The most common type, the wet-pipe system, is elegantly simple and reliable. Its name comes from the fact that its pipes are constantly filled (“charged”) with water under pressure, ready for immediate discharge. The system consists of several key components. A dedicated water supply, either from a municipal connection or a storage tank, feeds the system. This connects to a network of pipes (steel or CPVC in residential settings) that distribute water throughout the protected area.
The stars of the system are the sprinkler heads themselves. Each contains a heat-sensitive element—a glass bulb containing a glycerin-based liquid that expands to shatter the bulb, or a fusible metal link that melts—that holds a cap in place. When the element fails due to heat, the cap is released, and water flows. An alarm valve is a crucial part; when water starts flowing, it triggers a local water motor gong or an electronic alarm to alert occupants and often the monitoring station. A series of control valves allow the system to be isolated for maintenance. The genius of this design is its passive reliability; it requires no electricity or human intervention to operate, making it the backbone of fire protection in offices, schools, and many residential buildings.
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