Preaction Sprinkler System

What Is a Preaction Sprinkler System?

A preaction sprinkler system, or a preaction fire suppression system, offers a unique fire protection solution for areas where accidental water discharge could damage equipment or sensitive materials. This system combines elements of both dry and wet pipe sprinkler systems, providing an extra layer of security before water release. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Air-filled pipes – Similar to dry pipe sprinkler systems, preaction sprinkler systems utilize a network of pipes initially filled with pressurized or nonpressurized air. This prevents water from entering the pipes until activation.

Automatic sprinkler heads – Automatic sprinkler heads with heat-sensitive elements are strategically placed throughout the protected area.

Preaction valve – A key feature of this system is the electrically controlled preaction valve. This valve is always closed, preventing water from reaching the sprinkler heads.

Water discharge – With the preaction valve open, pressurized water fills the pipes and reaches the activated sprinkler heads, discharging water directly onto the fire.

Dual activation – For water discharge to occur, two separate events must happen:

Fire detection – The fire detection system, typically consisting of heat or smoke detectors, must be triggered by a fire event.
Preaction valve activation – Once the fire detection system is activated, it sends an electrical signal to the preaction valve, causing it to open.

Some common places where preaction sprinkler systems are used include:

Computer rooms / data centers
Aircraft hangars
Telecommunication facilities
Cold storage / freezer warehouses
Archives / repositories
Pharmaceutical laboratories

Advantages of a Preaction Sprinkler System

Reduced Water Damage Risk

The two-step activation process minimizes the chance of accidental water discharge.

Reliable Fire Suppression

By combining elements of both dry and wet pipe sprinkler systems, a preaction sprinkler system offers reliable fire suppression when needed.

Flexibility in Detection

These systems can be configured to use various detection methods, including heat, smoke, or flame detectors.

Compliance with Regulations

Preaction sprinkler systems may be required by code in certain buildings housing sensitive equipment or materials.

Why Choose FireTech

FireTech has twenty years of experience in the fire protection industry and our team of experts know how to provide design, install and maintain customized and reliable fire prevention systems. We offer comprehensive services that include:

System Design & Install – Our team assesses your property’s needs and designs a customized system that meets all fire code requirements.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance – Our team files business inspection report history and performs quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections in accordance with NFPA 25 and your local jurisdiction. Additionally, our team provides 5 years internal assessment obstruction investigations.

We service, test and repair all makes and models of fire protection systems, backflow preventers, foam, antifreeze, sprinkler heads as well as perform system flushing.
Emergency Repairs – In case of any issues with your system, our technicians are available 24/7 to provide emergency repair services.

Discover Our Comprehensive Fire Protection Systems & Solutions

Wet Pipe Sprinkler System

Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most common type of fire suppression system. They consist of pipes filled with water, ready to discharge instantly when a sprinkler head is activated by heat, ensuring a rapid response to a fire event.

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Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

Dry pipe sprinkler systems are typically used in unheated or cold environments where the presence of water in the pipes could freeze and cause damage. These systems feature pressurized air or nitrogen, and release water only when a sprinkler head is triggered.

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Deluge Sprinkler System

Deluge systems are used in high-hazard areas, where rapid fire suppression is crucial. These systems have open sprinkler heads and are connected to a water supply through a valve that opens upon receiving a fire signal, quickly delivering large amounts of water to extinguish intense fires.

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AFFF System

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) systems are specialized fire protection systems designed to combat flammable liquid fires. They work by forming a foam blanket over the fuel, cutting off oxygen and suppressing the flames.

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Clean Agent System

Clean agent systems use non-water-based extinguishing agents to fight fires, making them ideal for environments where water damage is undesirable, such as server rooms or electrical panels. These systems release a gas that quickly suppresses fires without leaving any residue or requiring significant cleanup.

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Preaction Sprinkler System

What Is a Preaction Sprinkler System?