Sprinkler systems play a crucial role in ensuring fire safety.
In fact, the NFPA estimates that fire sprinklers reduce civilian fire deaths by 89% and injury rates by 27%.
For firefighters, the rate of injury per fire is about 60% lower.
That means fire sprinklers can save lives and property by quickly suppressing a fire before it spreads.
But what causes a fire sprinkler to activate? Keep reading to discover the most common triggers.
Heat Detection Is the Primary Trigger
Fire sprinkler systems activate when they sense the heat from a fire.
They have sprinkler heads with elements sensitive to heat (like a glass bulb or metal link) that either shatter or melt at specific temperatures.
When this happens, water is released from the pipes, dousing the area on fire.
The temperature that activates a fire sprinkler depends on the type and rating of the sprinkler head.
Most residential fire sprinklers activate at around 155°F (68°C), while commercial fire sprinklers activate at around 165°F (74°C).
However, there are also special types of fire sprinklers that activate at higher or lower temperatures.
This often depends on the specific application and risk level.
For instance, fire sprinklers specially designed for high-hazard areas like factories and chemical plants activate at around 200°F (93°C) or higher.
On the other hand, those designed for low-temperature areas, such as freezers and coolers activate at around 135°F (57°C) or lower.
What Causes a Fire Sprinkler to Activate: Other Triggers
While fire is the main reason for an activated fire sprinkler, other factors can trigger your fire safety system.
These include physical damage, tampering, corrosion, and more.
Let’s take a closer look.
Mechanical Damage
Physical damage or tampering is one of the leading causes of an activated sprinkler, in the absence of a house fire.
This can occur if the sprinkler head is hit, bumped, or knocked by an object.
If the hit is severe enough, it breaks the heat-sensitive element, causing water to flow.
This is common during construction, renovation, and moving activities.
That’s why it’s important to avoid placing anything near or under the fire sprinklers.
If necessary, consider protecting the sprinklers with cages or guards.
Vandalism or intentional tampering with the sprinkler system can also lead to activation.
Individuals may accidentally or purposefully strike or damage the sprinkler heads.
Proper security measures and monitoring can help prevent such incidents.
They can ensure that the sprinklers are functional if the time comes.
Regular inspections also play a key role in protecting fire safety systems.
Corrosion
Corrosion can be a silent threat to the proper function of sprinklers.
If a sprinkler pipe or head is corroded by water, rust, or chemicals, it can weaken the heat-sensitive element and cause it to fail prematurely.
This can happen for a number of reasons, such as poor water quality.
But lack of maintenance and exposure to harsh environments are more likely culprits.
That’s why staying on top of your fire safety maintenance schedule is essential.
Neglecting this aspect can undermine your fire safety features and put lives and property at risk.
Of course, preventing a fire is always a top priority.
But having a well-maintained sprinkler system can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong.
By staying vigilant against corrosion, you can ensure the sprinklers will activate when needed.
Defective Components
Sometimes, faulty or broken parts within the fire sprinkler system itself can cause water to flow unexpectedly, even when there is no fire.
This can happen due to manufacturing issues, improper installation, or just regular wear and tear over time.
Regular sprinkler check-ups and testing are important to catch any broken components before they become a problem.
Any faulty parts should be replaced with new ones to keep the system in good condition.
Otherwise, ignoring broken components will only put lives and property at risk if a fire occurs.
False Alarms
Fire sprinklers are designed to respond to high temperatures.
However, sometimes they can activate unnecessarily due to other heat sources, leading to false alarms.
This is a common occurrence in instances where the sprinkler head is exposed to high temperatures from sources other than a fire.
These include steam, hot air, or sunlight, and can trigger the fire safety system by mistake.
It can happen in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or near windows.
Consider installing fire sprinklers away from these potential sources of heat.
Also, enlist the help of a professional to recommend and install the right types of sprinklers for different areas.
For example, you may need to use sprinkler heads with higher temperature ratings in areas prone to steam or hot air, such as kitchens or laundry rooms.
False alarms don’t just waste water.
They also disrupt daily operations and lead to costly cleanup efforts.
Taking precautions during installation goes a long way toward reducing the risk of false alarms.
It’s an effective way to ensure that your fire safety system only activates when truly needed.
Natural Disasters
Yes, natural disasters also pose unexpected threats to your sprinkler systems.
For instance, earthquakes can cause structural damage or shift that may break sprinkler pipes.
It may also dislodge sprinkler heads, causing water to flow.
Floods and big storms are also a problem, especially if they cause debris to hit sprinklers.
In areas where natural disasters happen often, it’s important to protect and secure your fire sprinklers properly.
Having your fire safety system maintained regularly is essential.
This is especially true after a natural disaster, allowing you to catch and address any issues quickly.
Such a proactive approach can minimize the risk of unnecessary activation and ensure your fire safety measures remain effective.
Let Us Handle Your Fire Safety Needs
Now that you understand what causes a fire sprinkler to activate, it’s time to reach out to Certizona Fire & Safety.
We’re committed to providing you with the best commercial and residential equipment service.
This includes ensuring that your fire sprinkler system only activates when it needs to.
Our team has the expertise to install, inspect, test, and maintain your fire safety system.
We ensure its optimal performance and reliability. So if you have trouble with a sprinkler system that keeps activating in the absence of a fire, we are here to help.
All you have to do is schedule an appointment!
Need fire sprinkler system maintenance? Trust Certizona Fire & Safety. We provide high-quality fire protection and safety equipment services throughout Arizona! Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!