Fire Sprinkler System
A sprinkler system consists of a water supply (or supplies) and one or more sprinkler installations, each installation consist of a set of installation control valves and a pipe array fitted with sprinkler heads. The sprinkler heads are fitted at specified locations at the roof or ceiling, and where necessary between racks, below shelves, inside ovens or stoves or below obstructions.
A sprinkler has two functions to perform. It must first sense the heat, and must then provide an adequate distribution of water to control or extinguish the fire. Each function is performed separately and one is independent of the other except insofar as early detection makes extinction easier because the fire has not grown large. The classic use of the sprinkler is in the hot gas layer which forms beneath the ceiling of an enclosure in which a fire is developing.
Water Spray System
A special fixed pipe system connected to a reliable source of fire protection water supply and equipped with water spray nozzles for specific water discharge and distribution over the surface or area to be protected. The piping system is connected to the water supply through an automatically actuated Deluge Valve which initiates flow of water. Automatic actuation is achieved by operation of automatic detecting equipment installed along with water spray nozzles.
There are two types of systems namely High Velocity Water Spray System and Medium Velocity Water Spray System.
High Velocity Water Spray System
High Velocity Water spray systems are installed to extinguish fires involving liquids with flash points of 65 deg. C (150 deg. F) or higher.
It was found however that water applied in the form of the finely broken needles to create an emulsion possessed a high resistance to electric current. This equipment is now more or less standard for live oil filled electrical gear and is quite commonly installed for the protection of electrical equipment carrying voltage of 400 KV or more.