We've had similar discussions about this type of topic before. Even if they had a gaseous system, they would most likely be required to provide sprinklers anyway due to requirements of NFPA and other codes.
If they were apprehensive about the issue they should have expressed that much sooner. Waiting until its all installed is a bit late to be considering the issue. But it might be easier and cheaper to convert the sprinkler system to a pre-action system. At least the option should be investigated. Of course there may be system issues that prevent that. I would also try to find out if there are other water carrying pipes above the ceiling over this equipment, things like water lines, roof drains, waste drains, condensate drains, any HVAC equipment, etc. All these can drip or condensate and can leak with a greater likelihood than the sprinkler systems. Testing of these type of systems is often not as strict or comprehensive as the testing sprinkler lines have to endure. If they are worried about water they need to investigate ALL water carrying systems that could be installed above their equipment. If they are worried about the psycho janitor swinging the mop handle and breaking a head, then offer to install cages or use the institutional style heads if possible. They would probably be more likely to be hit by lightning than have a sprinkler accidentally discharge. Craig L. Prahl, CET Fire Protection Group Mechanical Department CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive PO Box 491, Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.ch2m.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Haji, Jaber M Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 8:45 AM To: [email protected] Subject: worried about Sprinklers leakage Newly constructed research and development lab facility is protected by a wet type sprinkler system, one of the lab scientist is worried about the accidental release of the automatic sprinkler heads on top or in the vicinity of the high tech., expensive analytical instruments such as NMR, FTMS, autospec GC/MS and ESEM , which present a potential risk of damage to these instruments in case these sprinklers kick off during actual emergency or broken by mistake by a maintenance personnel or a lab personnel. He suggests gas suppression instead. I explained to him that accidental leakage of wet type sprinkler system is very minimal. The question is what the probability of activation and how much will it cost to replace the existing system with a gas suppression system. Your recommendations/insights are highly appreciated. Jaber Al-Haji [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
