A Guide to Dry Pipe Sprinklers

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08/24/2012

A Guide to Dry Pipe Sprinklers

Learn how dry pipe systems can benefit your building
By Jennie Morton
Need to sprinkle part of your building but concerned
about freezing temperatures? A dry pipe sprinkler
system will provide the coverage you need without the
risk of burst pipes.
While wet pipe sprinklers are the most common form of
fire protection, they cannot be used in temperatures of
40 degrees F. and below. The standard way to sprinkle
exposed building areas such as an open garage, freezer
storage, or unheated spaces is to install a dry pipe
sprinkler system.
Despite their advantages, be aware that dry pipe
sprinklers have separate maintenance, testing, and
installation requirements to ensure proper performance.
HOW THEY WORK
Unlike a wet pipe system, dry sprinklers are free of
water until a fire is detected.
A dry pipe sprinkler system is designed so that the piping itself is filled with pressurized air instead of water, explains
Ken Isman, vice president of engineering for the National Fire Sprinkler Association. The pressure from the air holds a
valve closed that has water behind it. The sprinkler actuates during a fire, causing the air pressure to drop. This removes
the pressure from the valve, which releases the water into the pipes.
These additional steps create a delay of up to 60 seconds between activation of the sprinkler and when water reaches
the sprinkler head. While theres a small chance a fire can continue to grow during these additional moments, this delay
is better than having no fire protection at all.

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TESTING AND MAINTENANCE

Even though dry pipe sprinklers dont have active water in the system, you need to be vigilant about condensation.
The challenge with these systems is that once you fill them with water during a test, you have to get all of that water
out, says Isman. And even if you completely drain the system, there is still humidity in the air. When you compress air
and place it in a pressurized system, the water tends to fall out of suspension and accumulate.
While it may seem like a miniscule amount of water,
frozen condensate can plug the sprinkler main feed,
cautions George McHugh, an owner of AGF
Manufacturing, which specializes in fire sprinkler
accessories. The plug will prevent the valve from
tripping during a fire because it hinders the air
pressure from dropping properly. Even if the valve
trips, the ice can delay or block the water flow.

A Strong Pulse for Fire Safety

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Uses for Dry Pipe Sprinklers

Dry pipe sprinklers are used in applications where you
cant protect pipes from freezing temperatures. These
areas include:

Plumbing & Washrooms

EcoPower Faucet

Exposed garages
It is best to drain the system every quarter to remove
moisture, advises McHugh. This can be done by
opening drains (drip pans) that are built into low points
within the system. Perform a valve trip test annually,
which can be done without releasing water, and a full
flow trip test every three years.

Drive-through loading areas or docks

Because they collect moisture and that has to be

dealt with to prevent freezing, there is a higher level of
maintenance associated with dry pipe systems,
McHugh says. However, its more cost-effective to put
in a dry pipe system than to condition the space.

Unconditioned attics

Water-sensitive storage
Unheated warehouses

Janitorial

Air Movers

Garden or supply centers

Cooler or freezer storage

Tools, Services and Software

DuraLabel Pro 300

LONG-TERM COSTS
If you need to install new dry pipe sprinklers, account for a greater upfront investment than wet sprinklers. From an
installation standpoint, dry pipe sprinklers are more expensive because you have to pitch the pipes to help keep water
out of the system, which accounts for more labor, Isman says.
Dry pipes are also more susceptible to decay over their lifecycle. The piping is generally made of steel and the
combination of steel, air, and water encourages corrosion, notes Isman. Its highly likely that the piping would have to
be replaced in a dry pipe system more often than a wet one.
Routinely complete visual inspections to spot vandalism, damage, or corrosion. You can also have an inspector use an
ultrasonic scanning device to detect ice or corrosion blocks without having to cut into the pipe to determine if theres a
problem.
Despite these additional measures and costs, dry pipe sprinklers provide a simple solution for difficult-to-sprinkle areas.

Jennie Morton (jennie.morton@buildings.com) is associate editor of BUILDINGS.

27/8/2014 2:39 AM