How Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Work?

Have you ever looked up at a fire sprinkler and wondered how it works? Though all you see is a funny-looking gadget, there is more to the system behind the walls and ceiling. Here’s all you need to know about this vital fire-stopping apparatus. 

What Are Fire Sprinkler Systems?

If you own a business, you know how important it is to protect it in case of a fire. Fire sprinklers are the very first resource to help put out a fire. When the system is activated, it sprays water or fire foam onto the flames before the fire department can get there. When every second counts, this very well may save your business. Every ten years, it’s necessary to have a professional experienced in testing fire sprinklers California perform essential maintenance and inspection to ensure the system is operable. 

How Do the Sprinklers Work?

While you may be familiar that smoke alarms alert you of smoke, you may be surprised to learn that sprinklers operate when the temperature increases dramatically. Each sprinkler head has a glycerin-filled glass bulb attached to it. This liquid expands with heat, and if the air around the bulb is over 135 degrees, the glass breaks under pressure, and the sprinkler activates. 

Do All Sprinklers Go Off at the Same Time?

There are many different types of sprinkler systems depending on your building and what kind of products you store. Traditional sprinklers operate individually, only activating if that glass bulb bursts from heat. This helps to put a fire out in one area of the building without causing water damage to another location. However, if you have a lot of flammable materials as part of your business, a deluge system is best. It works by activating all the sprinklers simultaneously if one goes off, which helps prevent a large explosion.