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{{About|the device discharging the water|the complete system|fire sprinkler system}} |
{{About|the device discharging the water|the complete system|fire sprinkler system}} |
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{{TAFI}} |
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[[File:Fire sprinkler roof mount side view.jpg|alt=Fire sprinkler mounted on the ceiling|thumb|300x300px|A fire sprinkler mounted on a ceiling]] |
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[[File:Sprinkler - by Adrian Sampson.jpg|right|thumb|Fire sprinkler with red liquid alcohol in the capsule]] |
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[[File:Bc rueckreise 035 bc ferries faehre a.png|thumb|right|Fire sprinkler system visible above parked cars on [[MV Spirit of Vancouver Island]] auto ferry in [[British Columbia]].]] |
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A '''fire sprinkler''' or '''sprinkler head''' is the component of a [[fire sprinkler system]] that discharges water when the effects of a fire have been detected, such as when a predetermined temperature has been exceeded. Fire sprinklers are extensively used worldwide, with over 40 million sprinkler heads fitted each year. In buildings protected by properly designed and maintained fire sprinklers, over 99% of fires were controlled by fire sprinklers alone.<ref>{{cite web|title=Domestic and Residential Fire Sprinkler Information|url=http://www.cdl-sprinkler.co.uk/sprinkler.html|accessdate=25 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.h2ofiresprinklers.co.uk/fire_sprinklers|title=Fire Sprinklers|publisher=Fire Sprinklers Scotland|accessdate=6 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firesafe.org.uk/industrial-fire-sprinklers/|title=Industrial Fire sprinklers|publisher=Fire Safety Advice Centre|accessdate=6 February 2013}}</ref> |
A '''fire sprinkler''' or '''sprinkler head''' is the component of a [[fire sprinkler system]] that discharges water when the effects of a fire have been detected, such as when a predetermined temperature has been exceeded. Fire sprinklers are extensively used worldwide, with over 40 million sprinkler heads fitted each year. In buildings protected by properly designed and maintained fire sprinklers, over 99% of fires were controlled by fire sprinklers alone.<ref>{{cite web|title=Domestic and Residential Fire Sprinkler Information|url=http://www.cdl-sprinkler.co.uk/sprinkler.html|accessdate=25 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.h2ofiresprinklers.co.uk/fire_sprinklers|title=Fire Sprinklers|publisher=Fire Sprinklers Scotland|accessdate=6 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firesafe.org.uk/industrial-fire-sprinklers/|title=Industrial Fire sprinklers|publisher=Fire Safety Advice Centre|accessdate=6 February 2013}}</ref> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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⚫ | In 1812, British inventor [[Sir William Congreve, 2nd Baronet|Sir William Congreve]] patented a manual sprinkler system using perforated pipes along the ceiling. When someone noticed a fire, a valve outside the building could be opened to send water through the pipes.<ref>{{Harvnb|Dana|1919|p=12}}</ref> It was not until a short time later that, as a result of a large furniture factory that repeatedly burned down, [[Hiram Stevens Maxim]] was consulted on how to prevent a recurrence and invented the first automatic fire sprinkler. It would douse the areas that were on fire and report the fire to the fire station. Maxim was unable to sell the idea elsewhere, though when the patent expired, the idea was used.<ref>{{Citation |last=Chinn |first=George M. |title=The Machine Gun |year=1951 |volume=I |publisher=Bureau of Ordinance |isbn= |doi=}}, page 127.</ref><ref>{{Citation |inventor-last=Maxim |inventor-first=Hiram S. |title=Improvement in Fire Extinguishers |country-code=US |patent-number=141-72 |file-date=March 14, 1873 |issue-date=July 22, 1873 }}{{dead link|date=October 2017}}</ref>{{clarify|reason= date needed for timeline|date=October 2017}} |
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⚫ | [[Henry S. Parmalee]] of [[New Haven, Connecticut]] created and installed the first automatic [[fire sprinkler system]] in 1874, using [[solder]] that melted in a fire to unplug holes in the otherwise sealed water pipes. He was the president of Mathusek Piano Works, and invented his sprinkler system in response to exorbitantly high insurance rates. Parmalee patented his idea and had great success with it in the U.S., calling his invention the "automatic fire extinguisher".<ref>{{Harvnb|Dana|1919|pp=16–21}}</ref> He then traveled to Europe to demonstrate his method to stop a building fire before total destruction. |
