Sprinkler systems - the most commonly used fire extinguishing system

In the event of a fire, sprinkler systems are activated automatically due to the heat, start the extinguishing process and notify the competent fire department.The principle: Sprinkler heads are integrated into the ceiling piping network. Thanks to an independent water supply, the sprinkler system is always ready to operate. The individually activated sprinkler heads of sprinkler systems the system are closed with a glass cover. In the event of a fire, the glass cover reacts to the resulting heat and bursts open. Water can escape through the opened sprinkler head and is directed at the area that is on fire.

Depending on the area of application different types of systems are used. A fundamental distinction is made between wet pipe systems, dry pipe systems and pre-controlled dry pipe systems.


Wet pipe systems are the most commonly used sprinkler systems in Germany, with the entire pipeline network at a constant water pressure. In the event of a fire, a sufficient amount of the extinguishing agent is provided immediately. Wet pipe systems are used in frost-proof areas inside buildings.


Dry pipe systems differ from wet pipe systems in that the network of pipes is filled with compressed air instead of water, enabling them to be used in buildings that are likely to freeze, such as multi-storey carparks and unheated warehouses.


Pre-controlled dry pipe systemsare used in high risk zones, in which the unintentional emission of water should be avoided at all cost. Therefore, two separate extinguishing triggering mechanisms are connected to each other in such a way that the extinguishing process only begins when both activation systems are triggered simultaneously.