Sprinkler Installation on Container Houses

Installing a sprinkler system on container houses is a feasible and effective fire protection measure that can quickly respond to fires and control their spread. However, it is essential to strictly adhere to design specifications and pay attention to the fire resistance of materials.

I. Fire Extinguishing Effect of Sprinkler Systems in Container Houses

Experiments have shown that after installing a simple sprinkler system and an independent smoke detector on the roof of a container, when combustible materials (such as geotextiles) are ignited inside, smoke and heat accumulate on the ceiling. The smoke detector issues an alarm within 20 seconds, and within 2 minutes, the ceiling temperature reaches 68°C, causing the red glass bulb of the sprinkler head to burst. Water is then sprayed through the deflector, extinguishing the initial open flame in just 2 seconds. This process verifies the sprinkler system's rapid response and efficient fire extinguishing capability in the early stages of a fire, significantly reducing fire losses.

II. Fire Risks in Container Houses and the Necessity of Sprinkler Systems

Container houses are commonly used for construction site dormitories, temporary offices, and other scenarios. The fire risks primarily stem from:

1. Flammable Construction Materials: Some houses use flammable sandwich materials such as polystyrene and polyurethane foam, which burn rapidly and produce toxic smoke, increasing the difficulty of firefighting and evacuation.
2. Rapid Fire Spread: Flammable materials melt and drip at 80°C, triggering secondary combustion and leading to uncontrolled fire spread.
3. Structural Limitations on Rescue: After a collapse, the iron-clad containers make it difficult for water cannons to spray water for firefighting, delaying rescue efforts.

The sprinkler system can automatically sense temperature or smoke and initiate water spraying in the early stages of a fire, directly suppressing the flames and buying time for personnel evacuation and firefighting rescue, especially suitable for unattended or nighttime scenarios.

III. Key Design Specifications for Sprinkler Systems in Container Houses

1. Sprinkler Head Placement Requirements:
   • The vertical distance between the sprinkler head deflector and the stack of combustible materials below should be no less than 90 centimeters, and no less than 45 centimeters for stacks of non-combustible materials.
   • The horizontal distance between the edge of the stack and the vertical line of the sprinkler head should be no less than 30 centimeters to ensure uniform water coverage.
2. Adaptation to Special Scenarios:
   • If the clear height of the container exceeds 8 meters, a wet pipe system should be used (dry pipe and pre-action systems are only suitable for areas with a clear height of ≤8 meters).
   • When sprinkler heads are arranged in layers in high-rack warehouses or on shelves, the vertical height should be no more than 4 meters or 6 meters depending on the type of stored items (combustible/non-combustible).
3. Material and Installation Specifications:
   • Galvanized steel pipes must be used, and the diameter of the branch pipes connecting the sprinkler heads should be no less than 25 millimeters to prevent rust from clogging the sprinkler heads.
   • Components such as water flow indicators and signal valves should be installed according to specifications. For example, the signal valve should be placed before the water flow indicator with a spacing of no less than 30 centimeters to ensure system sensitivity.

IV. Comprehensive Fire Safety Measures for Container Houses

In addition to the sprinkler system, the following measures are also necessary:

1. Select Fire-Resistant Materials: Use Class A fire-resistant materials such as rock wool boards and fire-resistant cotton for filling to enhance the fire resistance limit of the house.
2. Control Fire and Heat Sources: Maintain a safe distance between open flame operations and the container, protect cables with sleeves, and use metal galvanized boxes for sockets and switches, which should be mounted openly.
3. Maintain Safe Spacing: Keep a distance of at least 6 meters between containers to prevent fire spread.