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In 1812, British inventor [[Sir William Congreve, 2nd Baronet|Sir William Congreve]] patented a manual sprinkler system using perforated pipes along the ceiling. When someone noticed a fire, a valve outside the building could be opened to send water through the pipes.<ref>{{Harvnb|Dana|1919|p=12}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Parmalee's invention did not get as much attention as he had planned, as most people could not afford to install a sprinkler system. Once he realized this, he turned his efforts to educating insurance companies about his system. He explained that the sprinkler system would reduce the loss ratio, and thus save money for the insurance companies. He knew that he could never succeed in obtaining contracts from the business owners to install his system unless he could ensure for them a reasonable return in the form of reduced premiums. |
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⚫ | In this connection, he was able to enlist the interest of two men, who both had connections in the insurance industry. The first of was Major Hesketh, a cotton spinner in a large business in [[Bolton]] who was also Chairman of the Bolton Cotton Trades Mutual Insurance Company. The Directors of this Company and its Secretary, Peter Kevan, took an interest in Parmalee’s early experiments. Hesketh got Parmalee his first order for sprinkler installations in the cotton spinning mills of John Stones & Company, at Astley Bridge, Bolton. This was followed soon afterwards by an order from the Alexandra Mills, owned by John Butler of the same town. |
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⚫ | [[Henry S. Parmalee]] of [[New Haven, Connecticut]] created and installed the first automatic fire sprinkler system in 1874, using [[solder]] that melted in a fire to unplug holes in the otherwise sealed water pipes. |
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[[File:Grinnell automatic sprinkler advertisement.png|thumb|upright|An 1897 Grinnell automatic sprinkler advertisement]] |
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⚫ | In this connection he was |
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Although Parmalee got two sales through its efforts, the Bolton Cotton Trades Mutual Insurance Company was not a very big company outside of its local area. Parmalee needed a wider influence. He found this influence in James North Lane, the Manager of the Mutual Fire Insurance Corporation of [[Manchester]]. This company was founded in 1870 by the Textile Manufacturers' Associations of [[Lancashire]] and [[Yorkshire]] as a protest against high insurance rates. They had a policy of encouraging risk management and more particularly the use of the most up-to-date and scientific apparatus for extinguishing fires. Even though he put tremendous effort and time into educating the masses on his sprinkler system, by 1883 only about 10 factories were protected by the Parmalee sprinkler. |
Although Parmalee got two sales through its efforts, the Bolton Cotton Trades Mutual Insurance Company was not a very big company outside of its local area. Parmalee needed a wider influence. He found this influence in James North Lane, the Manager of the Mutual Fire Insurance Corporation of [[Manchester]]. This company was founded in 1870 by the Textile Manufacturers' Associations of [[Lancashire]] and [[Yorkshire]] as a protest against high insurance rates. They had a policy of encouraging risk management and more particularly the use of the most up-to-date and scientific apparatus for extinguishing fires. Even though he put tremendous effort and time into educating the masses on his sprinkler system, by 1883 only about 10 factories were protected by the Parmalee sprinkler. |
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Back in the U.S., [[Frederick Grinnell]], who was manufacturing the Parmalee sprinkler, designed the more effective Grinnell sprinkler. He increased sensitivity by removing the fusible joint from all contact with the water, and, by seating a valve in the center of a flexible [[Diaphragm (mechanical device)|diaphragm]], he relieved the low-fusing soldered joint of the strain of water pressure. By this means the valve seat was forced against the valve by the water pressure, producing a self-closing action |
Back in the U.S., [[Frederick Grinnell]], who was manufacturing the Parmalee sprinkler, designed the more effective Grinnell sprinkler. He increased sensitivity by removing the fusible joint from all contact with the water, and, by seating a valve in the center of a flexible [[Diaphragm (mechanical device)|diaphragm]], he relieved the low-fusing soldered joint of the strain of water pressure. By this means, the valve seat was forced against the valve by the water pressure, producing a self-closing action. The greater the water pressure, the tighter the valve. The flexible diaphragm had a further and more important function. It caused the valve and its seat to move outwards simultaneously until the solder joint was completely severed. Grinnell got a patent for his version of the sprinkler system. He also took his invention to Europe, where it was a much bigger success than the Parmalee version. Eventually, the Parmalee system was withdrawn, opening the path for Grinnell and his invention.<ref>{{Citation |title=Automatic Sprinkler Protection |first=Gorham |last=Dana |year=1919 |edition=second |publisher=John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |isbn= |doi= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y5xBAAAAIAAJ }}</ref> |
