Our Services Fire Sprinkler Systems
Wet systems are the most common type of fire sprinkler system. In these systems, automatic sprinkler heads are located throughout the area to be protected and connected to a water-filled piping system. Heat from a fire activates the sprinkler head, causing it to discharge water to the heat source. Wet systems are frequently installed in factories, warehouses, office buildings, retail stores, and residences where the potential for freezing does not exist.
A dry sprinkler system uses automatic sprinkler heads connected to a piping system containing compressed air or nitrogen instead of water. The water supply will only release after the air pressure is evacuated from the system. This type of system is used in situations where the area being protected cannot be maintained above freezing temperatures such as unheated storage areas, coolers, and loading docks.
A deluge system operates in much the same way as a pre-action system. However, when the deluge valve releases the water to the system, all sprinkler heads in the system discharge. Sprinkler heads or nozzles used in a deluge system do not have the ‘fusible element’ in them. This portion of the sprinkler head is removed prior to installation.
Many sprinkler systems require fire pumps to boost the water pressure and flow to the sprinkler heads. Oliver’s engineers perform hydraulic calculations using the parameters for the water source and the project to determine if a pump is necessary. In most areas, high rise buildings require a fire pump due to their elevation. For every one foot in height vertically, 0.434 psi of water pressure is lost due to gravity. For example, a 50ft. tall building would lose 21.7psi of water pressure from the basement to the highest level. Oliver is experienced in diesel and electric fire pump, jockey pump, and controller installation, service, inspections, and maintenance. Oliver can even perform the NFPA 25 required weekly pump test for you!
Oliver has a team of excavators on call at all times for underground main repairs. Our sprinkler fitters are experienced in installing cement lined ductile iron (CLDI) and PVC underground pipe and fittings.
New construction projects are never too large or complex for Oliver. With over 50 years of experience on all types of projects, Oliver is well equipped to tackle the toughest assignments. Projects with unique requirements and special needs such as laboratories, chemical processing facilities, and power generation plants are nothing out of the ordinary for Oliver.
For these big assignments, Oliver understands that success depends on careful planning and engineering at the early stages. Our design-build capability begins with our in-house design and engineering team of certified designers and professional engineers. Our in-house fabrication shop further contributes to project success by ensuring that all of the components are fabricated to the most exacting specifications and are delivered on-time.
Oliver is an expert in the design and installation systems for existing buildings such as college dormitories, office buildings, or historic structures. One of our most important responsibilities in these projects is to develop strategies and schedules to minimize interference with on-going operations and building occupants. Our regular “look-ahead” meetings with the client and other contractors ensure that every phase of the project is thoroughly planned and communicated.
Even though some projects are smaller in scope, that doesn’t mean they are less important. Oliver believes every project, regardless of size, deserves the same level of service and professionalism. With this in mind, Oliver has established a separate operating unit with a dedicated team of sales and support people to serve the needs of customers with smaller jobs.
Smaller jobs in existing buildings might include modifications to existing sprinkler and alarm installations, new tenant fit-outs, special hazard systems, and routine service work. We guarantee that you’ll be satisfied with the work of our highly-trained service technicians.