What’s the Difference Between Wet and Dry Sprinkler Systems?

Having a functional fire sprinkler system in place is essential to preventing deaths and keeping your property safe. In fact, a study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association found that buildings with sprinklers had an 87% lower rate of death than buildings without. Once you’ve chosen to install a fire sprinkler system, deciding between a wet or dry fire sprinkler is the next decision you’ll have to make. Here’s what you need to know about these two types of systems and how Allstate Sprinkler can help you with installation.

Understanding the Difference Between Dry and Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems

Wet and dry sprinkler systems are designed to suppress fires, but function in different ways. In a wet system, the sprinkler heads are directly connected to pipes containing pressurized water. When a fire is detected, the sprinkler head(s) fuse and the system automatically goes off with an immediate release of  water to put down the fire. Wet sprinkler systems are very practical for most facilities and offer the quickest type of fire protection. These systems need to be inspected and tested as per NFPA25 in order for them to function as designed. 

Similar to a wet system, the sprinkler heads associated with a dry system are also directly connected to piping, however, the piping  in a dry sprinkler system is filled with pressurized nitrogen or air that holds back the water pressure at a main control location. When a fire is detected, the relevant sprinkler head(s) will fuse and the air pressure in the pipes is depleted thereby allowing the water pressure to override the air pressure and fill the network of piping with water.   Water will then find its way to the fused sprinkler heads and put down the fire below.  

Dry sprinkler systems are ideal for areas that often experience temperatures below 40 degrees fahrenheit, such as:

•         Parking garages.

•         Buildings and warehouses without adequate heat.

•         Facilities with exterior, exposed areas that need to have fire protection.

A dry fire sprinkler is a great design option for cold areas because water will not be stagnating inside the pipes and therefore cannot freeze. Dry systems, alongside pre-action equipment, are also ideal for areas that contain delicate equipment to ensure that these areas are not damaged by accidental water discharge unless a true fire situation is taking place. 

How Allstate Sprinkler Can Help

At Allstate Sprinkler, we’re committed to helping you with all your fire sprinkler needs. With over 50 years of industry experience, our team will evaluate your building’s needs and design a system that is cost-effective and meets various requirements. Once the engineered plans are approved by the city and successfully installed, we conduct thorough testing and inspections to ensure that the system is in working order and ready to function as designed..

If you’re looking for a reliable fire sprinkler company in New York City, Allstate Sprinkler is your most trusted choice. As NYC’s premier fire sprinkler company for installation, repairs, testing and inspections, we always put your facilities’ needs and budget first. Call us today for a free estimate.

There are several types of fire sprinkler systems, however the two most commonly installed are wet and dry sprinkler systems.  Each has its own unique mechanisms and characteristics and it is important to understand which best fits your fire protection needs.

While the word “dry” is used to describe one of these systems, it is essential to understand that both wet and dry sprinkler systems suppress fires using water, however they are designed to respond in different ways.

Wet sprinkler systems are the more common of the two systems.  They utilize a ready source of pressurized water within the network of piping at all finished sprinkler heads.  Upon a fire event, the proximate sprinkler head will fuse and allow water to immediately suppress the fire below.  Being that wet sprinkler systems are the most reactive and follow a simple mechanical concept, they are the most widely installed type of system.  Wet systems are extremely reliable, yet they are not considered appropriate for fire protection in areas that house sensitive equipment or documents, and cannot be used in locations where temperatures reach below 40˚ F (4.44 ˚C).

By contrast, dry systems are pressurized with nitrogen or ambient air rather than water.  This concept maintains water pressure at the base of the riser and is ‘restrained’ by the air pressure within the network of piping above..  When a sprinkler head is fused from the heat of a fire, the air pressure is released, the dry pipe valve ‘trips, and water then flows through the pipes to suppress the fire. The pressurized air prevents frozen and potentially fractured sprinkler piping in areas with colder temperatures.  In colder climates (below 40˚F (4.44 ˚C)), these systems are essential for warehouses, garages, and unheated buildings.  Dry sprinkler systems do require more maintenance than wet systems but also provide fast and reliable fire suppression.

The National Fire Protection Association Standard # 25, otherwise known as NFPA 25, is the nation-wide standard that governs the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. Formalized in 1992, NFPA 25 has continued to develop, with ever-improving criterion and guidelines, the evaluation techniques pertaining to fire sprinkler inspections, fire pump flow tests, and all aspects of inspecting and testing water-based fire protection systems.

Abiding by the regimen of NFPA 25 will establish maximum system integrity to avoid failure, provide specific methods to ensure code enforcement, and provide fast, effective response in a fire emergency.

Allstate Sprinkler’s inspection and service personnel have all been certified by the FDNY and qualified to meet the criteria for the necessary S-12 Certificate of Fitness.  We have customized computer software to verify and ensure that your facility is in compliance with all required codes and make certain that any potential liability and/or fines for non-compliance to NFPA 25 are avoided.

Allstate Sprinkler is Your Authority on the NFPA 25 Fire Inspection in New York City.  Please contact us immediately to complete the appropriate paperwork and contracts to satisfy the FDNY’s requirements and to ensure compliance with local laws.

About Allstate Sprinkler

Our family business has developed from a “mom and pop” company into a highly regarded fire protection contractor servicing the New York City Metropolitan area. Our commitment is to assist you with all of your commercial and residential fire protection needs. We have built a reputation on the sound principle of providing professional service and high-quality products to all our customers. Our services include but are not limited to the following: complete installations and alterations of fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, prompt correction of all fire department violations, five-year hydrostatic pressure tests, emergency service, and repairs, fire pump testing and installations, fire extinguisher sales, and service, and all fire safety products and equipment.

Allstate Sprinkler, LLC is a licensed Master Fire sprinkler contractor with the New York City building department. Providing our customers with cost-effective, professional, and reliable service is our priority. We hope that you will enjoy our website and become a part of our family customer base.