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== US regulations == |
== US regulations == |
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Fire sprinkler application and installation guidelines, and overall fire sprinkler system design guidelines |
Fire sprinkler application and installation guidelines, and overall fire sprinkler system design guidelines are provided by the [[National Fire Protection Association]] (NFPA) 13, (NFPA) 13D, and (NFPA) 13R. |
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[[California]], [[Pennsylvania]] and [[Illinois]] require sprinklers in at least some new residential construction.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/12/22/builders-smokin-mad-over-new-sprinkler-rules/ | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Dawn | last=Wotapka | title=Builders Smokin' Mad Over New Sprinkler Rules | date=December 22, 2010}}</ref> |
[[California]], [[Pennsylvania]] and [[Illinois]] require sprinklers in at least some new residential construction.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/12/22/builders-smokin-mad-over-new-sprinkler-rules/ | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Dawn | last=Wotapka | title=Builders Smokin' Mad Over New Sprinkler Rules | date=December 22, 2010}} </ref> |
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Fire sprinklers can be automatic or open orifice. Automatic fire sprinklers operate at a predetermined temperature, utilizing a fusible element, a portion of which melts, or a frangible glass bulb containing liquid which breaks, allowing the plug in the orifice to be pushed out of the orifice by the water pressure in the fire sprinkler piping, resulting in water flow from the orifice. The water stream impacts a deflector, which produces a specific spray pattern designed in support of the goals of the sprinkler type (i.e., control or suppression). Modern sprinkler heads are designed to direct spray downwards. Spray nozzles are available to provide spray in various directions and patterns. The majority of automatic fire sprinklers operate individually in a fire. Contrary to motion picture representation, the entire sprinkler system does not activate, unless the system is a special deluge type. |
Fire sprinklers can be automatic or open orifice. Automatic fire sprinklers operate at a predetermined temperature, utilizing a fusible element, a portion of which melts, or a frangible glass bulb containing liquid which breaks, allowing the plug in the orifice to be pushed out of the orifice by the water pressure in the fire sprinkler piping, resulting in water flow from the orifice. The water stream impacts a deflector, which produces a specific spray pattern designed in support of the goals of the sprinkler type (i.e., control or suppression). Modern sprinkler heads are designed to direct spray downwards. Spray nozzles are available to provide spray in various directions and patterns. The majority of automatic fire sprinklers operate individually in a fire. Contrary to motion picture representation, the entire sprinkler system does not activate, unless the system is a special deluge type.{{cn|date=October 2017}} |
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Open orifice sprinklers are only used in water spray systems or deluge sprinklers systems. They are identical to the automatic sprinkler on which they are based, with the heat |
Open orifice sprinklers are only used in water spray systems or deluge sprinklers systems. They are identical to the automatic sprinkler on which they are based, with the heat-sensitive operating element removed. |
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Automatic fire sprinklers utilizing frangible bulbs follow a standardized color-coding convention indicating their [[operating temperature]]. Activation temperatures correspond to the type of hazard against which the sprinkler system protects. Residential occupancies are provided with a special type of fast response sprinkler with the unique goal of life safety. |
Automatic fire sprinklers utilizing frangible bulbs follow a standardized color-coding convention indicating their [[operating temperature]]. Activation temperatures correspond to the type of hazard against which the sprinkler system protects. Residential occupancies are provided with a special type of fast response sprinkler with the unique goal of life safety.{{cn|date=October 2017}} |
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=== Quick Response Sprinklers === |
=== Quick Response Sprinklers === |
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The NFPA #13 standard was revised in 1996 to require Quick Response Sprinklers in all buildings with light hazard occupancy classification. |
The NFPA #13 standard was revised in 1996 to require Quick Response Sprinklers in all buildings with light hazard occupancy classification. |
