Overview of Sprinkler System.

Vanguard is a full-service provider of sprinkler systems of all shapes and sizes, for a variety of facility types and
hazards. In this section of our website you can learn about the variety of our Sprinkler systems available. The links
below and on the menu to the left will lead you to more details. If you'd like to contact a Vanguard Professional about
a Sprinkler system, please call us at (800) 444-8719.

Wet Sprinkler Systems the most common type of sprinkler system where water is constantly maintained
within the system piping.

Dry Sprinkler Systems A sprinkler system for use where freezing temperatures may exist.

Pre-Action Systems A closed head sprinkler system where water does not enter the system until a
detection event triggers the pre-action valve, at which point the head still needs to trip in order to activate the
entire system.

Deluge Systems Similar to a Pre-Action system with open heads, to deliver a large volume of
water immediately upon activation.

Foam Systems A sprinkler system that uses special components and foam agents to suppress fires.

Fire Pumps Fire pumps boost the pressure to a facility when the sprinkler system is activatedand are
often required in tall structures.

Wet Sprinkler Systems

Wet pipe fire sprinkler systems are the most common fire sprinkler system. A wet pipe system is
one in which water is constantly maintained within the sprinkler piping. When a sprinkler
activates this water is immediately discharged onto the fire.
Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems are designed for use in applications where the temperature is
maintained above freezing. In such systems, the entire piping network is fully pressurized so
that water is discharged from a sprinkler head immediately after actuation. Alarm check valves
or water flow detectors are used to actuate local and remote alarms.
Vanguard has an entire division of skilled professionals focused on sprinkler systems design,
installation, and maintenance. Our team will see that your facility has the very latest in fire
suppression protection.
Applications include:

Heated Warehouses
Factories
Hospitals
Stores
Shopping Centers
Residential settings such as Apartment or Condominium Complexes, and Single Family
Residences.

Dry Sprinkler Systems

Dry Sprinklers have been specifically designed for areas in which the sprinkler may be
subjected to freezing conditions. A dry pipe sprinkler system is a system with automatic
sprinkler heads attached to a piping system containing air or nitrogen under pressure. The
release of this pressure (caused by the opening of a sprinkler head) permits the water pressure
to open a valve known as a dry pipe valve and the water then flows into the piping system and
out of the open sprinkler head. At the same time local and/or central station alarms can activate,
along with other integrated system components such as fire alarm notification devices.
Accessory items, such as dry pipe valve accelerators that increase the speed of system
operation, and switches used to activate electric alarms, may be used to enhance the system.
Valves for the system must be installed in areas not subject to freezing, as this portion of the
system does contain water. The system may be equipped with automatic or manual air supply
controls and air supervisory devices with appropriate trouble alarms.
Applications include:

Unheated Warehouses
Parking Garages
Store Windows
Attic Spaces
Loading Docks
Covered Exterior Platforms
Other areas exposed to freezing temperatures

Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems

A Vanguard pre-action sprinkler system is similar to a deluge sprinkler system except the
sprinkler heads are closed. This type system is typically used in areas containing high value
equipment or contents and spaces which are highly sensitive to the effects of accidental
sprinkler water discharge.
The pre-action valve holds back water from entering the system until it is tripped by a separate
electronic detection system. Activation of a heat or smoke detector in that separate system will
open the pre-action valve, allowing water to enter the system piping. Because the sprinkler
heads are closed, water will not flow from the sprinklers until heat activates the operating
element in individual sprinkler heads. Basically, the automatic opening of the pre-action valve
effectively converts the system to a wet pipe sprinkler system.
In a pre-action system the piping is pressurized with air or nitrogen, monitoring of this air
pressure provides a means of supervising the system piping. Loss of the supervisory air
pressure in the system piping results in a trouble signal at the alarm panel. A prealarm of a
possible fire allows time for alternate fire extinguishment prior to a sprinkler discharge. In the
event the fire cannot otherwise be extinguished, the preaction sprinkler system will then perform
as the primary fire protection system. They are designed for applications such as refrigerated
areas that require maximum protection against inadvertent operation of the sprinkler system.
Applications include:

Flammable Liquid Handling

Storage Areas for Valuable Artifacts
Aircraft Hangars
High-Hazard Installations Using Water as Extinguishing Agent
Computer Rooms
Libraries
Archives
Refrigerated Spaces

Deluge Sprinkler Systems

Deluge Systems are normally used in special hazard installations where water must be applied
to an entire area for protection. The arrangement of deluge system piping is similar to a wet or
dry pipe system with two major differences:
1. Standard sprinkler heads are used, but they are all open. The activating elements have
been removed so that when the control valve is opened water will flow from all of the
sprinklers simultaneously and deluge the area with water.
2. The deluge valve is normally closed. The valve is opened by the activation of a separate
fire detection system.

Deluge systems are used where large quantities of water are needed quickly to control a fastdeveloping fire. Deluge valves can be electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically operated, and
often opened by a fire detection system installed in the same area.

Applications include:

Flammable Liquid Handling

Storage Areas for Valuable Artifacts
Aircraft Hangars
High-Hazard Installations Using Water as Extinguishing Agent
Computer Rooms
Libraries
Archives
Refrigerated Areas

Foam Sprinkler Systems

Foam liquid concentrates are suitable for use on fires involving ordinary hydrocarbon petroleum
products, and some foam liquid concentrates may also be suitable for use on fires involving
polar solvent fuels.
A Vanguard fire protection system designer first identifies the fuel load and selects the foam
liquid concentrate according to its ability to be used for a given fuel load. Upon selecting the
foam liquid concentrate, the designer then selects equipment, including discharge devices,
based on listing/approval compatibility of the equipment with the concentrate.
Applications include:

Class B Hydrocarbon Fuel Fires Such as Crude Oils, Gasoline, Diesel Fuels & Aviation
Fuels
Class B Polar Solvent Fuel fires such as Methyl Alcohol, Acetone & Ethyl Alcohol
Loading Racks
Aircraft Hangars
Refineries
Marine Vessels
Warehouses