Not all hotels are equipped with fire sprinklers.

• Newer or renovated hotels are usually required to have sprinkler systems by building and fire codes.

• Older hotels may not have full sprinkler systems depending on local regulations and whether upgrades have been made.

Regardless of your property type, it is important to understand how fire sprinklers work and what to do if one activates.

How Fire Sprinklers Work

Each sprinkler head contains a small glass bulb (usually red) filled with a liquid that expands when heated.

A fire sprinkler activates when:✅ The heat from a fire reaches the sprinkler head (typically 155°F / 68°C)✅ The liquid in the glass expands✅ The glass bulb breaks, releasing water

⚠️ Important:

• Sprinklers do NOT activate from smoke or steam alone.

• Sprinklers do NOT all activate at once (unlike in movies).

• Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will discharge water.

Accidental Activation

Sprinklers can also go off if the glass bulb is hit or broken accidentally, such as:

• Hanging clothes or objects on sprinkler heads (report hanging items to management immediately)

• Striking it with equipment, luggage, or beds

• Horseplay or guest tampering

Even one accidental activation can release tens of gallons of water per minute, causing major damage.➡️ This is why nothing should EVER be hung or attached to sprinkler heads.

Wet vs Dry Sprinkler Systems

Different hotels may have different types of sprinkler systems depending on the climate and building design.

✅ 1. Wet Pipe System (Most Common)

• Pipes are always filled with water

• When a sprinkler head activates, water releases immediately

• Simple and reliable

• Used in heated indoor areas

  
  

Most hotels with sprinklers will have wet systems in guest room hallways, lobbies, and indoor spaces.

✅ 2. Dry Pipe System

• Pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen, not water

• Water is held back by a valve at the riser

• When a sprinkler head activates, the air escapes, the valve opens, and water flows in

• Slight delay (seconds) before water reaches the sprinkler head

• Used in unheated or cold areas where water might freeze, such as:

  • Parking garages

  • Exterior stairwells

  • Unheated storage rooms

Some hotels have a combination of wet (inside) and dry (unheated areas).

How to Turn Off (Emergency Response)

If a sprinkler activates due to accident and NOT fire, it’s critical to reduce water damage quickly.

Step 1: Confirm that there is NO fire.

Safety comes first. Never shut down a sprinkler if there is any fire or active alarm without permission from the fire department.

Step 2: Go to the Fire Sprinkler Riser Room.

Ask your trainer or supervisor to show you the exact location of the fire riser and control valves. Every property is different.

Step 3: Shut off the affected sprinkler zone by:

• Closing the main control valve(s) for that zone

• Opening all drain valves to relieve water pressure

  
  

Step 4: Notify:

• Maintenance or engineering team

• General manager

• Fire department or alarm monitoring (if required by policy)

• Insurance or corporate if needed

  
  

NEVER attempt to repair a sprinkler head yourself.

Only licensed fire protection professionals can replace or reset components.