A waterflow switch is a tool that identifies the motion of the flow of water in a pipe or a channel. It has a vital use in fire protection uses to control the flow of water.

The basic purpose of a Waterflow Switch is to tell the fire alarm system that water is currently flowing in the sprinkling system. It converts the mechanical signals into electrical signals, and hence it informs the alarm system about the flow of water in the systems.

The fire department gives more preference to a waterflow switch alarm as compared to other kinds of alarms.

Fire Alarm

A waterflow switch is the operating medium within the fire safety system of the building and fire suppression system. It is able to identify the water flowing in the fire suppression system, and this way, it is able to cause alarm for the evacuation.

The function of a waterflow switch has basically three function when the water sprinkling system operates:

1. To inform the people inside the building to evacuate it.

2. To send a signal to the fire alarm for help.

3. It inform the firefighters that whether the water is being used or not. It also informs them where to point their hoses as they sound where there is an impact on fire.

Reaction to the Sprinkler System

In actuality, the fire department gives more preference to the fire sprinkler suppression system in real fire than the normal fire alarm system.

The system tracks the heat signature. If there is excess heat in the building and water starts to flow in the sprinkling system, the fireteam gets alert, and they can recognize if there is an actual fire in the building or not. Thus they remain always prepared for action in case there is a fire.

Waterflow Switch Description

Note that a waterflow switch does not control the water, but it only detects the water flowing in the channels. For the detection of the flow of water in the pipe, the system contains a paddle inside the pipe. During the motion of water in the pipe, the paddle gets pushed. The paddle then pushes the switches to get activated and function properly.

Basically, there are two switches to make the use of waterflow switches properly:

1. The local fire alarm system: It makes the alarm and evacuates the public from the building.

2. An outside horn/strobe: It informs the fire department that the water sprinkler is activated when they arrive.

Conclusion

Hence we see a water flow switch is a useful device for the detection of fire and to rescue the public properly from the building. It not only informs the fire department about the fire, but it also tells the firefighter whether the water is inflow through the ducts or not. Make use of a waterflow switch of high quality to get the best results.