Sprinkler systems Queens Archives

Five Types of Sprinkler System Malfunctions

The fire sprinkler systems in our Queens buildings stand quiet sentry until called into action to dowse a fire and perhaps save lives. Fire sprinklers in Queens are effective and low-maintenance systems that rarely if ever malfunction. But when a fire sprinkler system malfunction does occur, the water it distributes can cause as much damage to a facility as a fire can. It’s important, and in many cases it is the law, to perform a regularly scheduled routine of inspection and repair when required. The experts at Allstate Sprinkler Corp. can assist as experts in sprinkler systems in Queens.

Overheating

Overhead water sprinklers are activated by the heat that the sprinkler head senses in the room. When a room’s temperature reaches a specific measure, the sprinkler will open and spray water. Sprinkler heads are rated for temperature, whether the temperature is from a very hot ambient air temperature or an active fire situation. Know what kind of temperatures your facility is exposed to, and factor those conditions into the choice of sprinkler head temperature activation for that area.

Freezing

Sprinkler systems in Queens are susceptible to the effects of cold temperatures as well as hot. Fire systems that use water can be severely damaged if the water within the pipes freezes. Anti-freeze chemicals can be added to the water in the system to prevent freezing, and some fire sprinkler systems remain dry or empty (thus obviating any freezing) until a fire is detected.

Corrosion

Constant exposure to water within the system’s metal pipes and fixtures can lead to areas of rust or corrosion in the system that may present a condition for a catastrophic failure of the system. Annual inspections of the system are effective at identifying and moving to repair any faulty system components.

Mechanics

Faults in the sprinkler system may be the result of disuse or improper installation (overtightening connections, etc.). An experienced fire sprinkler installation company in Queens with solid references will stand by their work if these types of failures are discovered.

Human Error

Most sprinkler systems in Queens fail because of some sort of human interference with the system like tampering with the exposed fire sprinkler heads. Hanging material from the systems pipes, heads, or valves is a direct detriment to the system and may affect its performance when it is called upon. Bumps, strikes, or illegal adjustments to the system can compromise the sprinkler’s firefighting capabilities or cause the system to fail entirely.

All State Sprinkler Corp. are experts in installing, maintaining, and repairing sprinkler systems throughout Queens. We perform:

Fire sprinkler installation
Fire sprinkler inspection
Fire sprinkler repair
System tests
Emergency calls
FDNY violations

A properly installed, maintained, inspected, and functioning sprinkler systems in Brooklyn from Allstate Sprinkler Corp. in a building that is experiencing a fire is the first response to a fire before the fire department ever shows up. Large losses of life and property are practically nonexistent in buildings in Brooklyn equipped with a properly operating sprinkler system.

Fire suppression sprinkler systems: A firefighter’s best friend

Fire Engineering magazine reports that full-scale live fire tests carried out in several countries during the latter half of the 20th century have shown that automatic fire sprinklers can make significant contributions to the improvement of conditions in fire-involved environments in Brooklyn. This is done by lowering temperatures, diluting fire gases, and improving visibility, substantially increasing the time available to occupants of a burning building to successfully evacuate the premises.

Worldwide statistics on fires and losses virtually agree that

In approximately 70 percent of fires that occur in sprinkler-protected properties (where the system is properly maintained and functional), three sprinklers were sufficient to contain and control the fires.
In 90 percent of fires, 10 sprinklers were able to contain and control the fires, impeding greater property losses and contributing to life safety.

Every day, more properties are being protected by these “mechanical firefighters”. Properties include commercial shopping complexes, warehouses, factories, hotels, office buildings, and residencies. In many cases, the activated sprinkler systems in Brooklyn will control the fire. Yet, without direct water contact, sprinklers may not completely extinguish a fire. For example, in a warehouse, inventory may be stored on shelves that block water from the sprinklers reaching the burning material. Firefighters need to be ready with hand lines to extinguish any remaining fires. If a sprinkler system is having difficulty controlling the fire, hose lines working at strategic locations can supplement the sprinkler system to extinguish any remaining fires.

With an operating fire sprinkler system in Brooklyn, firefighting efforts are facilitated and the risk to firefighters is significantly reduced. The primary tactic in a sprinkler-protected building is to let the system do its job while supporting the system. Firefighting efforts can then be directed toward maintaining the system in a full- operational status, while laying backup lines for additional approaches to the fire.

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Sprinkler Systems In Queens