Ann Arbor, MI's Dry Fire Suppression System Inspection Pros

A dry system is s specialized system found in areas where piping is subject to freezing temperatures. This type of system is tied directly into an underground water supply but maintains constant air pressure throughout all of the pipelines past the water supply point. Instead of water, the pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen, and located in a heated space. A valve prevents water from entering the pipe until a fire causes one or more sprinklers to operate. When a sprinkler head activates, the air is dispersed from the activated sprinkler head, allowing water to enter the piping and flow through the open sprinkler head. Water then enters the pipe, flowing through the opened sprinklers to extinguish the fire.

Dry Fire Systems: Pros and Cons Compared to Wet Systems

The most significant advantage of Dry Fire System Suppression systems is that the dry pipes are automatically protected in spaces where freezing is possible. Dry pipe installation locations are typically unheated warehouses and attics, outside exposed loading docks, and within commercial freezers. They are also viewed favorably by some for being dry pipes, assuming that they will not leak water if damaged, while wet pipe systems could. In reality, a damaged, dry pipe system offers short term protection; there is about a one-minute delay before the air is released, and the water flows into the pipes.

There are some disadvantages to dry pipe fire systems, too. Dry fire systems are more complex as they require additional control equipment and air pressure supply components. Without proper maintenance, this equipment may be less reliable than a comparable wet pipe system. Except for unheated building spaces and freezer rooms, dry pipe systems do not offer any significant advantages over wet pipe systems.

Repair and Installation Services are Available During Inspections

Arbor is prepared to offer immediate repair during a routine Dry Fire System Suppression inspection and installation of parts as needed. We advise having repairs and parts replaced the same day, or as soon as possible. When you realize that 98% of inspections result in service being needed, or even a small part replaced, you understand that inspections should not be overlooked. One broken or worn out part can render a system inoperable and result in a fire suppression system failure.

Ann Arbor, MI's Dry Fire Suppression System Inspection Pros

Dry Fire Systems: Pros and Cons Compared to Wet Systems

Repair and Installation Services are Available During Inspections

An Annual DRY system inspection tests and inspects:

A Riser or Quarterly DRY system inspection tests and inspects: