Sprinkler fittings are components of fire suppression systems that can be installed by trained sprinkler installers, plumbers, or qualified contractors. Various systems and fittings are available, with standard pipe sizes and threads for interchangeability. Sprinkler systems can include above and below ground plumbing, with periodic sprinklers activated by heat or a pulled lever. Piping must be rated for high pressures during a fire, and periodic overhauls are necessary. Conversions to the system may require modifications to the fittings and shutting down the building for safety reasons.
A sprinkler fitting is a component of a sprinkler system used for fire suppression. In some regions, a trained sprinkler installer must install, maintain, and repair such systems. In others, plumbers and other qualified contractors may do the work on a system. Numerous companies produce various systems and fittings that coordinate with them. Standard pipe sizes and threads are typically used to allow for interchangeable fittings.
Sprinkler systems can include above and below ground plumbing, with a variety of joints, junctions and other components to cover an entire building. Periodic sprinklers along the pipes can be activated in the event of a fire to suppress it with water, foam or inert gas. Each sprinkler fitting must be carefully positioned and checked for fit during installation. The sprinklers themselves can activate in many different ways, including in response to a pulled lever or rising heat that explodes a glass sensor.
A number of metals can be used to make sprinkler fittings such as connectors, sprinklers and lengths of hose. Piping must be rated for the application, which can include extremely high pressures during a fire. Some metals can also react to foams used in fire suppression, in which case they may not be used safely in some types of sprinkler systems. A designer and installer can determine the best system to use for a given application.
Periodic overhauls of a sprinkler system with a check of each sprinkler fitting can be performed by maintenance personnel, building inspectors and other regulatory officials. Insurance companies may also require a system audit before taking out a policy. If there’s a problem down the line, a technician can diagnose and fix it. In some cases, building occupants can damage a sprinkler fitting with activities such as using a sprinkler as a coat hanger, in which case the technician may warn that people need to be extra careful around sprinklers to avoid damaging them.
In the event that a sprinkler system needs to be converted, such as if a business wants to use suppressant foam instead of water, some modifications to the sprinkler fittings may need to be made. A technician can evaluate the system to identify any problems that could be interfering with a conversion. For safety reasons, it may be necessary to shut down the building completely while technicians are converting the system, to ensure that people never work in the building when the sprinkler system is not fully operational.
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