What is a Deluge Fire System?

A deluge fire protection system has unpressurized dry piping and open sprinkler heads. The system is directly connected to a water supply and when the system is activated, a deluge valve will release the water to all the open sprinkler heads. The valve is opened when activated by a heat or smoke detection system.

Common Applications

Deluge systems are used in high hazard areas such as power plants, aircraft hangars, and chemical plants. These systems are very effective in hazardous areas because they release water or another fire suppressant to all the open sprinkler heads simultaneously. This total flood method douses a fire before it has the chance to grow uncontrollably.

Advantages of a Deluge System

A deluge system offers several advantages over a traditional fire sprinkler system. In a traditional sprinkler system, the pipes are filled with water and the sprinkler heads are closed. A deluge system is a dry system which means it is not at risk for having frozen pipes. The pipes of traditional sprinklers can freeze when exposed to cold temperatures because they are filled with water. In addition, a deluge system offers a quicker response to a fire by releasing water through all its open heads at once. A regular sprinkler system with closed heads must activate each sprinkler head individually. Therefore, the deluge system is more effective in high hazard situations.

Installation & Service

If you think that a deluge fire protection system is right for your facility, you should enlist the help of a fire protection professional to install one in your facility. You will want to make sure that the system complies with your building code and NFPA standards. After installation of a deluge system, you will need to keep it running smoothly by getting it serviced regularly. Have inspections performed to make sure that the deluge valves are working properly and check to make sure there is not corrosion within your system’s pipes. You will want your system to be in the proper condition, especially in high hazard areas where fires can become really dangerous.

WSFP Installs Deluge Systems

Western States Fire Protection is your full-service fire protection contractor providing installation, inspections, testing, and repairs for deluge fire protection systems. Our team at WSFP will install a deluge system in your building in accordance with NFPA standards. We can also provide you with fire protection service bundles to help you save money. When you bundle services, you can have the convenience of having all your fire protection needs be met by one company. From the initial installation to regularly scheduled inspections to emergency repairs, Western States has you covered. Contact us to have a deluge system installed in your facility.

Fire Sprinklers FAQ

Fire sprinklers are a critical component of many life safety systems. Making sure that they are running properly is important to the safety of the people in your building. There are however, many questions people may have about their fire sprinkler systems.

Can Fire Sprinkler Heads be Painted?

You should never paint over your sprinkler heads. Doing so will cause your system to work incorrectly. Paint causes the temperature at which the sprinkler heads are triggered to be higher and can even cause them to not activate at all. This can lead to more damage done to your building and puts lives in danger.

If you are hiring someone to paint your building for you, make sure you show them wear sprinkler heads are located and inform them not to paint over them.

Can Fire Sprinkler Systems Freeze?

Traditional fire sprinkler systems with water-filled pipes can freeze when exposed to cold temperatures. If you need fire protection in an area where freezing is possible such as unheated warehouses, freezers, or outside loading docks, your best bet is to install a dry pipe system. Dry pipe sprinkler systems have air or nitrogen in the pipes instead of water to prevent freezing.

How Are Sprinkler Systems Activated?

Sprinkler systems are activated through heat detection. They are not activated by smoke or steam. When heat is detected, the sprinkler system activates each head individually, the heads do not go off all at once. It is very rare for a sprinkler system to be activated by accident.

Can I Install Fire Sprinklers Myself?

You should never try to install a fire sprinkler system yourself. You need to hire the help of a qualified fire protection professional to make sure the system is installed properly and complies with fire code.

Have More Fire Sprinkler Questions? Ask the Experts

Western States Fire Protection can answer your questions about fire sprinkler systems. If you need a new system installed, the team of qualified technicians at WSFP can get the job done. We are a full-service fire protection contractor serving the Western half of the United States. Give us a call today at 303-792-0022 and we will answer any questions you may have about fire protection.