What Sprinkler Systems Are Used in Industrial Properties?
Although most older industrial buildings have traditional wet sprinkler systems, technology has come a long way in recent years, with most new properties equipped with ESFR sprinklers.
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Fire safety is always an important consideration in real estate, but it is of paramount concern with industrial properties. Manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, research and development buildings, and virtually all others can be at significant risk of fire if proper precautions are not taken.
There are several common types of sprinkler systems in use throughout the U.S., and it is critical to understand which system you have protecting your asset and what it means for your investment.
Wet Sprinklers
Wet sprinkler systems are very commonly found in older, smaller buildings. These may be what you think of when you consider a sprinkler system — overhead pipes filled with pressurized water, which spray that water from sprinkler heads when a smoke detector or fire alarm detects an issue.
These are generally the cheapest systems on the market today, and what’s more, they are reliable and have low installation costs. The main drawback can be in terms of maintenance. As they are essentially pipes with water, leaks are bound to occur eventually — and leaks can be damaging, depending on what operations are carried out within your building.
ESFR
Early suppression, fast response sprinklers are one of the highest-end sprinkler options for commercial real estate. Able to be deployed in warehouses with clear heights of up to 40 feet, these ceiling-mounted systems detect the source of a fire and directly spray large amounts of water into the source of a blaze. ESFR systems are very common in new industrial assets and are particularly effective at controlling and eliminating fires in buildings with stacked goods.
The primary benefit of an ESFR system is that it can more rapidly douse a fire than a standard wet sprinkler, with an output of 100 gallons per minute compared to a traditional system’s 30 to 60 gallons per minute. The downsides are primarily related to installation. Special care must be taken to ensure an ESFR system’s sprinklers can reach all areas. If part of a rack is unreachable, it could have serious consequences.
In-Rack Sprinklers
In-rack sprinkler systems are specifically built for controlling fires in large storage racks. Detectors are generally included within racks to detect smoke as soon as soon as possible, and sprinklers on each rack then quickly spray water to suppress the fire.
These systems are relatively cost effective and simple to expand. If you expand your property’s storage capacity, you can easily add more sprinklers to a new rack. The main downside to in-rack systems is that they can potentially be damaged during loading and offloading of products from storage. Because sprinklers are so close to the products, additional care must be taken to ensure they remain operational and frequent maintenance checks should be performed.
Related Questions
What types of sprinkler systems are used in industrial properties?
Sprinkler systems used in industrial properties vary depending on the type of industrial property. For example, warehouses and distribution centers typically use wet pipe sprinkler systems, while data/communications centers may use pre-action or deluge systems. Flexible buildings may use a combination of wet pipe and pre-action systems. For more information, please see this article from the National Fire Sprinkler Association.
What are the benefits of installing a sprinkler system in an industrial property?
Installing a sprinkler system in an industrial property can provide a number of benefits. Sprinkler systems can help protect the property from fire damage, as well as reduce the risk of injury to workers. Additionally, having a sprinkler system can help reduce insurance costs, as many insurance companies offer discounts for properties with sprinkler systems. Finally, sprinkler systems can help reduce the amount of water damage that can occur in the event of a fire, as the water from the sprinklers can help contain the fire and limit the spread of smoke and other hazardous materials.
For more information, please see FM Global's article on industrial sprinkler systems.
What are the different types of sprinkler systems available for industrial properties?
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What are the installation requirements for sprinkler systems in industrial properties?
Sprinkler systems in industrial properties must meet the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, which is the standard for the installation of sprinkler systems. This includes requirements for the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of sprinkler systems. Additionally, NFPA 13D is the standard for the installation of sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes. For more information, please refer to the NFPA 13 and NFPA 13D standards.
What are the maintenance requirements for sprinkler systems in industrial properties?
Sprinkler systems in industrial properties require regular maintenance to ensure they are in proper working order. This includes checking the water pressure, inspecting the sprinkler heads, and testing the system to make sure it is functioning correctly. Additionally, the system should be inspected annually by a qualified professional to ensure it meets all applicable codes and regulations.
For more information, you can check out the National Fire Protection Association's guide to sprinkler systems.
What safety considerations should be taken into account when installing a sprinkler system in an industrial property?
When installing a sprinkler system in an industrial property, it is important to consider the size of the building, the type of materials stored, and the potential fire hazards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides guidelines for the installation of sprinkler systems in industrial properties. These guidelines include the following:
- The sprinkler system should be designed to meet the needs of the building and the materials stored.
- The sprinkler system should be installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
- The sprinkler system should be inspected and tested regularly to ensure it is functioning properly.
- The sprinkler system should be maintained in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
For more information, please refer to the NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 standards.