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The 2002 edition of the NFPA #13 standard, section 3.6.1 defines quick response sprinklers as having a response time index (RTI) of 50 (meters-seconds){{sup|1/2}} or less. The term quick response refers to the listing of the entire sprinkler (including spacing, density and location) not just the fast responding releasing element. Many standard response sprinklers, such as extended coverage ordinary hazard (ECOH) sprinklers, have fast responding (low thermal mass elements) in order to pass their fire tests. Quick response sprinklers are available with standard spray deflectors, but they are also available with extended coverage deflectors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://classes.sdc.wsu.edu/classes/arch433/specs/evolution%20of%20fire%20sprinklers.PDF |access-date=November 24, 2015 |title=The Evolution of Modern Automatic Fire Sprinklers |first=David L. |last=Asplund |date=July 9, 2007}}</ref> |
The 2002 edition of the NFPA #13 standard, section 3.6.1 defines quick response sprinklers as having a response time index (RTI) of 50 (meters-seconds){{sup|1/2}}{{clarify|reason=what is the meaning of response time index|date=October 2017}} or less. The term quick response refers to the listing of the entire sprinkler (including spacing, density and location) not just the fast responding releasing element. Many standard response sprinklers, such as extended coverage ordinary hazard (ECOH) sprinklers, have fast responding (low thermal mass elements) in order to pass their fire tests. Quick response sprinklers are available with standard spray deflectors, but they are also available with extended coverage deflectors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://classes.sdc.wsu.edu/classes/arch433/specs/evolution%20of%20fire%20sprinklers.PDF |access-date=November 24, 2015 |title=The Evolution of Modern Automatic Fire Sprinklers |first=David L. |last=Asplund |date=July 9, 2007}}</ref> |
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== Operation == |
== Operation == |
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[[File:Fire Sprinkler.jpg|thumb|A sprinkler with a green bulb indicating a liquid alcohol and intermediate temperature classification.]] |
[[File:Fire Sprinkler.jpg|thumb|A sprinkler with a green bulb indicating a liquid alcohol and intermediate temperature classification.]] |
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Each closed-head sprinkler is held closed by either a heat-sensitive glass bulb (see below) or a two-part metal link held together with [[fusible alloy]] such as [[Wood's metal]]<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/woods metal Wood's metal] definition at Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved May 17, 2008</ref> and other alloys with similar compositions.<ref>[http://www.alchemycastings.com/lead-products/fusible.htm Low Melting Point Bismuth Based Alloys] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012062715/http://www.alchemycastings.com/lead-products/fusible.htm |date=October 12, 2012 }}. Alchemy Castings product information.</ref> The glass bulb or link applies pressure to a pipe cap which acts as a plug which prevents water from flowing until the ambient temperature around the sprinkler reaches the design activation temperature of the individual sprinkler. Because each sprinkler activates independently when the predetermined heat level is reached, the number of sprinklers that operate is limited to only those near the fire, thereby maximizing the available water pressure over the point of fire origin. |
Each closed-head sprinkler is held closed by either a heat-sensitive glass bulb (see below) or a two-part metal link held together with a [[fusible alloy]] such as [[Wood's metal]]<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/woods metal Wood's metal] definition at Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved May 17, 2008</ref> and other alloys with similar compositions.<ref>[http://www.alchemycastings.com/lead-products/fusible.htm Low Melting Point Bismuth Based Alloys] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012062715/http://www.alchemycastings.com/lead-products/fusible.htm |date=October 12, 2012 }}. Alchemy Castings product information.</ref> The glass bulb or link applies pressure to a pipe cap which acts as a plug which prevents water from flowing until the ambient temperature around the sprinkler reaches the design activation temperature of the individual sprinkler. Because each sprinkler activates independently when the predetermined heat level is reached, the number of sprinklers that operate is limited to only those near the fire, thereby maximizing the available water pressure over the point of fire origin. |
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The bulb breaks as a result of the [[thermal expansion]] of the liquid inside the bulb.<ref>[http://www.day-impex.co.uk/sprinkler.aspx Sprinkler bulb specifications], Day Impex Ltd.</ref> The time it takes before a bulb breaks is dependent on the temperature. Below the design temperature, it does not break, and above the design temperature it breaks, taking less time to break as temperature increases above the design threshold. The response time is expressed as a response time index (RTI), which typically has values between 35 and 250 m<sup>½</sup>s<sup>½</sup>, where a low value indicates a fast response.<ref>[http://www.civil.canterbury.ac.nz/sfpe/technical_papers/TP3.shtml SFPE (NZ) Technical Paper 95 – 3: Sprinkler response time indices]. Society of Fire Protection Engineers, New Zealand Chapter.</ref> Under standard testing procedures (135 °C air at a velocity of 2.5 m/s), a 68 °C sprinkler bulb will break within 7 to 33 seconds, depending on the RTI.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.job-bulbs.com/en/products/technical-data.html|title=JOB Thermo Bulbs Product Range|work=job-bulbs.com}}</ref> The RTI can also be specified in imperial units, where 1 ft<sup>½</sup>s<sup>½</sup> is equivalent to 0.55 |
