fire sprinklers; general survey of features and types

Water is the most commonly used extinguishing agent in firefighting due to its availability and low cost compared to other liquids. it has a high heat of vaporization per unit mass, making it an effective tool in containing fires. however, water needs to be delivered close to the fire source to use water as an extinguishing agent. this can be done manually using a solid stream, spray from a hose, or automatic sprinklers. while manual delivery is effective, it can be time-consuming and risks the safety of those performing it. on the other hand, automatic sprinklers are a reliable fire suppression system that can quickly and efficiently extinguish fires without endangering people s lives. automatic sprinklers are thermosensitive devices designed to react at predetermined temperatures by automatically releasing a stream of water and distributing it in specified patterns and quantities over designated areas. the automatic distribution of water is intended to extinguish a fire or to prevent its spread if the initial fire is out of reach of the sprinkler’s discharge. automatic sprinklers are critical in safeguarding lives and property by promptly detecting and suppressing fires. these systems have proven their effectiveness repeatedly, providing an essential layer of fire protection in various environments. however, not all fire sprinklers are created equal. this article will first delve into the history and characteristics of fire sprinklers and then examine the available types of fire sprinklers, highlighting their unique features, applications, and benefits.