When installing a fire sprinkler system, building owners have a couple of options. The two most common options are wet fire sprinkler systems and dry fire sprinkler systems. There are several differences between these two systems.

• Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems: Also called wet pipe sprinkler systems, these fire suppression systems are filled with pressurized water. When a sensor detects a fire, the sprinkler heads activate, spraying water to extinguish the fire. These systems are generally very reliable and require little maintenance. 
• Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems: Dry pipe sprinkler systems operate similar to wet pipe sprinkler systems. The difference is that these systems are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen that holds back the water. The presence of gas in the pipes is why they are called dry pipe sprinkler systems. When a fire is detected, the sprinkler heads open, allowing the gas out. The pipes then fill with water, and the water is distributed from the sprinkler heads.

In about 90% of instances, a wet-pipe sprinkler system is the right choice for fire suppression. These systems work well in most commercial buildings and settings. Wet fire sprinkler systems come with a lot of benefits. 

For instance, they tend to have lower maintenance costs and respond immediately to fire by distributing an extinguishing agent. Even a few seconds delay can add an enormous difference in financial losses during a fire in some scenarios. 

When to Select an Alternative to Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems

Despite the benefits and widespread use of wet fire sprinkler systems, there are instances where they are not ideal. For instance, you do not want to install a wet fire sprinkler system in environments where temperatures can drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

In colder temperatures, the water in the pipes can freeze. And since water expands when it freezes, you can burst the pipe itself. And even if you don’t rupture the pipe, the expansion can cause damage to pipe fittings, causing them to leak. Leaks and burst pipes can be nearly as expensive to repair as damage done by fire. While wet fire sprinkler systems can safely be used in most heated buildings, they are not great for unheated buildings in colder climates. Structures like warehouses and parking garages might opt for an alternative fire suppression system.

Another element that may impact your choice of fire suppression systems is going to be the environment of the building. More specifically, you want to consider what equipment or electronics might be present. 

Both wet pipe and dry pipe fire sprinkler systems rely on water to extinguish a fire. But water can damage electronics beyond repair. Buildings and rooms that house IT resources, sensitive data, storage devices, and servers will not want a fire suppression system that relies on water to extinguish a fire. 

The financial losses that can result from losing data centers or disrupting services can be staggering. In these environments, building owners may want to consider an alternative to wet pipe and dry pipe sprinkler systems. 

Fire suppression systems that work well in areas with sensitive electronics or data centers include:

• Inert gas fire suppression systems: Inert gas fire suppression systems displace the oxygen in a room, smothering a fire. Unlike water, this gas does not pose a threat to electronics. Inert gases are also non-toxic to humans. This trait means that these systems present little threat to those working or in the general area during activation of the system. Because they are safe around humans, these systems are ideal for office buildings and other settings with valuable electronics and humans in the area. 
• Chemical clean agent fire suppression systems: These systems operate on the same principle as inert gas systems. A chemical displaces oxygen and extinguishes fire. They are also safe to use around humans and leave no residue behind. 
• Carbon dioxide fire suppression systems: Like inert gas systems, carbon dioxide fire suppression systems put out fires by removing oxygen from the atmosphere. However, it should only be used in facilities with little risk to humans. Since carbon dioxide is lethal to humans, you would not want to use this type of system in a crowded area. It should not be used in any setting where it could jeopardize the life of employees or customers. An ideal setting for this type of system would be an unmanned data center. 

As you can see, there are several instances when a wet pipe fire sprinkler system is not the right choice. If you must protect electronics, or if the system is regularly exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is better to select an alternative.

However, for many general use buildings, residential buildings, and other commercial properties, wet pipe sprinkler systems are a great fit. These systems are known for being cost-effective with few maintenance requirements. They are also incredibly effective since they can respond to a fire and extinguish it quickly. 

However, property owners should be aware of a few things before installing a wet pipe sprinkler system. NFPA 13 regulates wet pipe sprinkler system standards. This regulation notes that it is the responsibility of the building owner to maintain an adequate temperature. In some instances, the building owner would want to provide additional temperature protection measures. Such measures might include adding insulation or heat tracing. Before installing any additional components, though, it’s important to become familiar with the local regulations. Some options may not be permitted in certain jurisdictions. 

Property owners will also want to comply with regulations governing the regular inspection and testing of wet pipe sprinkler systems.  While the sensing element is generally reliable and will usually only activate the sprinklers during a fire, these systems may be vulnerable to physical damage. And physical damage could result in the sprinkler heads discharging water inadvertently. 

Wet pipe sprinkler systems work wonderfully in nearly all commercial settings. But before installing any fire suppression system, it’s important to understand its benefits and drawbacks. You will also want to know when a wet fire sprinkler system is not the best option. Selecting the wrong system could cost you more in financial losses and fail to protect the very assets you wanted to protect. For more information about fire suppression system options, contact Legacy Fire today.