Knowledge of common problems with indoor fire sprinkler systems can help ensure that sprinklers work when needed.
Indoor fire sprinkler systems save lives, whether they are used in industrial buildings, offices, or homes. But automatic sprinkler systems can also present some unique technical problems, problems that can be avoided by knowing the most common reasons for sprinkler failure.
The National Fire Sprinkler Association reports the most common reasons for sprinkler failure (either sprinklers activating when they should not, or not activating when they should), include overheating, freezing, mechanical damage, corrosion, or deliberate sabotage.
Overheating
Indoor fire sprinkler systems respond to heat. When they are located too closely to heaters, skylights, construction lighting and other sources of heat, they can accidentally go off. The National Fire Protection Association suggests that sprinkler heads that are regularly exposed to high heat should be replaced with sprinklers that are rated for higher heat.
Freezing
There are two major kinds of indoor fire sprinkler systems â€" wet pipe and dry pipe. Most sprinkler systems are wet pipe systems, which mean the piping is always filled with water. If those pipes freeze, the water inside can turn to ice and expand. That expansion can break pipes and fittings, causing leaks and loss of water pressure. Or the expansion can force open sprinkler heads, causing accidental activation when the pipes thaw out. Talk to your contractor or sprinkler sales representative about methods to keep sprinkler systems from freezing.
Mechanical Damage
Indoor fire sprinkler systems depend on the integrity of all their parts. If a sprinkler head is hit or a pipe damaged, the parts can separate and the system won't activate when fire is present. A common problem with sprinkler heads is damage from nearby construction or forklifts that are raised too high, accidentally knocking off sprinkler heads. Installing automatic sprinklers can also result in damage to the system if improper tools or techniques are used. If your system is damaged, don't try to fix it yourself; call an expert.
Corrosion
Corrosion or rust can weaken pipes and sprinkler heads. This can result in a sudden, and unwelcome, activation when a pipe or head fails. The National Fire Protection Association states that building owners are responsible for replacing sprinkler components that are corroded or rusted.
Deliberate Sabotage
Hotel guests grilling in their rooms, unscrupulous employees, bored teenagers -- all can be responsible for damaging or sabotaging sprinkler heads. The National Fire Sprinkler Association reports vandalism and insurance fraud are major motivators for tampering with sprinklers.
Manufacturing Defect
There have been well-publicized cases of sprinkler systems being recalled due to accidental activations, or failure to activate in fires. The likelihood of an automatic sprinkler opening in the absence of the above reasons is low, but the possibility of a manufacturing defect should be considered when all other reasons for failure are ruled out.
Sprinklers save Lives
The above problems with indoor fire sprinkler systems are not meant to discourage use of these systems. Experts say injuries and deaths in fires controlled by automatic sprinklers are almost unheard of. And the Fire Sprinkler Network reports that water damage from a sprinkler system is much less severe than the damage caused by water from firefighters' hose lines if the fire burns uncontrollably.
If a fire sprinkler goes off unexpectedly, or doesn't activate when it should, knowledge of common problems with indoor fire sprinkler systems can help ensure that sprinklers are there when they are needed, to protect lives and property.
