers are heat-activated and will only trigger once a specific temperature is reached. This temperature threshold, along with the appropriate type of sprinkler, is determined by NFPA 13 standards. To select the right sprinkler, it’s important to consider your building’s occupancy type and maximum combustible load.
Fire sprinklers typically have two types of activation mechanisms: glass bulb and fusible link. In a glass bulb sprinkler, a heat-sensitive liquid inside a glycerin-based bulb expands with intense heat, breaking the glass and releasing the plug that seals the water flow. In a fusible link sprinkler, a soldered link melts at a specific temperature, also releasing the plug and allowing water to flow. The water then hits a deflector, spreading it evenly across the area.
One of the key features of fire sprinklers is that they activate individually, which reduces the chance of accidental discharge. This design also leads to higher water discharge per sprinkler, resulting in better fire suppression and less overall water damage, as not all sprinklers are triggered at once.
What Are Standard and Quick Response Sprinklers?
The main difference between standard and quick response sprinklers lies in their reaction time. Quick response sprinklers feature a faster trigger mechanism with a lower Response Time Index (RTI), meaning they react more quickly to heat. For example, quick response sprinklers use a 3mm glass bulb, compared to the 5mm bulb used in standard sprinklers.
Quick response sprinklers typically have an RTI of 50 or less, while standard response sprinklers have an RTI of 80 or more. Both quick response sprinklers and Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinklers use similar triggers, which is why they are classified as fast-response systems.
Additionally, standard response sprinklers tend to be more affordable and require less frequent testing—testing or replacement is needed 50 years after installation, as opposed to the 20 years required for quick response heads.
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Where Are Standard Response Sprinklers Needed?
You might wonder why standard response sprinklers are used if quick response systems react faster. The key reason is that standard response sprinklers are less demanding on the system, allowing more sprinklers to be used efficiently in high-risk areas. This can help slow the fire enough to give fire responders time to arrive. Standard response sprinklers are ideal for areas with high combustible loads, like storage sites or machine shops, where rapid fire escalation might trigger too many sprinklers at once, overwhelming the water supply.
Quick response sprinklers, on the other hand, are best suited for residential or occupied areas with lower combustible loads. These sprinklers help suppress fires quickly, giving occupants more time to evacuate. As a result, quick response sprinklers are commonly used in places like offices, dormitories, schools, and hotels, where a fast response is crucial to protecting lives.
Where is ESFR Used?
ESFR (Early Suppression Fast Response) sprinklers are specifically designed for high-piled storage areas where the goal is to suppress fires quickly, rather than just controlling them. These sprinklers deliver significantly higher water flow—up to 100 gallons per minute—compared to the approximately 30 gallons per minute provided by standard sprinklers. As such, they are not suitable for residential settings, where water supply limitations would be a major constraint. In many cases, the installation of fire pumps is necessary to maintain the required water pressure.
ESFR sprinklers offer several advantages. They are capable of extinguishing fires involving highly combustible materials and chemicals, helping to minimize the overall damage to the property. Additionally, when one sprinkler head activates, the system limits the activation of neighboring heads, optimizing the flow of water. This efficiency also enables the elimination of in-rack sprinkler piping systems, as ESFR sprinklers are mounted on the ceiling. This not only reduces material costs but also decreases the likelihood of accidental activations caused by impact.
Unlike standard and quick response sprinklers, which are primarily designed to slow the spread of fire, ESFR sprinklers are intended for direct fire suppression. It is important to understand the unique hazards and occupancy requirements of your building to ensure you select the right type of sprinkler system for the protection you need.
At Maverick Fire and Safety, we specialize in the design, installation, programming, and training of both fire alarm and voice evacuation systems. If you are looking to make your business or property fire safe throughout the year, trust Maverick Fire and Safety. We have a collective 2.5 decades worth of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients all throughout Texas, if you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home or business, give us a call today at (832)653-2598.
