Detecting Heat:
Fire sprinkler suppression systems are triggered by heat, not smoke. This is a common misconception as the smoke does travel upwards, bringing heat with it to trigger the sprinkler systems. When a fire is ignited, the air above the fire rapidly begins to heat up. As the hot air rises, the heat will spread along the ceiling and reach the heads of the sprinklers. This will trigger the system to go off and begin dousing the fire.

Dousing the Fire:
When the sprinkler head is triggered by the heat of a fire, the system will operate so that water is able to pass through the pipes and out to the sprinkler head. The water will be dispelled in a spray, working to contain the fire beneath it. The system is set up so that a fire will only trigger the sprinkler head above it in order to limit water damage.

Types of Sprinkler Systems:
There are actually 7 different types of fire sprinkler suppression systems. Here is a brief description of each.

• Wet Pipe Systems: These are the most common systems in use because of its reliability and simplicity. 

• Dry Pipe Systems: This type of system is typically found in unheated buildings like parking garages. In an ordinary, wet pipe system, there is a risk for the water freezing in the pipes. The dry pipe system helps to avoid this issue. 

• Deluge Systems: With the deluge system, the sprinklers are all activated to provide a simultaneous spray of water over the fire. This type of system is useful in buildings where there is a high risk of rapid fire spread. 

• Pre-action Systems: These systems are perfect for buildings like museums or data centers where there are a lot of valuable items or equipment. The system helps to avoid any accidental activation of the sprinklers to avoid unnecessary damage to these items or equipment.

• Foam Water Sprinkler Systems: Foam water systems are great for locations that have a risk for really challenging fires like those caused by flammable liquids. It uses a mixture of water and foam concentrate to douse the fire.

• Water Spray Systems: This system is specific to certain fire hazards. It would be beneficial to use the water spray system for things like electrical transformers. 

• Water Mist Systems: In this system, the water is atomized and turned to mist. It’s great for locations with a limited water supply.