Sprinkler system types
The right type depends on the occupancy, commodity, storage, temperature and water supply. FRS recommends it after assessing the site.
Wet pipe
Pipework contains water at all times. Each closed sprinkler opens individually when its element is heated, giving a direct response.Typical use: Heated warehouses, factories and offices
Dry pipe
Pipework holds air or nitrogen where freezing risk makes wet pipe unsuitable. Water enters once the dry valve operates.Typical use: Cold stores, loading bays and unheated areas
Pre-action
Detection-based valve control introduces water to the pipework. The exact interlock arrangement depends on the design.Typical use: Data rooms, archives and sensitive areas
In-rack
Protection within the racking where storage arrangements mean roof-level sprinklers alone are insufficient.Typical use: High-bay storage and distribution centres
Used across industries including warehousing and logistics, manufacturing, food and beverage and commercial property. For freezers and chilled stores, FRS offers QUELL™ systems, which protect from the roof only.
Area-wide protection for high hazards
Deluge systems release water through open nozzles across the activated zone. They are selected where rapid fire development or equipment exposure calls for area-wide discharge.
Conveyors Transformers Process equipment Aircraft hangars Petrochemical stores Tanker loading bays
- Where clients use them
- Engineered protection for conveyors, transformers, process equipment, aircraft hangars, petrochemical stores and tanker loading bays, where a flammable spill or fast fire spread is possible.
- Design and delivery
- Medium or high velocity spray, hazard-specific nozzle positions, discharge demand, release detection, valve arrangement, drainage and a reliable fire-water supply. FM Approved components are used where the project specifies them.
- What you receive
- Approved drawings and calculations where included, test records, release logic and cause and effect, operator training and a maintenance plan.
- Foam-enhanced systems
- Need a separate, verified fuel and foam compatibility assessment before they are specified.
From scope to records
Each stage has a clear deliverable, so you know what you will receive.
Assess
Occupancy, commodity, storage height, racking and the available water supply.Deliverable: Survey findings
Design
Designed after a site survey and consultation with your insurer, and signed off by a registered fire engineer.Deliverable: Drawings and calculations
Install or upgrade
Pipework, valves, sprinklers or deluge nozzles, planned around site rules and production.Deliverable: Programme and progress
Test and document
Testing of the completed work, including release logic for deluge zones.Deliverable: Test records
Hand over
Approved drawings, test records, outstanding actions, and initial training so site staff can run routine tests.Deliverable: Handover pack
Maintain
Planned inspection, testing and corrective work after handover.Deliverable: Digital service records
Applicable standards and credentials
How requirements are set
The requirements for your system depend on the building, hazard, approved design, insurer and local authority. FRS confirms the relevant standards, manufacturer requirements and scope when assessing or designing the work.
SANS 10287 Nominated ASIB rules NFPA 13 where specified NFPA 15 for water spray where specified NFPA 25 where adopted
Relevant credentials
The registrations and memberships behind this service. Each is listed with its scope on the accreditations page.
ECSA-registered engineering professionals B-BBEE Level 1
Keeping sprinklers ready for service
Storage and obstruction reviews
Stock, racking height and layout changes reviewed against the design.
Valve supervision
Control, alarm and deluge valves checked and their status recorded.
Leakage and corrosion
Findings recorded with photographs and recommended actions.
Planned testing
Scheduled tests and results captured in the digital service record.
AB InBev - SAB
- Requirement
- Fire protection across various projects, addressing the detection and suppression requirements of the agreed facilities.
- FRS scope
- Fire detection, gas suppression and sprinkler systems across various projects, including design coordination, supply, installation, testing and handover.
- Benefit
- Coordinated detection and suppression of designated risks across the agreed projects.
Project value R6,500,000*
Do all sprinkler heads operate together?
Normally only the closed sprinklers exposed to enough heat open. A deluge system works differently: open nozzles discharge across the whole zone.
Is deluge the same as wet-pipe sprinklers?
No. In a deluge system the nozzles are open, and water discharges across the selected zone when the release valve opens.
Can racking changes affect protection?
Yes. Changes to stock, storage height, layout and water demand need review against the design.
Can a deluge system be tested without stopping production?
The test method, isolation, drainage and operational controls are agreed with the site team before any work.
How often should alarm valves be overhauled?
At the interval set by the nominated ASIB rules and the valve manufacturer. Overhauls use original OEM gasket sets, never improvised parts, so the valve keeps its approvals.
Is there a warranty on new installations?
Yes. The warranty period and any first-year servicing are set out in your quotation.
Often delivered alongside
Request a sprinkler assessment
Share your site location, what is stored or processed there and any existing system details. Attach drawings if you have them.