Commercial Sprinkler Systems

A Commercial Sprinkler System is an essential fire protection solution designed to automatically detect and suppress fires in commercial buildings.

These systems consist of a network of water pipes installed throughout the building fed by dedicated fire pumps or the incoming town main in low rise buildings, which are connected to sprinkler heads strategically placed in ceilings or walls. When the system detects a pre-determined operating temperature from a fire, the sprinkler heads in the immediate area of the fire activate, releasing water directly over the affected area to extinguish or control the flames.

At the point where water enters the sprinkler system, there is a valve that allows for the system to be shut off during maintenance. For safety purposes, this valve is kept locked in the open position, and only authorised personnel should have the ability to close it. When a sprinkler head activates and water flows through the valve, it directs water into another pipe that triggers a mechanical gong to sound. This feature allows the sprinkler system to both control or extinguish the fire while simultaneously generating an alarm. It's important to highlight that only sprinklers can perform this function with equipment that operates independently of an electrical supply.

Commercial sprinkler systems can be wet-pipe, where water is stored in the pipes ready for immediate release, or dry-pipe, where the pipes are filled with pressurised air until the system is triggered. Some advanced systems may also interact with the buildings fire alarm system to activate, depending on the specific risks present in the facility.

These systems are designed in accordance with fire safety regulations and British Standard BSEN12845:2015, and are tailored to suit the size, layout, and fire risk level of the commercial property. Regular maintenance and testing are required to ensure the system remains fully operational, providing vital protection for both property and occupants in the event of a fire.