Fire sprinkler systems are vital for the safety of your employees and your business. It’s a business investment that you hope you never use. When seconds count, you need to know that you have an effective system that will operate exactly as you expect to protect your employees and minimize business losses.

Research shows the average loss per fire in buildings with sprinklers was $2,300 compared with an average loss of $10,300 in structures without sprinklers. The National Fire Protection Association says residential sprinklers can reduce the risk of dying from home fires by 80% and reduce property loss by 70%. The numbers speak for themselves: sprinkler systems save lives and money.

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work? 

The biggest misconception with fire sprinklers is that they all open up at the same time during a fire, releasing hundreds of gallons of water. Actually, most fire sprinkler heads release only when a specific head reaches a certain temperature. The only heads that spray water are the ones that have been directly affected by the heat from the fire. 

Most sprinklers in a commercial setting have a red bulb in the middle of the sprinkler head. The red bulb breaks if its temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit, which triggers it to release water to extinguish the fire in that area. 

The amount of water the system releases depends upon the size of the fire, the type of sprinkler head, and the pounds of water pressure from the city. 

Do You Have Questions About Fire Services?

How Do You Inspect and Maintain a Sprinkler System?

If you have a fire sprinkler system installed at your location, it must be inspected at least annually by the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” or “AHJ.” An AHJ can be a local fire marshal, insurance company, or building owner. Inspections may be required quarterly or semi-annually depending on your insurance company and the classification of your building.

If you are considering purchasing a building without a fire sprinkler system, always consult the local AHJ on building requirements for your type of business before your buy. AHJ's require certain classes of businesses to have a sprinkler system. Retrofitting or updating an existing building with a fire sprinkler system can be done, but it may be costly. The price of the building may be less appealing if you have to retrofit it to meet AHJ requirements for your company.

Which System Is Right for My Building?

There are three primary types of fire sprinkler systems. Your building and location determine which system is best for you. 

• Basic wet systems connect sprinkler heads to pipes with pressurized water inside. This system is only suitable for buildings that can maintain a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Dry systems are suitable for cool buildings because they do not freeze. This system is connected to pipes filled with air or nitrogen rather than water. The pressurized air or nitrogen forces water to remain in a tank where it won’t freeze. When a sprinkler head is activated, the pressure in the pipe drops so that the water can start to flow through it and control the fire.
• Pre-action systems, like dry systems, do not store water inside the connecting pipes. They are controlled electronically by heat or smoke detectors. When the heat or smoke detector identifies a fire, it activates the valve. The pipes then fill with water that flows to the activated sprinkler head(s).  

Training & Expertise

At the end of the day, it comes down to education and training. FPS focuses on training all of our customers during all new installations and when we conduct regular inspections.

FPS is certified to install and service fire sprinkler systems by the Oklahoma Department of Labor. Our technicians are NICET-certified, seasoned professionals. 

No one ever expects to experience a fire that puts them out of business. Unfortunately, fires are unpredictable. Even a small fire in an unprotected space can be devastating for a business.

FPS Technologies gives you the peace of mind that you're doing everything you can to keep your company and employees safe. For more information or a free estimate, please call FPS Technologies at (405) 842-8708 or email us at support@fps-technologies.com.