Im considering installing a wet fire sprinkler system. The shop I have is 28'x35'x8' insulated,drywalled,florescent lighting and gas warehouse heater.I have seen a selection of fire sprinklers in the temperature range of 100 degrees F to 625 degrees. What kind of ceiling temperatures do you think one will generate from non-production welding, cutting and plasma use ? Or what are your thoughts on fire sprinklers in general?

If you are not doing production work, I would not really consider welding etc for sprinklers. I think the place to start would be getting temp measurements during the hottest days of the year and working from that.

I would probably default to a professional in this case. However, if you just want to know what temperature heads to use call up a local place like Simplex Grinnell and ask what they recommend.

here in georgia the temp in my shop could go 115 easy in the summer. i have 10 ft ceilings.i've tried finding fire sprinklers also for my new home i'm building but it seems like i can't find anything for the regular/non commercial home owner.

if you find a source, please post up.

I've been a sprinklerfitter for 11 years so i can help you a bit allthough the codes may differ from up here in Canada.

Your common temp. heads are 155F, 212F and 286F. These are used in most applications. You would most likely be safe with a 155F but take some daytime, peak fabrication temps and add a buffer.

Now the heater, is it a unit heater like a Reznor or tube heater. Any head within a 7' radius of the direction of air flow must be a 286F and 7' to 19' must be 212F.

Myself, i would install the heads in the pendant position (down) because dust would settle on the pipe, not cover the bulb or element which would increase the Response Time Index. Also use quick response heads, these have a faster RTI and are used everywhere now.

If you have any question that i could help you with let me know. I'll help you best i can but keep in mind i can't type worth a crap so it may take a bit for an accurate response.

here in georgia the temp in my shop could go 115 easy in the summer. i have 10 ft ceilings.i've tried finding fire sprinklers also for my new home i'm building but it seems like i can't find anything for the regular/non commercial home owner.

if you find a source, please post up.

Blazemaster, the only product i've used in residential application. Generally sidewall heads are used in homes because you can't run water filled pipe through the attic space. Well, not up here.

http://www.lubrizol.com/BuildingSolutions/BlazeMaster.html

Many products for new home installs.

Thanks for the replies. I haven't been able to record any ceiling temperatures because I have installed my drywall yet ,but Im starting the drywall weekend. Elongate, do you mind if I send you a PM concerning head placement etc ?

How much water do you have available? A 1/2" or 3/4" feed will not cut it. The pipe size and head size is calculated from your water supply.

I have no input but I would like to learn more as I want to put in a sprinkler system as well. I will be drywalling my shop and storing a few $$$ items so fire prevention is a big thing.

I would mount mine from the ceiling hanging down, but how big of pipe is required, and at what pressure for two good sprinklers for a 40x30 shop with 14' walls?

How much water do you have available? A 1/2" or 3/4" feed will not cut it. The pipe size and head size is calculated from your water supply.

i have a deep well 480 ft,wich supplies my house and has a 150 gallon storage tank.the supply from the pump to tank is 1 1/4 and the tank psi stays at 60 pounds wich is adjustable.out of the tank it goes from 1 1/4 with a reducer bushing and goes to 3/4.could i put a T fitting in and have one side stay at 3/4 for the house and take the other side to feed the sprinklers?

How much water do you have available? A 1/2" or 3/4" feed will not cut it. The pipe size and head size is calculated from your water supply.

What is the GPM for the typical residential fire sprinkler head ?

I would contact a private sprinkler installer, have them give you a written estimate. Another source of good info is your local fire inspector, but this can possibly open a can of worms depending on the person you talk to. Try to get a copy of NFPA13, specifically section "D" it is the code for residential sprinkler systems. The GPM for a system depends on the fire load, occupancy, and hazard to be protected. One thing to consider as far as head position is a pendant head is susceptible to damage more than a upright head. On a wet system you really do not want to knock a head off.

You may find some useful info or links here http://www.firesprinklerinitiative.org/