Our Orlando fire sprinkler contractors hear it all – from how much damage fire sprinklers can do to how your pipes can burst if it’s too cold. We’re here to debunk some common myths about your commercial fire sprinkler system to keep you informed and safe.

Your commercial property likely has a fire sprinkler system installed (and if it doesn’t, you need to get on that because Florida fire codes require them in your commercial building!), but how much do you really know about these life-saving systems? We’ve gathered some common myths we’ve heard about fire sprinkler systems and asked our Orlando fire sprinkler contractors to add a dose of reality to them.

Water Damage

Myth: The water from fire sprinklers causes more damage than a fire.

Reality: Water damage from fire sprinklers is minimal. When a sprinkler head is activated, it may only affect one small area of your facility, leaving the rest dry. And if you have to call in the fire department, fire hoses disperse up to six times more water than your fire sprinklers – now we’re talking about significant water damage. 

Activation

Myth: Pulling the fire alarm will activate the fire sprinkler system.

Reality: Pulling the fire alarm only triggers the fire alarm and is designed to notify occupants that they need to evacuate the building. Most systems have sprinkler heads that are activated by a thermal element that, when triggered, causes water to release from the sprinkler head. 

Design

Myth: All fire sprinkler systems are the same.

Reality: The type and design of your fire sprinkler system will depend on several factors, including building occupancy and the types of materials housed within it. Our Orlando fire sprinkler contractors will recommend one of the following designs based on your building’s unique needs:

• Wet Pipe – In a wet pipe system, water remains in the pipes constantly, allowing for immediate water release in case of fire. Wet systems work best in buildings where the temperature never dips below 40 degrees, and the materials housed within are mostly Class A fire hazards (wood, paper, fabric, and the like).
• Dry Pipe – Dry pipe systems are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen to prevent water from entering them before a fire is detected. This type of system is ideal for facilities subject to freezing temperatures.
• Pre-Action – Pre-action systems also use pressurized air or nitrogen to keep water out of the pipes. Activating this type of fire sprinkler system is a two-step process. When heat is detected, a signal is sent to open the pre-action valve (step one). Then, when the sprinkler head detects increased temperature, water pours immediately onto the fire (step two). This two-step process prevents accidental activations and is ideal for facilities that house high-value assets like museums and data centers.
• Deluge – In a deluge fire sprinkler system, the sprinkler heads remain open at all times, but the pipes do not hold water. When heat or smoke is detected, a valve opens, and water surges into the pipes and is dispersed from the sprinkler heads. Deluge systems are designed to extinguish large fires quickly in areas that house highly combustible materials, like manufacturing plants and airplane hangars.

Testing and Maintenance

Myth: It’s unnecessary to have your fire sprinkler system tested once installed.

Reality: The only way to know your system works correctly is to have Orlando fire sprinkler contractors inspect it regularly. DynaFire is a full-service Fire & Life Safety provider and can offer the following services to keep your fire sprinkler system in top-notch condition.

• Test, inspect, and repair backflow preventers, service fire pumps, and fire hydrants according to NFPA recommendations.
• Provide detailed reports to your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
• Provide 24/7 wireless monitoring with DynaNet
• Test and inspection services for wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, and foam sprinkler systems
• Perform fire sprinkler repair
• Annual, quarterly, and semi-annual fire sprinkler testing 
• Deficiency corrections
• 3rd-year trip testing on dry systems
• 5th-year inspections on all types of systems

Myth: You Can Trust Your Fire Sprinkler System to Anyone

Reality: We Are The Only Orlando Fire Sprinkler Contractors You Need

DynaFire has been serving Central Florida businesses for decades with the best in innovative solutions and customer service. Contact us today to see how we can best serve you and your business.