Märkäputkijärjestelmä

Märkäputkijärjestelmä refers to a type of sprinkler system used in fire protection. Unlike dry pipe systems, which store water only in the sprinkler pipes, a wet pipe system has water under pressure in the pipes at all times. When a sprinkler head is activated by heat, the water is immediately discharged onto the fire. This makes wet pipe systems the most common and fastest-acting type of sprinkler system.

The operational principle of a märkäputkijärjestelmä is straightforward. The system consists of a network of pipes filled with water, connected to a water supply. Sprinkler heads are strategically placed throughout the area to be protected. Each sprinkler head contains a heat-sensitive element, such as a glass bulb filled with liquid or a fusible link. When the temperature around a sprinkler head rises to a predetermined level, the heat-sensitive element breaks or melts, opening the valve within the sprinkler head. This allows the pressurized water in the pipes to flow out and directly onto the fire.

Due to their simplicity, reliability, and immediate response, wet pipe sprinkler systems are widely used in a variety of environments, including residential buildings, offices, schools, and retail spaces. They are generally less expensive to install and maintain compared to other sprinkler system types. However, their suitability depends on the ambient temperature; they are not recommended for areas where temperatures can drop below freezing, as the water in the pipes could freeze and damage the system.