What is the difference between a wet and dry sprinkler system?

Wet vs. Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems In a wet system, the pipes are filled with pressurized water. When a fire occurs, the system immediately discharges water to extinguish the fire. Conversely, dry systems are filled with pressurized nitrogen or air that keeps water at a riser.

How does a wet fire sprinkler system work?

Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems In a wet pipe sprinkler system, the sprinkler heads connect to pipes that are filled with pressurized water. When a fire is detected, the sprinkler system activates automatically to extinguish the fire. It is a reliable fire sprinkler system that requires little maintenance.

What is a major disadvantage of a wet pipe system?

The main disadvantages of wet pipe systems are: They are not suited for sub-freezing environments. Damage to piping or sprinklers will likely result in water leaks and subsequent water damage.

What activates a wet sprinkler system?

A wet fire sprinkler system means that, at all times, the overhead fire sprinkler piping is filled with pressurized water. When a fire occurs and the heat activates the sprinklers, water immediately sprays from the activated sprinkler heads.

What is the main reason for using a dry pipe sprinkler system instead of a wet pipe sprinkler system?

It is preferable to install a dry pipe sprinkler rather than a wet pipe system. Dry pipe systems only allow water into the pipes after heat is sensed. This avoids potential wet pipe problems, such as leakage.

What type of pipe is used for fire sprinkler systems?

The most commonly used steel pipe for sprinkler systems is black steel pipe. Copper tubing is another piping material listed for sprinklers in NFPA 13. Also, plastic pipe (namely, CPVC and PEX tubing) is permitted for certain types of sprinkler systems.

What are the three fundamental types of sprinkler systems?

3 Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

  • Wet Fire Sprinkler System. A wet fire sprinkler system is one of the most common options on the market.
  • Dry Fire Sprinkler System. A dry fire sprinkler system is filled with pressurized air, rather than water.
  • Preaction Fire Sprinkler System.

What triggers dry pipe sprinkler system?

Located in a heated space, the dry-pipe valve prevents water from entering the pipe until a fire causes one or more sprinklers to operate. Once this happens, the air escapes and the dry pipe valve releases.

What is the advantage of a dry standpipe system?

Dry pipe sprinkler systems are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen instead of water to prevent frozen and burst sprinkler pipes in areas with colder temperatures. The pressurized air in the sprinkler pipes prevents water from entering the pipes.

Can a dry sprinkler system be converted to a wet system?

First off, it is more difficult to convert a wet system to a dry system than it is to convert a dry system into a wet due to the codes regulating dry systems. For instance, dry systems require a greater pitch to the pipe to allow any water or condensation to drain, so pipe pitch would have to be adjusted.