Water sprinkler systems, automatic control valves

A combiuatiou of water discharge devices (sprinklers), distribution piping to supply water to the discharge devices or more sources of water under pressure, water flow controlling devices (valves), and actuating devices (temperature, rate of rise, smoke, or other type device). The system automatically delivers and discharges water in the fire area. 

The System 80+ Standard Design is designed to preclude water spray from the fire protection system onto safety-related equipment. The sprinkler systems protecting the safety-related equipment is of the automatic sprinkler type. Actuation of these sprinkler systems requires the opening of the fusible link sprinkler heads and detection by combustible-products and/or heat detectors. In addition, the operator has the capability of isolating flow from the control room by isolating the Sub-sphere Building headers or, locally by manual isolation valves. 

Are automatic sprinkler system water control valves, air, and water pressure checked periodically as required ... 

One special security control mentioned several times in the literature is the locking of all sprinkler control valves in the open position. Many times, arsonists will render or attempt to render the fire protection systems ineffective by sabotaging the automatic sprinkler system (NFPA 921, 2011). The locking of all sprinkler valves will help to ensure that the sprinkler system has a water supply and will be effective during a fire. 

Where subject to temperatures below 40°F (5°C), a wet-pipe system cannot be used.There are two recognized methods of maintaining automatic sprinkler protection in such locations (1) through the use of systems where water enters the sprinkler piping only after operation of a control valve... 

Local/external alarm - once the alarm monitoring unit has detected a situation that triggers an alarm it may activate a local and external alarm. The local alarm which indicates that there is a flow in the system is commonly achieved by the use of a Pelton wheel where a small quantity of water that is flowing through the range pipes is diverted and turns a mechanical bell situated near the sprinkler control valve location. The alarm can be raised externally through an automatic link to a commercial, alarm receiving centre (ARC). 

The location of any emergency lighting equipment and any exit route signs The location of any automatic fire fighting system and sprinkler control valve The location of the main electrical supply switch, the main water shut-off valve and, where appropriate, the main gas or oil shut-off valves. 

A sprinkler system can be one of the most important fire-fighting items in any facility. If a fire starts, the sprinkler system must work effectively. The fire must be detected early and the system must deliver the proper amount of water to properly extinguish the fire. To be effective, sprinkler controls must be protected from lift truck damage. The most common cause of automatic sprinkler failure is that the water valve was turned off. The control valves in Figure 5-4 illustrates the protection provided by racking. 

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