Purpose :
Fire sprinkler systems are vital for improving fire safety in buildings, offering an automated means to suppress fires and protect lives and property. Their effectiveness relies on proper design, installation, and maintenance.

Automatic Fire Detection and Operational Overview :
When a fire occurs, the heat from the flames activates the nearest sprinkler head. Each sprinkler head contains a glass bulb filled with liquid that expands when heated, causing the bulb to break. This allows water to flow from the system, effectively suppressing the fire.

Buildings are divided into zones, with each zonal input pipeline equipped with essential components: water flow switches, pressure switches, pressure gauges, and isolation valves.

Water Flow Switch : This device detects water flow, which indicates the presence of a fire. The flow switch features a normally open contact that connects to a fire alarm monitor module, integrating it with the fire alarm system.

Pressure Switch : Since sprinkler systems operate under high pressure, maintaining adequate pressure in each zone is crucial. Factors such as the activation of multiple sprinklers, pump shutdowns, or the closure of isolation valves can reduce pressure. The pressure switch sends an alert to the fire command center when pressure drops.

Isolation Valve with Monitoring Switch : Isolation valves are installed to stop water flow after fire suppression activities, enabling maintenance or replacement of defective pipelines and sprinkler heads. However, users may permanently close these valves due to frequent leaks, often forgetting to reopen them after repairs. To prevent this, building codes require monitoring switches for zonal isolation valves, which are linked to the fire alarm system to ensure that they remain operational.

Maintenance and Vulnerability to Failure :
Regular inspections and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems are essential to ensure they function effectively. This includes checking for blockages, testing water pressure, and verifying that all components are in working order. Consistent maintenance helps reduce the risk of system failure during emergencies.