The bulb breaks as a result of the [[thermal expansion]] of the liquid inside the bulb.<ref>[http://www.day-impex.co.uk/sprinkler.aspx Sprinkler bulb specifications], Day Impex Ltd.</ref> The time it takes before a bulb breaks is dependent on the temperature. Below the design temperature, it does not break, and above the design temperature, it breaks, taking less time to break as temperature increases above the design threshold. The response time is expressed as a response time index (RTI), which typically has values between 35 and 250 m<sup>½</sup>s<sup>½</sup>, where a low value indicates a fast response.<ref>[http://www.civil.canterbury.ac.nz/sfpe/technical_papers/TP3.shtml SFPE (NZ) Technical Paper 95 – 3: Sprinkler response time indices]. Society of Fire Protection Engineers, New Zealand Chapter.</ref> Under standard testing procedures (135 °C air at a velocity of 2.5 m/s), a 68 °C sprinkler bulb will break within 7 to 33 seconds, depending on the RTI.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.job-bulbs.com/en/products/technical-data.html|title=JOB Thermo Bulbs Product Range|work=job-bulbs.com}}</ref> The RTI can also be specified in imperial units, where 1 ft<sup>½</sup>s<sup>½</sup> is equivalent to 0.55 |
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m<sup>½</sup>s<sup>½</sup>. The sensitivity of a sprinkler can be negatively affected if the thermal element has been painted. |
m<sup>½</sup>s<sup>½</sup>. The sensitivity of a sprinkler can be negatively affected if the thermal element has been painted. |
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ESFR sprinkler heads were developed in the 1980s to take advantage of the latest fast-response fire sprinkler technology to provide fire suppression of specific high-challenge [[fire hazard]]s. Prior to the introduction of these sprinklers, protection systems were designed to control fires until the arrival of the [[fire department]]. |
ESFR sprinkler heads were developed in the 1980s to take advantage of the latest fast-response fire sprinkler technology to provide fire suppression of specific high-challenge [[fire hazard]]s. Prior to the introduction of these sprinklers, protection systems were designed to control fires until the arrival of the [[fire department]]. |
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=== Quick response === |
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Quick response fire sprinkler heads are commonly found in populated buildings, they direct the water up towards the ceiling thus cooling it in order to prevent fire from rising.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fireline.com/blog/difference-standard-quick-response-fire-sprinkler-heads/|title=The Difference Between Standard And Quick Response Fire Sprinkler Heads|date=2017-07-07|work=Fireline|access-date=2017-10-22|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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{{portal|Fire|Technology}} |
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{{div col|colwidth=30em}} |
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* [[Active fire protection]] |
* [[Active fire protection]] |
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* [[Automatic fire suppression]] |
* [[Automatic fire suppression]] |
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* [[Building code]] |
* [[Building code]] |
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* [[Fire Safety Evaluation System]] |
* [[Fire Safety Evaluation System]] |
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* [[Piping]] |
* [[Piping]] |
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* [[Tyco International]] |
* [[Tyco International]] |
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* [[Victaulic]] |
* [[Victaulic]] |
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{{div col end}} |
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== References == |
== References == |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{Commons category|Fire_sprinklers|Fire sprinklers}} |
{{Commons category|Fire_sprinklers|Fire sprinklers}} |
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*http://magazine.sfpe.org/sprinklers/whys-behind-fm-global-data-sheets-2-0-and-8-9 ''The Whys Behind FM Global Data Sheets 2-0 and 8-9'' |
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*http://magazine.sfpe.org/sprinklers/historical-perspective-evolution-storage-sprinkler-design ''A Historical Perspective on the Evolution of Storage Sprinkler Design'' |
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{{Fire protection}} |
{{Fire protection}} |