Märkärjestelmä

Märkärjestelmä, which translates to "wet system" in English, is a term primarily used in Finland to describe a type of fire suppression system. It is a common and reliable method for controlling and extinguishing fires in various building types.

In a märkärjestelmä, water is stored under pressure within a network of pipes. This piping is equipped with sprinkler heads strategically placed throughout the protected area. When a fire ignites and reaches a sufficient temperature, the heat activates the sprinkler head closest to the fire. The heat-sensitive element within the sprinkler head breaks, releasing the pressurized water. The water then sprays onto the fire, cooling it down and suppressing its spread.

A key characteristic of a märkärjestelmä is that the pipes are always filled with water, ready for immediate discharge. This contrasts with dry pipe systems, where the pipes are filled with air or nitrogen until a sprinkler head is activated. The continuous presence of water makes märkärjestelmä systems very responsive. They are widely installed in residential buildings, commercial properties, industrial facilities, and public spaces to enhance fire safety. Regular maintenance and testing are crucial to ensure the system's operational readiness.