Fire sprinklers protect your property and can save lives during a fire.
However, when they go off unexpectedly or for non-emergency reasons, they can cause disruptions and damage.
Understanding what sets off fire sprinklers can help prevent false alarms and ensure that your fire safety system works effectively when it’s needed.
If you are investigating fire protection options and are wondering about the effectiveness and the way fire sprinklers work, we have you covered.
This article examines the reasons fire sprinklers go off, false alarms occur, and how to keep your system in good working order.
It also gives excellent tips and information on where to find the best fire and safety services.
Keep reading to stay safe and fire & safety compliant in Phoenix, Arizona.
How Do Fire Sprinklers Work?
Fire sprinklers are part of an automated fire suppression system designed to detect and control fires.
They are made up of a network of water-filled pipes and individual sprinkler heads installed throughout a building.
Each sprinkler head has a heat-sensitive element, such as a glass bulb filled with a liquid or a metal link that melts at a specific temperature.
When a fire occurs, the heat from the flames raises the room’s temperature.
When the temperature gets high enough, the heat-sensitive part of the sprinkler head triggers.
This causes the sprinkler head to open, releasing water onto the fire.
What Sets off Fire Sprinklers?
To understand how to prevent false alarms and ensure your fire sprinklers work properly, you need to know what triggers them.
Here are a few of the reasons your fire sprinklers might go off:
High Temperatures
High temperatures are one of the main causes of fire sprinkler activation.
Sprinkler heads are designed to trigger at a specific temperature, generally between 135°F and 165°F (57°C and 74°C), a setting that is chosen based on the area’s fire risk and the type of building.
When the temperature rises too much, the heat-sensitive part of the sprinkler head can melt and release water.
Smoke and Heat Detection
Fire sprinklers respond to heat, but some systems also have smoke detectors.
When smoke detectors sense smoke, they can signal the fire alarm system to activate the sprinklers.
This integration helps control the fire before the sprinklers even need to turn on.
Physical Damage
Physical damage to a sprinkler head can cause water discharge.
If a head gets hit or damaged by an object, such as during maintenance or moving equipment, it might accidentally spray water.
Proper care and regular inspections are important to prevent such damage.
System Malfunctions
Sometimes, fire sprinkler systems fail due to problems with the valves, pipes, or other components.
Regular maintenance and professional inspections can prevent this and keep your system running smoothly.
Common Fire Sprinkler Triggers
False alarms can cause interruptions and expenses.
Understanding the common fire sprinkler triggers can help you address this and maintain the system.
Accidental Activation
One of the most common fire sprinkler activation causes is accidental triggering.
This can occur due to high temperatures from non-fire sources, such as kitchen steam or excessive heat from industrial equipment.
Ensuring that sprinkler heads are installed in appropriate locations and maintaining proper temperature control can help prevent these issues.
Maintenance and Construction Activities
During maintenance or construction work, sprinkler systems might be exposed to conditions that can trigger false alarms.
For instance, dust, debris, or steam from construction activities can inadvertently set off sprinklers.
To avoid this, inform your fire protection service provider about any planned activities that might affect the system.
Extreme Temperature Fluctuations
Major temperature fluctuations can cause sprinkler systems to malfunction or activate unintentionally.
For example, a sudden cold spell can cause pipes to freeze and burst, triggering sprinklers. Installing insulation and monitoring temperature changes can help lower this risk.
Chemical Reactions
Certain chemicals, like those used in cleaning or industrial processes, can set off sprinklers.
To prevent this, chemicals must be stored and handled properly, and regular system inspections must be done.
Preventing False Alarms
Regular maintenance and inspections by professional fire protection services will prevent false alarms.
Here are a few extra tips to consider:
Proper Installation
Have a qualified professional install your fire sprinklers to follow industry standards.
Proper installation lowers the risk of false alarms and ensures the system works correctly during a fire.
Temperature Monitoring
Keep temperatures stable in areas with sprinkler systems to prevent accidental activation.
Make sure heating and cooling systems work properly and avoid extreme temperature changes that could impact the sprinklers.
Educate Building Occupants
Educate building occupants about the importance of not tampering with or obstructing sprinkler heads.
Provide training on what to do in case of a fire alarm and ensure that everyone understands how to respond appropriately.
Fire Safety Tips
Install smoke detectors and fire sprinklers throughout your property.
Smoke detectors give early fire warnings, helping occupants evacuate quickly and limiting damage.
Develop a fire evacuation plan for your building and ensure that all occupants are familiar with it.
Practice regular fire drills to ensure everyone understands how to evacuate safely in case of an emergency.
Keep the areas around fire sprinkler heads clear of obstructions.
This will ensure that water is distributed effectively during a fire.
Do not hang items or place furniture near sprinkler heads.
Regularly test your fire sprinkler system to ensure that it is working correctly.
Professional testing can identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
Understanding What Sets off Fire Sprinklers
Knowing what sets off fire sprinklers and how to avoid false alarms helps keep your system safe.
By understanding common causes and following our maintenance tips, you’ll ensure your fire sprinklers work correctly when needed.
Taking proactive steps will also help protect everyone during genuine emergencies.
For reliable fire protection, choose Certizona Fire & Safety.
With over 30 years of experience, we’re Phoenix’s top-rated company for fire sprinkler systems, alarms, extinguishers, and more.
We offer a trusted expert mobile service at competitive prices, so contact us for a quote today to keep your fire system in good order.
Searching for Fire Sprinkler Inspection Companies Near Me?
Certizona Fire & Safety offers premier fire protection services across Arizona, prioritizing your safety and satisfaction. For comprehensive fire sprinkler inspections and more, trust our experienced team to deliver quality and reliability.
Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
