The sprinkler remains the most reliable means of controlling a fire. according to insurance statistics, 95% of fires are controlled by this automatic extinguishing system.
Axima Sécurité Incendie, part of Equans France, has been helping you protect people and property for over 40 years.
We offer you innovative solutions: connected supervision, eco-responsible frost protection, low water consumption and a thirty-year overhaul in compliance with APSAD standards.
What is a sprinkler system and how does it work?
Definition and principles of sprinkler systems
A sprinkler system is an automatic water extinguishing device. It protects people and property without human intervention. Each sprinkler head contains a heat-sensitive bulb that activates independently as required. It bursts when the temperature reaches a predefined threshold. Only the sprinkler heads exposed to the heat are activated, enabling you to spray precisely the area concerned.
Depending on your requirements, you can choose from several systems. The underwater system, with water kept under continuous pressure in the pipes. The air system, which maintains air pressure in the pipes, used when the pipes are exposed to the risk of freezing.
The deluge system, which activates all heads simultaneously. It is used when the risk of fire is extremely high and rapid. The pre-action system is used when it is absolutely essential to limit the risk of accidental triggering. It is generally used to protect sensitive equipment.
Sprinkler system components: piping, pump, control station, tank and alarms
Your sprinkler system relies on five main components which, when properly maintained, guarantee its efficiency.
The sprinkler head is the visible element. It integrates the heat-sensitive bulb and the water diffuser. It is positioned on the pipe network that carries the water to the heads. It is generally made of galvanized steel, but can also be made of stainless steel. The control station monitors pressure, triggers alarms and regulates water flow to the network. The tank or reservoir stores the water reserve required for extinguishing, and supplies the pipe network. The pumping unit or water source distributes the water throughout the network. There can be up to 2 separate water sources (A and B), depending on requirements.
The table below compares the main types of sprinkler system:
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Water under permanent pressure in the pipes
Heated buildings, industry, logistics
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Pressurized air in the system, water flooding in less than 60 seconds
Areas exposed to frost, cold storage, loading docks
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Simultaneous activation of all heads
Special hazards, petrochemicals, ATEX zones
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
TYPICAL APPLICATION
Two-stage triggering with prior detection
Datacenters, server rooms, archives
Regulations and sprinkler systems in France
Automatic extinguishers: applicable standards and certifications
Axima Sécurité Incendie designs and installs your sprinkler systems in accordance with several recognized standards. The APSAD R1 rule is the French reference framework for issuing an N1 certificate of conformity, valid for 30 years.
Depending on your needs and your insurer's requirements, we can also install your systems to NF EN 12845, FM Global and NFPA standards.
Our innovative sprinkler solutions for your business
Equans provides long-term support for fire safety on your premises, thanks to recognized expertise and a strong policy of innovation. We design and deploy a complete range of innovative sprinkler solutions, precisely tailored to your performance, business continuity and regulatory compliance needs.
Today, Axima Sécurité Incendie is the only installer to offer exclusive solutions such as SprinkBox® and SprinkEco. These new-generation sprinkler solutions combine installation reliability, advanced connectivity, environmental performance and strict compliance with current standards. They incorporate the latest innovations in connected supervision, installation control and frost protection, for ever more reliable fire safety.
Thanks to these innovative sprinkler solutions, you have real-time access to key data on your fire protection equipment. Connected sensors continuously monitor pressure, temperature and pump operation, ensuring precise, reliable monitoring of your sprinkler systems.
Implementing these connected technologies significantly reduces maintenance costs, improves system availability and anticipates incidents. In the event of an anomaly, automatic notifications alert you immediately, guaranteeing maximum responsiveness and enhanced fire safety.
