A fire sprinkler system is a fire suppression system required in most industrial, commercial, and specific residential buildings. These systems are installed to automatically deliver pressurised water through pipeworks to suppress and contain fires in accordance with AS2118.

​

The four main types of sprinkler systems are:

​

• Pre-Action Sprinklers – Pre-action fire sprinklers systems are filled with air when not in use and water flows through them when the smoke detector goes off. Two triggers are required to start the flow of water from them. Pre-action sprinklers are helpful, in that they can be set to prevent water from coming out of them should a mechanical failure or false alarm occur. The pre-action system is typically good for places where sprinklers are only necessary when an actual fire occurs, so that water damage is not as prevalent. These areas may include data centers, libraries, or other places with high-value items.

​

• Wet Pipe Sprinklers – As their name suggests, wet pipe sprinklers are constantly filled with water. This allows them to quickly react should a fire occur. They are also the most commonly installed type of sprinkler in buildings. A high rise or multi-floor office building would be a typical commercial property where these are installed. This type of fire sprinkler system is known for being typically low maintenance and cost efficient.

​

• Dry Pipe Sprinklers – Similar to pre-action systems, dry pipe sprinklers use pressurized air in the pipes, which exit before the water. This can cause a bit of a delay before water is discharged, but is a good choice for buildings in colder areas so the pipes do not freeze in winter. They feature a fast opening tool that helps rid the pipe of air and increase the speed of the water flow.

​

• Deluge – A deluge fire sprinkler system is similar to a pre-action system except the sprinkler heads are open and the pipe is not pressurized with air. Deluge systems are connected to a water supply through a deluge valve that is opened by the operation of a smoke or heat detection system. Deluge systems are good for buildings with hazardous chemicals or flammable liquids.

​

These Systems require a minimum Inspection and Test schedule as per Australian Standard AS1851 of the following frequencies:

​

• Monthly

• Six Monthly

• Annual

• Five Yearly

• Ten Yearly

• Twenty-Five and Thirty Yearly