Making Copper Pipe into Overhead Sprinkler

[airbiscuit]

pvc with small lawn sprinklers that spray out a fan pattern, can be bought at local depot stores cheap ! figure out what you would need to plumb them in to the pvc, hose fitting to another pvc fitting. As far as winterizing blow air thru the lines.

I would think you would want water on the perimeter as well as the walls. Lawn irrigation heads would get you there. If you have a creek, then golf course irrigation heads would really douse the building and perimeter.

 

[CE2]

how about using PEX and this…

 

[Denali94]

I am a retired firefighter who was the Fire Marshal for a large department.

I applaud your efforts, but application of water should be the last step in keeping your place safe. First and foremost is that if you are concerned about a grass fire being the ignition source you need to be proactive about keeping a clear space around your structures so the fuel is not close enough to ignite them. Even 20 feet of clear space will greatly lower the chances of fire spread. Look here for more tips: Wildfire preparedness tips

If you do want to add protection my suggestion would be to use what are known as "deluge" heads. These are open fire sprinkler heads that disperse a chosen water pattern. In your case you can choose a head that deflects the spray pattern down to wet the walls.

When water is sent to the supply pipes all of the heads will flow, kind of like what Hollywood typically pretends all fire sprinklers do. If you use regular heat activated heads the chances are that they will never activate since you have no way to trap the heat needed to open them.

There are many ways to activate the heads, but most are pretty expensive for this type of installation since you cannot use heat as the trigger. Things like ultra violet flame detection exist for situations like this, but they are way too expensive for what fire sprinkler professionals consider to be a low value risk. Frankly I'm stumped about how to open the water supply valve unless you manually do it. The obvious down side to that is you may not be home when protection is needed.

What may be an even better way of protecting your property is to install a fire detection system in the buildings. Smoke detectors will not work, but heat detectors will. You can install most systems for less than $1K and have them monitored for around 25 bucks a month. Plus burglar protection will be included as well. Although remember a fire will take everything a thief only some things.

Best post in the first four pages. Retired state fire marshal here and I agree with everything you have stated. My only add would be to refer to the University of Colorado - Boulder and Colorado State university for information on Wildlife/Urban Interfaces and how to mitigate fire damages and fire spread. Prevention/mitigation should be the main concern. Once a wildfire gets close enough to a combustible source such as dried barn siding, they are so hot the loss is almost instantaneous.

We have used deluge systems for over 100 years to protect property in these situations. Some areas call them 'wall washers' or 'water curtains'. The problem in this situation is the size of the pipe which will be required and the water pressure needed to make the system function properly. And, as you query, how to initiate the system?

 

[Smokeydog]

Being in a wildfire Fire area you concerns are valid. Fire protection/prevention like choosing your roof materials important. Landscaping, debris management also important. Covering some/all exterior wood walls with metal an option? Sprinkles might help with a few embers. Hard to fireproof a barn.

Fire suppression takes a lot of water in the right spots.

You are pretty clever and experienced fellow. Be interesting what evolves. Hope you never have use it.

 

[2manyrocks]

There are wifi controlled irrigation systems.

I would think a product like hardee board siding would be ember resistant.

 

[airbiscuit]

Have your local fire department take a look and give you their thoughts

 

[ericm979]

There are wifi controlled irrigation systems.

The power needs to be on and the internet up for them to work. A few years ago there was a big fire not far from us and the power was out for days. Obviously this depends on the exact circumstances. And PG&E is about the worst utility in the country.

I would think a product like hardee board siding would be ember resistant.

It is, that's what we used to side our house when we remodeled. It's expensive for a barn though.

 

[Williy]

rScotty have you though about putting in a sprinkling system about 3 feet from the barn wall??? It would keep the ground wet and no fire
near the barn wall.

willy

 

[Theof]

I applaud your effort to be proactive, but I don’t believe active fire suppression is attainable or affordable in your situation. In the event of a wildfire it’s probable that the amount of water you could apply with your proposed system would evaporate before it hit the wall.
I agree with those proposing passive measures, clearing
combustibles and non or limited combustible construction.
Active fire suppression requires timely application of adequate volume of water at required pressure for appropriate amount of time. It does little good to apply inadequate amount of water for limited amount of time.
Timely application of water: it must be automatic.
Adequate volume and pressure of water: tall water tower or tank with pump.
Reliable power source if pump is used: protected diesel generator
Network of properly sized pipe supplying water to automatic sprinklers.
Freeze protection in cold climate.
Fireman do a hell of a good job fighting fires with 2 1/2” water hoses but when it comes to automatic
fire suppression fire sprinkler contractors are the pros.
Last bit of advice from best fire sprinkler designer i know: keep current on insurance payments.