Electrically Actuated Sprinklers (by Metron Actuator ®)
Electrically actuated sprinklers provide the option of designing "intelligent" pro-active sprinkler systems. Each individual sprinkler head can be operated individually through the programming of the fire detection system. Thus a single, or a number of sprinklers in the area of detection can be actuated instantly when the early fire is detected, thus allowing for fast containment and suppression of the fire. Electrical actuation of sprinklers thus significantly speeds up the release of water onto the fire, compared to the time otherwise required for the fire to develop to a size where the sprinkler is released by heat. Detection of the fire will typically be by means of heat, smoke or flame detection - or combinations of these. An electrically actuated sprinkler will operate both as a "normal" heat-actuated sprinkler AND as a remotely controlled sprinkler actuated by electrical signal, thus offering double purpose protection. These specialist sprinkler heads incorporate electrically activated Metron Actuators. An electrical signal from a detection device ignites a small quantity of explosive that forces a piston to extend into and break the glass bulb. They operate within milliseconds of receiving an impulse, a rate which is almost imossible to achieve with a mechanical source of energy.