A fire sprinkler system is one of the most basic and effective ways to protect your facility from a fire. One type of sprinkler system that may be found in some applications is a dry pipe sprinkler system. Dry sprinklers are used in cold spaces as they prevent pipe freeze-ups in areas prone to freezing.
How a Dry Sprinkler System Works
In a dry pipe sprinkler system, the sprinkler pipes are not filled with water. Instead, they contain pressurized air or nitrogen. The pressurized air holds a dry pipe valve in place that prevents water from entering the sprinkler’s pipes. When a fire is detected, the air leaves the pipes which opens the valve and allows the water to flow into the pipes to be discharged onto the fire.
Wet vs. Dry sprinklers: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between a wet pipe sprinkler system and a dry sprinkler system is whether there is water contained in the pipes. Wet sprinkler systems have water in the pipes at all times while dry sprinklers do not.
A wet pipe sprinkler is the traditional form of sprinkler system. It is the most basic, common and effective form of fire protection.
Dry pipe sprinkler systems are slightly more complex due to the fact that there is pressurized air in the pipes. This can make them more costly and more difficult to design and maintain. However, dry pipe sprinkler systems have an advantage in colder areas because having no water in the pipes prevents freeze-ups.
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Applications
Some common applications for dry pipe sprinkler systems include:
- Unheated warehouses
- Commercial freezers
- Loading docks
- Attics
- Parking garages
Choose a Fire Protection System with IFP
Do you have an unheated space that needs a dry pipe sprinkler system? At International Fire Protection we design and install dry pipe sprinkler systems as well as many other types of fire protection. We can assess your application and help you determine which sprinkler system is the best fit. As a full-service fire protection provider, we offer fire protection system design, installation, inspection, testing, repair and 24-hour emergency service. International Fire Protection serves the southeastern U.S.
Contact us to learn more about the services we provide!
