Wet sprinkler suppression systems are typically what building managers think of as the standard for building fire suppression systems. In a wet sprinkler suppression system, water is always present in the sprinkler piping from the fire riser out to the sprinkler heads. The sprinkler heads operate independently at a predetermined temperature. Each closed-head sprinkler is held closed by either a heat-sensitive glass bulb or a two-part metal link held together with fusible alloy. The glass bulb or link applies pressure to a plug which prevents water from flowing until the ambient temperature around the sprinkler reaches the activation temperature of the individual sprinkler. Because each sprinkler head activates independently when the predetermined heat level is reached, the number of sprinklers that operate is limited to only those near the fire, maximizing the available water pressure over the point of fire origin. Once activated the water stream impacts a deflector, which produces a specific spray pattern designed in support of the goals of the sprinkler type (control or suppression).
Wet sprinkler suppression systems are not recommended by DP Air for data center protection because they present a constant hazard from potential water leakage or accidental discharge if a sprinkler head malfunctions or is accidentally broken off. If a wet sprinkler suppression system performs as intended, the building may be spared but computer and electrical systems will be short circuited and damaged due to the water. This will lead to an extended period of downtime and will likely require replacement of all the computer and electrical systems in the affected area of the building. For these reasons DP Air recommends gaseous agents and pre-action systems for critical environments
Contact DP Air to speak with one of our specialists to learn more about what type of fire suppression is best for your data center.