GB2288332A

GB2288332A - Sprinkler system for fire extinguishing

Info

Publication number: GB2288332A
Application number: GB9407601A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Edward Theakston
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-04-16
Filing date: 1994-04-16
Publication date: 1995-10-18
Also published as: GB9407601D0

Abstract

A water sprinkling system uses the drop in water pressure when the system activates to operate a piston causing a pivot arm to break the electrical circuit and cut off power supply to equipment in the area thus avoiding possible electrocution of personnel in that area. <IMAGE>

Description

THIS INVENTION RELATES TO A ELECTRICAL ISOLATOR FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEM My idea is basically a device to prevent electrocution in the vacinity of a fire, or environment, where water is liable to be played onto high voltage electrical equipment.

This is achieved by wiring all at risk electrical equipment through a electrical isolator as shown Figure 1.

My design utilizes the high pressure in the sprinkler system.

When a sprinkler system is active, water under high pressure is used to hold a piston at its full extent and against spring tension.

When the sprinkler system is set off by whatever reason. A drop in the pressure will be observed at the base of the piston. This is caused by fast flowing water through the sprinkler pipe to the fire area.

Due to the reduction of pressure at the base of the piston, the piston is no longer held in position and travels down the cylinder under spring assistance.

The result causes the pivot arm to swing and break the electrical circuit at the electrical contacts. Therefore isolating the equipment and preventing possible injury by electrocution to any person in the immediate affected area.

Claims

1.) A device comprising of a Cylinder attached to a Sprinkler Main by its base, (but not interrupting its flow ) a Pivot arm, and Spring assembly and two Electrical Contacts.

2.) When a sprinkler is activated by whatever reason, fast flowing water at the base ofthe cylinder will cause a drop in pressure, ( felt at the base ofthe cylinder) and allow the piston to travel down the cylinder under spring assistance. This movement is transmitted through the pivot arm to the Electrical Contacts, and thus causes a break in the electrical circuit.

3.) When the sprinkler system is charged and no sprinklers have been activated, then the high pressure in the sprinkler main will keep the piston firmly at the top of the cylinder and thus completing the electrical circuit.

4.) When the Isolator has been activated as in Claim 2. Machinery in the vaccinity ofthe activated sprinkler could be wired through the Isolator to have their electrical supply automatically switched off.

5.) Isolators as in Claim 1 could therefore be installed in different zones of a Factory Sprinkler System to protect a broad range of Machinery or Systems, or merely be installed in a sprinkler system directly infront of potentially dangerous machinery.

6.) Isolators must be installed before the Sprinkler overhead the Machinery or Equipment requiring protection, as in Claim 2, 3, 4 & 5.

7.) Electrical isolators ( as in Claim 1 & 2 ) could therefore be used in any environment where water is liable to be plied onto a electrical appliance or piece of machinery from a sprinkler system. e.g. Schools, Factory's, Office Blocks, Hotels, Shopping Halls, ETC.

8.) Electrical Isolators as in Claim 1, 2, 5 & 6 could prevent injury by electrocution in the event of water being plied onto electrical equipment.

9.) Electrical Isolators as in Claim 1, 2 5, & 6 could prevent unnecessary damage electrical equipment by breaking the electrical circuit, and therefore stopping electrical supply to all electrical machinery in the vaccinity of an activated sprinkler, ( provided that the electrical machinery is wired back to the Isolator) thus stopping possible short circuiting and causing machinery and equipment damage.