MAIN PROFIT
TYPICAL USE CASE
Glycol-free frost protection with low-temperature heated water circulation
Unheated buildings, canopies, loading bays
MAIN PROFIT
TYPICAL USE CASE
24/7 remote monitoring, removal of manographic tapes and automatic alerts in the event of problems
All sites with sprinkler installation, with or without Axima Sécurité Incendie maintenance contract
MAIN PROFIT
TYPICAL USE CASE
Saves up to 390 m³ of water per year
All sites with sprinkler systems
SprinkBox®: connected supervision of your sprinkler system
SprinkBox® is a connected sprinkler supervision solution that centralizes real-time monitoring of your installation. Using intelligent sensors and probes, it instantly detects anomalies, sends alerts by SMS or email, and automates the digitization of your statements and maintenance reports. You benefit from simple, continuous and secure control of your sprinkler system.
SprinkBox® Monitoring transforms your technical data into real decision-making tools. It automatically generates weekly PDF reports to replace paper strips at control stations, and a detailed N-1 annual report, ensuring complete traceability of your installation. You can precisely track equipment uptime, the number of pump starts and recurring alarms. This connected sprinkler supervision, fully integrated into an Industry 4.0 logic, improves your responsiveness, makes your operations more reliable, and durably simplifies the regulatory and operational management of your equipment.
SprinkEco: the frost-free alternative
The risk of freezing threatens the efficiency of your sprinkler systems. SprinkEco offers an eco-responsible solution to avoid the use of glycol.
With this solution, low-temperature heated water circulates only when necessary in areas exposed to the risk of freezing. This avoids the need to insulate or heat the entire building to protect sprinkler systems from freezing.
Water circulates in a closed circuit at around 5°C via a heat exchanger. This approach reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions. SprinkEco is particularly well-suited to large-volume sites that don't need to insulate or heat their buildings.
Water efficiency: conserving resources for your sprinkler system
Your weekly diesel pump set tests consume up to 390 m³ of drinking water per year. With a buffer tank, lift pump and three-way valve, you can operate in a closed circuit to recover the cooling water from the pump unit. This water is then reinjected directly into your sprinkler tank. This solution is a simple way of saving drinking water resources.
Cleaning your tanks with plungers or robots also saves water, as you don't have to empty your tank. You save tens of thousands of cubic meters. You reduce your plant's downtime to just 4 to 8 hours. These solutions comply with CNPP and APSAD R1 requirements.
Frequently asked questions about sprinklers
What's the difference between a sprinkler and an RIA?
A sprinkler is an automatic extinguishing system. It is triggered without human intervention as soon as it detects the heat of a fire. The RIA (Robinet d'Incendie Armé) is a manual first-response device. It requires manual action to operate. The two solutions complement each other to contain the fire until help arrives.
What is sprinkler risk?
Sprinkler risk refers to the level of risk covered by your sprinkler system. It is classified according to the activities and storage facilities present on your site. This classification determines the size of the network. It defines the number of sprinkler heads required and the required water density. Industrial plants, shopping centers and warehouses all present different sprinkler risks. Each requires its own specific protection.
How many sprinkler heads are needed per square meter?
There's no single number of sprinkler heads per square meter: it all depends on the fire risk classification and the standards applied (APSAD R1 / NF EN 12845 / FM Global / NFPA). The maximum surface area protected by a sprinkler head can vary from 20 m² to 6 m². The higher the risk, the higher the sprinkler density. The right criterion is never the m² alone, but the fire risk, height, obstacles and nature of storage.
How many sprinkler heads per station?
The number of sprinkler heads per control station depends on the overall dimensions of the system and the standards applied. According to the APSAD R1 standard, an installation can have up to 1,000 heads per station. This figure varies according to the surface area protected, the risk and the triggering temperature required. Each project is the subject of a specific study to guarantee compliance.
How much does a sprinkler system cost?
The price depends on several factors: surface area to be protected, level of risk, type of system (underwater, under air, deluge) and applicable standards (APSAD R1, FM Global, NFPA, NF EN 12845). Each project requires a personalized study to assess network requirements, tank sizing and control stations. The cost of a sprinkler installation is a strong insurance lever, a major reduction in the risk of business interruption, and sometimes a condition of site operability. Contact our Equans experts for a quotation tailored to your environment and regulatory constraints.
