Dry Fire Sprinkler System

The pressurized air holds back the water supply at a main dry pipe valve.

Dry fire sprinkler system. When a fire occurs and the sprinkler activates the air pressure drops and the main dry pipe valve opens to release the water. This allows for a quick reaction to a fire and is the most common type. A dry fire sprinkler system might not be what you think. This air holds a remote valve known as a dry pipe valve in a closed position.

Although historically only used in factories and large commercial buildings systems for homes and small buildings are now available at a cost effective price. Located in a heated space the dry pipe valve prevents water from entering the pipe until a fire causes one or more sprinklers to operate. Wet pipe fire sprinklers constantly have water in them. Each has its own unique set of characteristics that protect the specific building and property for which it was installed.

A dry pipe sprinkler system is one in which pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen rather than water. These fire sprinkler systems have a fast opening tool to get rid of the air and speed up the flow of water. Dry fire sprinkler systems on the other hand do not have water in the direct non heated sprinkler piping but only pressurized air or nitrogen. Nowadays dry pipe fire sprinkler systems come in all shapes and sizes but the main function is still avoiding pipe freeze ups and system impairments while providing uncompromising fire protection.

A dry pipe sprinkler system is designed so that the piping itself is filled with pressurized air instead of water explains ken isman vice president of engineering for the national fire sprinkler association. Rather a dry fire sprinkler keeps pressurized air and or nitrogen in the non heated portions of the sprinkler pipes. 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. These include wet dry deluge pre action and foam.

The pressure from the air holds a valve closed that has water behind it. The sprinkler actuates during a fire causing the air. This way if and when temperatures drop below freezing the pipes are not in danger of freezing. It does not use dry chemicals to suppress a fire.