An important beginners guide to Fire Sprinklers
A guide to the design, function and maintenance of Fire Sprinklers.
Cannon Fire Protection: Our Fire Sprinklers Systems
We design, supply, install and maintain fire sprinkler systems to residential and commercial properties across the United Kingdom. Some of the sprinkler systems we have installed will be in some of the biggest hotel and restaurant chains you may have used across the country.
Sprinklers are the only devices that can detect a fire, sound the alarm, call the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) and extinguish or control a fire.
According to the NFCC buildings that were fully protected by sprinklers, 99% of fires were controlled by sprinkler systems.
Whether it’s an upgrade for an existing system or an entirely new installation we have the knowledge and capability, with a strong team of highly skilled engineers to design, install and maintain sprinkler systems in all sectors and property types.
The types of Sprinklers Systems we design, install and maintain are below:
- Automatic Fire Sprinkler
- Pre-Action Sprinkler
- Deluge systems
- Dry Rise system
- Hose Reels
- Hydrant Systems
- Watermist Systems
Design of Fire Sprinkler Systems
Cannon Fire Sprinklers’ in-house team design bespoke sprinkler systems to suit each individual customer’s specifications.
Our team come to your site, free of charge, to carry out an in-depth survey so we can create the best fire sprinkler system and suppression solutions for your premises.
We provide all our customers with an accurate cost for the project and time frame it will be completed within. We will never start installation without our customers being completely satisfied with the system design.
All our systems are compliant with the necessary standards and regulations current at the time including LPCB, FM and NFPA systems
How does each Sprinkler System work?
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
This type of sprinkler reacts to heat when the room temperature reaches between 60 and 70 degrees.
Automatic fire sprinklers are one of the most effective means of fire suppression and protection. This type of sprinkler reacts to heat, when the room temperature reaches between 60 and 70 degrees, the sprinkler will activate to suppress the fire.
Automatic fire sprinklers are particularly useful for vacant properties, minimising damage and allowing buildings to be used for other purposes.
Automatic fire sprinklers also have the capability to notify the emergency services when it activates, usually suppressing the fire before the Fire Rescue Service even arrives.
Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems
Water is held by a valve which is operated by a detector, like a smoke detector. When activated, the valve opens & water can flow to the pipes.
Pre-action sprinklers are most successful in commercial properties with a lot of valuables, like museums or premises communication equipment, where false automation could result in irreversible damage.
Because the system works like a dry pipe system where water doesn’t sit in the pipes. The water is held by a valve which is operated by a detector. If a detector, like a smoke detector, is activated, the valve opens, and water can flow to the pipes. The sprinkler heads must then operate to release water and douse the fire.
Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems
Deluge systems are most appropriate for high-risk locations with flammable materials or chemicals.
They act like pre-action systems except the sprinkler heads are always open and don’t respond to heat. Water is let into the pipes when a fire alarm or smoke detector is activated or by a manual pull station.
All sprinklers in a deluge system will open for water to flow, not just above the fire.
Deluge systems are one of the primary fire protection means for large aircraft hangers.
Dry Riser System
Dry riser systems are maintained dry containing compressed air, preventing water from entering the pipe unless a fire activates a sprinkler, or it is charged with water from the FRS’ supplies.
It gives the FRS access throughout the building to water to suppress the fire at all levels.
Containing compressed air, preventing water from entering the pipe.
IMPORTANT: A dry riser is legally required in buildings over 18m to be integrated into the architecture.
Water Mist Fire Protection Systems
As the water is discharged at pressure it creates a fine mist, cooling the fire and displacing oxygen by evaporation.
We recommend water mist systems where water supply is an issue and the mist is a safer option to traditional sprinklers.
Water mist systems also save on space as well as the cost of storing and supplying water. Water mist systems use less water than more traditional systems and afford the same amount of fire protection, while more sustainable.
Fire Sprinkler Maintenance
The solution and key to safety, reliability and peace of mind, is embarking upon a programme of regular service and maintenance which is undertaken by a certified and approved company with experienced fire engineers.
Cannon Fire Protection have dedicated nationwide maintenance services for all types of new and pre-existing sprinkler systems, from automatic fire sprinklers, to dry and wet rise systems, as well as hydrant systems, water mist systems and the like.
We offer reactive and pre-planned maintenance packages which include a 24hr emergency call-out facility to reduce risk of failure and preserve all installations to a high standard. Our engineers are fully trained and compliant with the necessary standards to conduct testing and component replacement, to give our customers the peace of mind that their sprinkler system will work as it should when it’s needed most.
If you’re experiencing a fault or wish to take us up on planned preventative maintenance package, contact us today and speak to a member of our team, we’re always happy to help.
Our Process
We come out to your site and carry out an in-depth survey and then design a bespoke sprinkler system that suits your particular occupancy.
We would also develop a service schedule that not only suits you but ensures that your system is compliant with statutory regulations.
About Cannon Fire Protection
With over 30 years experience, Cannon Fire Protection has developed an excellent reputation within the fire protection industry throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.
For well over a decade now the company has focused on supporting fire industry trade users, providing turnkey solutions for fixed fire suppression. Independent auditing of our quality management systems, contracting and service operations ensures the very best provision of support in our sector.