Key Project Terms: Sprinkler - Buildings

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Acronym Glossary

Find Building Data

Construction in My Neighborhood

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Key Project Terms: Sprinkler (Building Systems Installation & Modifications)

The following is a list of useful terms you can use to research additional information on each of the topics discussed:

Alarm Valve

The alarm valve controls the flow of water into the fire sprinkler system. When a fire sprinkler is activated due to a fire, the alarm valve will open, water will flow through the system, and an alarm will sound.

Control Valve

The valve controls the water to the sprinkler system. The control valve should always be in the open position; however the valves are sometimes closed for system work and maintenance.

Fire Department Connections

Exterior building connections through which the fire department can connect their hoses to pump supplemental water into the standpipe system, sprinkler, or other system furnishing additional water to supplement the existing water supplies.

Fire Pump

Fire pump. The fire pump is used when the water supply can’t provide enough pressure to meet the hydraulic design requirements of the system. The pump uses water from the water supply to increase water flow and pressure.

Jockey pump. A small pump connected to the sprinkler system used in conjunction with a fire pump to maintain system pressure.

Sprinkler Booster Pump. Where the pressure from the city water main is insufficient to comply with the requirements of the referenced standard, but is sufficient to provide at least 5 PSI (34 kPa) at the highest level of sprinklers as determined by a test; an automatic, electrically driven pump installed for the purpose of boosting or increasing the City water pressure in the sprinkler system may be used.

Special Service Pump. A fire pump that is located above street level that receives its water supply from a gravity tank or suction tank.

Hydrostatic Test

Hydrostatic testing of piping is performed to expose possible leaks in the system and thereby uncover any defective materials that have missed prior detection. Hydrostatic testing validates the integrity of the constructed system to ensure its operation at the design code mandated pressures.

Main Drain

The primary drain connection located on the riser and also used as a flow test connection.

Sprinkler Components & Systems

Typical sprinkler components of a sprinkler system include:

Sprinkler heads – pendent, upright, and sidewall spray

Water Distribution Piping and Valves – piping branches, mains, risers, valves, piping support and hangers

Pumps and Storage Tanks – required to boost pressure and maintain a reasonable water supply

Sprinkler Head

Work may include: new installation and additions, alterations, modifications or repairs to the existing piping installations, fixtures, plumbing appliances, gas piping and limited fire protection, within or adjacent to any structure; in connection with sanitary drainage or storm drainage; venting systems; and public or private water supply systems.

Sprinkler Work

Work to an automatic sprinkler system, which is an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The system includes a suitable water supply. The portion of the system above the ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a structure or area, generally overhead, and to which automatic sprinklers are connected in a systematic pattern. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.

Types of Sprinkler Systems

Wet-pipe Sprinkler Systems – an automatic water supply, designed to provide water under pressure, to the sprinkler system piping

Dry-pipe Sprinkler Systems, Deluge Systems, Pre-action Systems, and Antifreeze Sprinkler Systems – these systems are most often used in unheated buildings, for example, in building spaces with water sensitive areas, museums, parking garages etc. to provide freeze protection in unheated areas and/or water sensitive areas

Temporary Core (Loop) Sprinkler Protection (TCSP) – as required by undeveloped tenant spaces.

Water Service Piping

Connection to water main in the street – Dedicated Fire Service or Combined (Domestic and Fire).

Water Tanks

Roof tank. May supply domestic, fire suppression or both.

Gravity tank. Tanks providing water supply by using gravity.

Pressure tank. Tanks providing a pressurized water supply.

Suction tank. Tanks providing a water supply to a fire pump.

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