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Bob chose to install a Grinnell commercial-type sprinkler system in the "Dream Garage" as potentially larger fire conditions may occur due to higher hazards from vehicle storage, fuel storage, and boat storage. For this reason the entire system is designed to flow greater amounts of water which are capable of controlling potentially larger fires.
This particular system, known as a dry sprinkler system, has been designed for situations in which there is a potential for freezing conditions. This means that the system is filled with air pressure (40 psi or so). The only location where water is present is at the control valves which require continuous heating to prevent freezing. The dry valve is designed to mechanically hold back up to 6 times the force of water by air pressure. As such 10 psi of air in the sprinkler system can effectively hold back 60 psi of water pressure. If 100 psi of water pressure is present, 17 psi of air will hold the valve closed. The additional air pressure is used as a safety factor. For example, additional air may be present to help offset water hammers. The presence too much air will slow the operation of the dry valve since air is compressible. The right pressure is necessary to ensure proper operation and speed of the dry valve.
The piping system consists of Allied ( a Tyco company) Dynaflo large diameter pipe and Allied XL in the smaller diameter piping system. The sprinklers utilized are GEM Model A bulb type sprinklers.
Upon sensing heat from a fire, the 155F sprinkler will open (upon that temp.), the air will begin to exhaust. At a point where the pressure differential reaches the 6 to 1 ratio, the water pressure will force the dry valve to open and water will flow into the piping system. Water will then flow to the open sprinkler or sprinklers and flow over the fire thereby controlling and cooling. Again, only those sprinklers near the fire origin operate.
In addition, sensing switches operate an alarm which is wired to the electronic alarm system sending a signal to the alarm company indicating sprinkler activation. The water will flow until the system is manually shut- off. Again, the dry system is designed for freezing conditions ( unheated buildings) in commercial type applications.
The Grinnell Corporation has two entities, (Grinnell Supply and Manufacturing and Grinnell Fire Protection Systems) Grinnell Supply and Manufacturing is a division of Tyco International LTD as is Grinnell Fire Protection Systems. Both are sister companies organized under several worldwide fire protection names.
Dream Garage and Boat Storage - 
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