Fixed systems
Automatic sprinkler system
An extinguishing and detecting system in one: heat-sensitive sprinkler heads deliver water spray at the seat of the fire by themselves, and the system alarms the control station.
Key facts
- The heat-sensitive element starts the water at a set temperature, with no human involved, right where the fire is detected.
- Operation of the system automatically triggers the alarm at the control station.
- It is meant for accommodation, service spaces and control stations: the places where people may be.
Watch out
A sprinkler system differs from a water-spray system. The water-spray system is started by a person or an automatic control and defends cargo spaces, machinery spaces and store rooms. The sprinkler system works by itself in the accommodation.
On the fire control plan
These are not bulkhead signs: a system is marked with its symbol on the fire control plan (IMO res. A.1116(30), table 3).
Legal basis
SOLAS II-2; FSS Code chapter 8 (automatic sprinkler systems).
This is not a legal text: when in doubt, the current wording of the Convention and the FSS Code decides.