FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
Active fire suppression systems are required in most buildings by today’s building codes and safety standards. Even in buildings, or areas, where they are not required, owners may opt to install these systems to protect their investment from possible fire damage. Studies have shown that when fire sprinkler systems are present, damage from fire (and water needed to combat the fire) is substantially less. Sprinkler systems typically dispense less water than the fire department would when arriving on the scene, and typically keep the fire contained to a smaller area, leading to less damage during the time it takes for first responders to arrive.
Fire Suppression systems are an important part of life and property safety in the event of fire, but they are still only reported in about half of fire instances.
Wolverine Fire Protection Co. has been offering quality, active fire suppression systems since 1958. Our experience with all system types, and workforce of experienced and knowledgeable professionals, make us a low-risk provider. Many of our engineers are also principal members of the various NFPA technical code committees including; NFPA 654 Combustible Dust PHAs, NFPA 850, 851, 853 Electric Generating Plants, NFPA 801 thru 805 Past Principal, Nuclear Facilities, NFPA72 “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code”, SIG-NAS code writing committee for notification appliances and NFPA 409, 415 & 423 Airport Facilities.
Sprinkler Systems
In general, a sprinkler system is a network of pipes supplied by an underground water source or water storage tanks designed/engineered to deliver water through overhead pipes to which sprinkler heads are attached in a systematic pattern. The system is typically activated by heat from a fire and discharges water from overhead to the fire area.
Wet Pipe Sprinkler System employs Automatic Sprinkler Heads and water filled pipes. In the event of a fire, the heat from the fire melts or breaks an element in the sprinkler head that causes the immediate discharge of water from ONLY the sprinkler heads affected by fire. This type of system is the most common, quickest and reliable system due to its simplicity but can only be used in heated areas.
Dry Pipe Sprinkler System employs Automatic Sprinkler Heads but the pipes remain filled with air or nitrogen under pressure. In the event of a fire, the heat from the fire melts or breaks an element in the sprinkler head that causes the air in the pipes to be release, a valve to open and water to fill the pipes and subsequently the discharge of water from ONLY the sprinkler heads affected by fire. This type system is commonly used in areas subject to freezing (such as freezers and parking garages) but can be used in any area that water filled pipe is undesired.
Preaction Sprinkler System employs Automatic Sprinkler Heads but the pipes remain filled with air that may or may not be under pressure until a fire occurs. This type of system also requires a supplemental detection system in the same area that will allow a valve to open when a fire is detected. In some case a fire needs to be detected as well as the melting or breaking of a sprinkler head element to allow a valve to open. In either case, once the valve opens, water is allowed to fill the pipes and subsequently discharge water from ONLY the sprinkler heads affected by fire. This type system is commonly used in areas where water may cause damage to sensitive material or equipment, such a Computer Server Rooms.
Deluge Sprinkler System employs Open Sprinkler Heads and therefore pipes open to atmospheric pressure. This type of system also requires a supplemental detection system in the same area that will allow a valve to open when a fire is detected. Once a fire is detected, water is allowed to fill the pipes and subsequently discharge from ALL sprinkler heads connected to that system. This type of system in commonly used to protect Jet Hangars, Transformers and Special Hazards.
Standpipe Systems
Standpipe systems are an arrangement of valves, pipes and hose connections throughout a building for the purpose of manually extinguishing a fire. The hose valves and/or hoses are located in such a manner that a person or Fire Fighter can discharge water directly onto or near a fire to protect the building, its structure, and its contents, in addition to protecting the occupants.
Fire Pumps
Fire Pumps are used for the sole purpose of increasing the water supply to various types of fire suppression systems. A fire pumps assembly comes in several types and arrangements but all have a Pump (ex. In-Line, Horizontal Split-Case, Vertical Lineshaft Turbine Pump, etc.), a Motor (ex. Electric or Diesel), a Jockey/Make-up pump, Controllers, a Test Header and requires a reliable power source.
Underground Piping
Underground piping is commonly made of PVC, Ductile Iron, or Cement. It is used to supply Fire Suppression Systems as well as Domestic or Mechanical systems. This pipe has varied minimum bury depth depending on the region and is connected to a city water main, water storage tank or some other reliable water supply.
Water Storage Tanks
Water Storage tanks are commonly made of Fiberglass, Steel or Poured Concrete. Tanks can be located on the ground or buried and typically hold 100% of the water required by the fire suppression systems.
Seismic Sway Bracing
Seismic Sway bracing is required in all Seismic Zones to protect the fire protection systems from earthquake damage. It is designed and installed to restrain the pipe from excessive lateral and longitudinal movement during an event. By restraining the pipe, it moves with the building structure (not independently) so as to not have a catastrophic system failure.