This only concerns the degrees of protection and the cases where the protection of automatic sprinklers should be considered. Each room or area of the building should be inspected to determine where and what type of protection could be used. Feedback from building owners, occupants or end-users should be considered when assessing how and where the human element affects sprinkler protection requirements. While the final decisions aren`t perfect — if someone really wants to damage a sprinkler, they will — prudent decisions minimize accidental or intentional damage to these devices. While there have been improvements in sprinkler protection during packaging, shipping, handling, and assembly in recent years, such as plastic protective grilles on sprinkler heads in shipping carton, some sprinklers fail every year due to damage caused by people. The suspended load (the termination weight of the link) of the thermal sensors must be taken into account, as it varies depending on the manufacturer. A lower weight could be considered if juveniles are present. In addition, the sprinkler system must be securely fixed so that no movement takes place. Wall or ceiling mounting should be checked to verify the suitability of the support system and, if necessary, additional brackets may be required to comply with the manufacturer`s installation recommendations. However, when the National Fire Protection Association`s Standard 13, the standard for installing sprinkler systems, required quick-response sprinklers in light hazardous areas, manufacturers had to rethink their institutional sprinklers to meet rapid response requirements. This has led to a change in the design of sprinklers, which may not be as vandal-resistant as their predecessors.
However, when choosing an institutional or vandal-proof sprinkler, it is important to consider the use of the building in each room or area, not the building as a whole. Schools, washrooms, temporary living spaces, and minimum security areas are places where completely hidden sprinklers can be the best choice. Although used earlier for aesthetic reasons, this type of sprinkler does not attract the attention that a recessed or suspended sprinkler head might have. In addition, the lower, almost flush profile of the fire extinguisher is not suitable for such significant accident damage. In addition, most people are not aware of the automatic assembly of sprinklers behind the cover plate, so there is less risk of vandalism or malicious mischief. Sprinkler head guard These devices are generally recommended if damage to commercial sprinklers could occur due to activities, operations, the use of equipment such as warehouse trucks or machinery, when objects are hit, thrown, kicked or hit, as can happen in school locker rooms and gyms where sprinklers are installed less than 2.4 meters above the ground, or in areas with little or no surveillance, or where mischief or vandalism could occur. Sprinkler head guards must be “listed” for use with the automatic sprinkler on which they are used. In many cases, generic head protectors should not be used, as they could void the sprinkler manufacturer`s warranty. Location and height Many installations can be designed in such a way that the proximity of the sprinkler head is not damaged. For example, sprinklers may be located in normally occupied and/or monitored areas, such as offices or retail areas with a ceiling height greater than 2.4 metres, and in areas where equipment, warehouses or machinery are not a problem. Pending, vertical or horizontal sprinkler heads can be used if they are properly positioned in areas where the risk of damage of any kind is minimal.
Every year, many automatic sprinklers are damaged or compromised by accidents, vandalism or mischief. This leads to an unintentional release of several thousand liters of water, which can damage property or cause chaos for nearby residents. Construction operations can be halted for long periods of time, and if business interruption or temporary relocation and housing costs are added to the cost of building repairs, the loss can be significant. Sprinklers installed under mechanical equipment or piping in warehouses and engine or service rooms may be susceptible to accidental damage by occupants. The use of forklifts or other equipment can also damage the sprinklers. For these applications, “listed” sprinkler head protectors are usually specified. A thorough review of the building owner`s requirements and use should be conducted to determine where front guards should be recommended or installed. Although labeled vandal-proof and not vandal-proof by manufacturers, institutional-style sprinklers are still the choice to consider where individuals might vandalize or injure themselves using an automatic sprinkler, such as prisons, detention and treatment centers, and high-security areas. The installation of these devices must strictly adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturers, otherwise they could fail. If a sprinkler is damaged, for example during work on buildings, water can leak and damage the building or equipment.
Especially in areas with water-sensitive equipment that can have very serious consequences for the organization, such as the failure of the computer system In closing Part of the challenge for designers is to select the appropriate automatic sprinkler for the specific application. This also extends to protecting devices that aren`t fragile, but need to be treated as if they were, so they can work when you need them, not when you don`t. The owner and/or occupants of the building should be consulted on the choice of sprinklers and the appropriate method of protection prior to the design and installation of the sprinkler system. In most applications, sprinkler heads are installed in places or heights where damage is unlikely. However, there are cases where the protection of these devices should be considered. Happy Tree is committed to providing sprinkler accessories. This is demonstrated by our continued investment in research and development. Happy Tree focuses on bringing new products to market that make our customers` lives easier, safer and better. Currently, there are options to minimize potential damage to sprinkler heads that have already been installed. Some of the most common include installing the sprinkler in a location or height where damage is least likely, using the appropriate “listed” head protection for the specific sprinkler, fully concealed sprinklers, and institutional-style sprinklers. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
However, whatever options are considered, the human element always enters the equation. Institutional sprinklers are perhaps the most misunderstood automatic sprinklers when they are considered protective against the human element. When these devices were first introduced, manufacturers called them “vandal-proof.” However, it has been found that there may not be a completely vandal-proof automatic sprinkler. Subsequently, the terminology “anti-vandalism” was applied to these sprinklers. Some models, such as the older Star PH series, were standard sprinklers that were popular because of their design features. Fully concealed sprinklers “Out of sight – out of mind” is what usually comes to mind when using these sprinkler heads. The sprinkler assembly is located behind a plate that usually fits the ceiling. Most users of the building do not know that there is a sprinkler head behind the finishing plate and will not think about it.
The low profile of the concealed sprinkler can help prevent damage to the assembly, unlike an automatic sprinkler that protrudes several centimeters from the ceiling. Customer reviews, including product star ratings, help customers learn more about the product and decide if it`s right for them. Please help keep the Eng Tips forums free of inappropriate posts. Eng-Tips employees will verify this and take appropriate action. Click here to join Eng-Tips and talk to other members! Already a member? Connection To calculate the total number of stars and the percentage distribution per star, we do not use a simple average.