Your business is an investment, so you should protect it from damages caused by fires. Sprinkler systems are integral for fire protection, activating if they sense an emergency. If you’re developing a safety plan for your new facility, you’ll find that you have many options for this piece of equipment. To help you select the right one, here are a few of the most common types of sprinklers.

What Sprinkler Systems Are Best for Businesses?

1. Deluge

Deluge systems have permanently open heads. When the fire alarm is triggered, a water valve opens immediately to allow almost instant flow to suppress the fire.

Deluge systems don’t turn off when the fire is out or after a certain period. Instead, they have to be manually shut off. This makes them best suited for chemical plants or industrial buildings where chemical fires or fast-moving flames are concerns. The constant dowsing may effectively curb these large-scale problems.

2. Dry Pipe

Unlike standard wet systems, dry pipe sprinklers have pressurized air stored in them. The heads stay closed until they detect high temperatures, which trigger the alarm. When it goes off, they open to release the air, creating a drop in pressure that allows the water valve to open and release liquids.

The two-step action causes a mild delay. However, this is ideal for businesses in areas that experience cold temperatures, since it prevents the sprinkler pipes from freezing.

3. Pre-Action

Pre-action systems work similarly to dry pipes in that their piping is filled with air, requiring the opening of the heads before the water can flow. However, they differ from dry pipe units because the water valve requires triggering of a separate alarm, so it’s not dependent upon temperature sensors.

This means they’re less likely to experience false triggers that cause unnecessary water damage. If you have an electronics store or run an office with expensive equipment, this may be the way to go.

4. Gaseous

Gaseous systems are composed of reservoirs of low- or non-toxic extinguishing agents that work in seconds to suppress fires. The agents leave no residue, don’t harm electronics, and are nonconductive and noncorrosive.

These systems were also created for environments that could get damaged by the water in traditional systems, including museums, art galleries, and retail locations.

Have you decided which sprinkler system is best for your business? Trust ES Systems, Inc. in New York’s Monroe and Ontario counties to perform skilled design and installation. With over 40 years of experience, they’re certified in fire protection and provide comprehensive commercial plumbing and HVAC services. Their commercial plumbing and fire services include custom designs, inspections, installations, and 24/7 emergency service. See how they’ll protect your company online, or call (585) 473-9300 for a consultation.