A sprinkler alarm valve, also known as a fire sprinkler valve, stops water from flowing backwards from the installation into the fire-pump room, but it will open and allow water to flow into the system if a fire sprinkler is activated (opened) due to a fire.
Sprinkler alarm valves prevent water or air pressure from the installation from flowing back into the fire-pump room. If a fire sprinkler is activated (opened) as a result of a fire, the sprinkler alarm valve opens, allowing water to flow into the system, and a pressure switch sends a signal to the fire pump to activate.
In the sprinkler or fire alarm system, there are 4 types of alarm valves that are used.
Wet Alarm Valves
Traditional fire sprinklers, also known as wet pipe sprinklers, are the most frequent in both residential and commercial buildings. When a fire breaks out, the heat activates the nearest sprinkler head, which releases pressurised water that has been stored in the pipes. In the event of a false alarm, each sprinkler head is operated independently, reducing water damage. Wet pipe systems are a low-cost, low-maintenance option that can be used in offices, schools, and commercial buildings.
Dry Alarm Valves
Dry pipe systems, unlike wet pipe systems, do not store water in their pipes. Instead, they’re packed with compressed air or nitrogen, which is released when the sprinkler head’s valves are activated by a fire. The pipes fill up with water, which is subsequently discharged over the smoke or flames. While this system is more complicated and expensive than a wet pipe system, it is best suited to cold climates where frozen pipes could impede an emergency fire response.
Pre-Action System
Pre-action sprinklers are a type of dry pipe sprinkler that requires two steps to activate. The pre-action valve opens when heat or smoke is detected, allowing water to enter the pipes. The sprinkler heads can then be individually turned on to spray water on the fire. In the event of a false alarm, this two-step approach allows facilities to turn off the system and preserve their assets from water damage. Pre-action systems are especially beneficial in settings like museums, libraries, and data centres, where an unintentional discharge could cause irreversible damage.
Deluge System
A deluge sprinkler system is a type of dry pipe sprinkler system. Unlike the other alternatives, however, the sprinkler heads in this system are always open. They lack a heat-sensing element in the sprinkler head and must be activated by an external smoke or heat sensor. When heat is detected, water fills the pipes and is released through all open sprinkler heads, flooding the entire area. This method is most commonly employed in businesses that deal with flammable liquids that can spread quickly.