Exterior Sprinkler Systems

[PFDRes47cue 653]

Was on a call this morning while waiting for St. Lawrence gas, I noticed that one of the buildings had an exterior sprinkler system under the awning on the side of the building that faced an alleyway. I have never seen this before... Is this common in alleys? From what I understand, the system is dry, I am not sure if this is always the case with outside sprinkler systems or just good planning considering the very cold winters in the area. This concept makes sense and seems like a good last stand against fires threatening to spread to the building.

Edited March 25, 2012 by PFDRes47cue

[IzzyEng4 427]

In downtown Milford,CT there is a building that formally housed Harrison's Hardware. The building to the left of it burnt down years ago. One of the amazing things was that the Harrison building, which had space between them no more than a 1 1/2 feet had an old drypipe sprinkler system running along side of it. When the fire began to spread, it activated and save the Harrison building. The amazing thing was that everyone forgot that the outside sprinkler system was there.

Where I work, our below-grade garage has a dry-pipe sprinkler system and its is definitely an asset. You find these outside systems more so in an industrial setting rather than a commercial one, though they are not rare. Its up to the building owner if they want them installed for their protection.

Edited March 25, 2012 by IzzyEng4