How Does a Fire Sprinkler System Work?

Need a speedy, effective way to protect your workplace from the risk of fire, which will jump into action before the emergency services arrive, without needing your staff to intervene? Don’t underestimate the trusty sprinkler.

Fire sprinklers are one of the most reliable forms of fire protection for commercial, industrial and public buildings, and they’ve been proven to greatly reduce the damage that a fire could potentially cause. Activating in response to heat and controlling fires automatically as the first flames emerge, they work quickly and effectively in a focused area.

Want to know more? Read on to discover how fire sprinklers work, what their benefits are, and how our experienced team at Midland Fire can help you find the right fire suppression system for your business.

What Is a Commercial Fire Sprinkler System?

Let’s start with the basics. A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection method designed to automatically detect and control fires, often before anyone even realises there’s a problem!

In a nutshell, a fire sprinkler system is made up of a network of pipes filled with water (or another fire suppressant), connected to sprinkler heads strategically placed throughout a building. When the heat from a fire reaches a certain temperature, the nearest sprinkler head activates and sprays the suppressant directly onto the flames. Basically, it’s a fast and efficient way to contain a fire before it spreads and causes unnecessary damage to your property, or worse, injury to anyone present.

How Do Fire Sprinkler Systems Work?

Curious to know more? We’re happy to get into the nitty-gritty – because even though fire sprinkler systems might look simple, there’s some clever science going on behind the scenes.

Each sprinkler head contains a heat-sensitive element, usually either a glass bulb filled with liquid or a fusible link made of a low-melting alloy. When the air around the sprinkler reaches a set temperature (normally around 68°C), the glass bulb will expand and burst or the metal link will melt, which opens a valve. Pressurised water in the connecting pipes is then released and sprayed over the fire.

The sprinkler heads work independently to each other, so only the heads nearest the heat will activate. This helps sprinklers target fires more efficiently without wasting water and soaking the whole building unnecessarily, which could lead to water damage.

Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

At Midland Fire, we’re qualified to install all types of sprinklers, so we can advise you on the system that’s best for your property. Here are the most common types of fire sprinkler systems:

• Wet Pipe Systems: Pipes are filled with water at all times, so when a sprinkler head activates, water is released instantly.
• Dry Pipe Systems: Pipes are filled with pressurised air or nitrogen instead of water. When a head activates, the air is released first and then water flows in. This is great for unheated or freezing environments.
• Deluge / Open Sprinkler Systems: All sprinkler heads are open, with no heat sensors. When triggered by a separate fire detection system, water is released from all heads at once. These are most common in high-hazard areas.
• Pre-Action Systems: A hybrid of wet and dry systems. Water isn’t released until a separate detection system confirms a fire, reducing the risk of accidental discharge. You might find these in data centres or museums.
• Foam Water Sprinkler Systems: Combines water with a foaming agent to suppress fires involving flammable liquids. Often used in aircraft hangars or chemical storage areas.
• Water Mist Systems: Releases fine water droplets that cool the fire and displace oxygen. They’re effective in confined spaces and where water damage must be minimised.

The Benefits of a Commercial Fire Sprinkler System

Sprinklers are often used in commercial or industrial settings because they offer so many benefits. These include:

• Rapid automatic response, acting before fire spreads.
• Proven to save lives and minimise property damage.
• Can lower insurance premiums.
• Works 24/7 without human intervention.
• Highly reliable with minimal false activations.
• Can cover large spaces with each head targeting a specific area.

Fire Sprinklers vs Fire Suppression Systems

We couldn’t finish this blog piece without mentioning another type of fire suppression system that Midland Fire can install and maintain – PAFSS.

Standing for Pneumatically Actuated Fire Suppression Systems, PAFSS are innovative self-activating systems designed for the rapid detection and extinguishing of fires, similar to sprinklers. They work using pre-engineered, flexible detection tubes and are more suitable for use in enclosed spaces, like inside electrical cabinets or machinery.

Why Choose Midland Fire for Your Sprinkler Installation?

Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited fire safety contractor specialising in sprinklers and fire suppression systems. We work with businesses of all sizes, across a range of industries, so whatever your company, we’re here to help.

25 years of experience
We’ve been protecting people and businesses since 1999.

Expert engineers
Each of our 30 engineers is a time-served electrician and a fully qualified fire alarm engineer.

Full support from start to finish
We’ll effectively manage each stage of your project from consultation and design to installation, certification and maintenance.

Quality products
Midland Fire only supplies products from reputable brands that we know will future proof your business.

Expert Fire Sprinkler System Installation from Midland Fire

We offer everything from your initial assessment, to system design, installation and maintenance in line with the British Standards. Our friendly engineers are on hand to advise you on which sprinkler or fire suppression system is right for you, and they can offer expert guidance on how to fully protect your staff, customers and business from anything life may throw your way.

Choose us for your fire risk assessment, and discover our full range of fire safety services and security services. By choosing us as your safety partner, you’re choosing to keep your company as safe and secure as it can possibly be.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Your Burning Questions Answered

How does a fire sprinkler system know when to activate?
Each sprinkler head has a heat-sensitive element that reacts to high temperatures, usually around 68°C. When it gets hot enough, the element breaks or melts, releasing water from that specific head. Fire sprinklers are not activated by smoke.

Will all sprinklers go off at once in a fire?
No, only the sprinkler heads closest to the fire will activate. This targeted response helps control the fire without flooding the entire building.

How sensitive are fire sprinklers and can they go off accidentally?
Sprinklers are heat-activated, rather than activated by smoke or steam, so they’re very unlikely to go off by accident. False activations are extremely rare, and actually more commonly caused by physical damage or faulty parts – which is why it’s important to keep your sprinkler systems well maintained.

How long do fire sprinklers stay on?
Sprinklers will keep spraying water until the flow is manually shut off, usually by the fire brigade or building management. They’re designed to suppress the fire for as long as needed.

How often should a sprinkler system be serviced?
Sprinkler systems should be inspected and serviced at least once a year by a qualified contractor and tested regularly. Scheduled maintenance and testing ensure everything’s in working order and compliant with fire safety regulations.

Can sprinklers be installed in older buildings?
Yes, sprinkler systems can be retrofitted into older buildings, though it may require careful planning. Modern systems are flexible and can be designed to suit heritage or complex buildings, which is something we can help you with.