Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems

With Pre-action sprinklers, the pipes are filled with air and require two events to occur before any sprinkler discharges:

1. When the fire detection system detects fire (via heat sensors or smoke detectors), the pre-acting valve is released, water flows into the pipes and the system essentially becomes a wet pipe system.
2. Since there is water in the pipes, a sprinkler head must be released to activate and drain the water.

Pre-action systems offer several advantages. It is not unusual for sprinkler heads to be triggered accidentally. Accidental activation often causes costly, irreversible property and water damage. The two-event discharge requirement provides a high level of protection against such accidental discharges. Using compressed air or nitrogen in the piping system allows leaks to be easily detected.

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

• Server Rooms
• Data centers