Sprinkler System Working Principle

Fire sprinklers work because high heat triggers the sprinkler system.

Sprinkler system working principle.

The installation is pressurised with the alarm valve secured in the open position. Note the red liquid alcohol in the glass bulb. Not just any heat source will trigger a sprinkler system to activate. Principle of operation under normal conditions water discharged from an automatic sprinkler is restrained by a cap or valve.

A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection method consisting of a water supply system providing adequate pressure and flowrate to a water distribution piping system onto which fire sprinklers are connected. When a blaze ignites the air directly above it heats rapidly. This hot air rises and spreads along the ceiling. Each sprinkler is nothing but a faucet or tap as they call it in some countries a hole in the pipe through which water can escape into the building below.

The sprinkler heads must detect a high enough temperature usually between 135 and 165 degrees fahrenheit 57 to 74 celsius. Sprinkler heads operate individually. The cap valve are held tightly against the orifice by a system of levers and links or other releasing devices pressing down on the cap and anchored firmly by struts on the sprinkler.