---
title: What is a Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler System, and How Does It Work?
description: A pre-action fire sprinkler system is a type of fire suppression system that is designed to minimize the risk of false alarms and water damage.
image: https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Fire_Pre_Action.jpg
---

[![Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&height=50&name=koorsen-logo.png "Koorsen Fire & Security")](https://www.koorsen.com/)

[CONTACT US](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [BILL PAY](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/)

[1.866.311.7753](tel:8663117753)

- [About Us](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/) 
    - [History](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/history/)
    - [Case Studies](https://blog.koorsen.com/case-studies)
    - [Koorsen Companies](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/companies/)
    - [Koorsen Training Center](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/)
    - [Kasey Program](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/kasey-program/)
    - [Pay Bill](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/)
- [Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) 
    - [Fire Protection](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/)
    - [Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/)
    - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/)
    - [Mobile Equipment Solutions](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/mobile-equipment-solutions/)
    - [Additional Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/#additional)
- [Industries](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/) 
    - [Healthcare](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/healthcare/)
    - [Industrial](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/industrial/)
    - [Education](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/education/)
    - [Restaurants](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/restaurants/)
    - [Property Management](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/property-management/)
    - [Hospitality](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/hospitality/)
    - [Retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/)
    - [Construction](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/construction/)
- [Locations](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/)
- [News](https://blog.koorsen.com) 
    - [Koorsen Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com)
    - [Koorsen In The News](https://www.koorsen.com/in-the-news/)
    - [Kasey the Dog Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com/kaseys-adventures)
- [Careers](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/)

# What is a Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler System, and How Does It Work?

 Posted July 25, 2023  by [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security)

![Fire_Pre_Action](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fire_Pre_Action.jpg?width=1200&height=800&name=Fire_Pre_Action.jpg)

[![Click to Call](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/interactive-191902134121.png)](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK%2BHwysRkkxTdtIHBvyt39rNm7mw%2FMzGXZYvZ%2FydyrmTc7LHoHVWxwG68AoZ0uzROvS3yX81qQLc2Yz00cf8aKlt5tEkFvL0GYdZH8D5dzl1%2BOCZ55EBSBO0rJqTlmp1mjxnS%2BabV4jbOygGW7TAir2&webInteractiveContentId=191902134121&portalId=1973249)

A [pre-action fire sprinkler system](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) is a type of [fire suppression system](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-are-fire-suppression-systems) that is designed to minimize the risk of false alarms and water damage in facilities. It uses a combination of water and air pressure to activate the sprinkler system and suppress a fire.

The system consists of a network of pipes connected to a water supply and equipped with fire sprinkler heads at designated points. The pipes are filled with air under pressure, which holds back the water from the [fire sprinkler heads](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-fire-sprinkler-heads). When a fire is detected, the air pressure is released, and water is supplied to the sprinkler heads to suppress the fire.

[![Questions! Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673)

## **Two-Step Process**

A [pre-action fire sprinkler system](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) is a two-step process requiring two separate devices to be activated before the sprinkler heads release water. The first step is to trigger the [commercial fire alarm system](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-alarm-systems/), which can be done through smoke detectors, [heat detectors](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-flame-detector), or a combination of both. Once the fire detection system has been activated, water is released into the pipes. The second step is for the fire sprinkler head/s to activate and suppress the fire.

One of the main benefits of a pre-action fire sprinkler system is that it provides a high level of reliability and protection against false alarms. The two-step process ensures that water is only released in the presence of an actual fire, which reduces the risk of water damage from false alarms.

## **Highly Customizable and Versatile**

In addition to its reliability, pre-action fire sprinkler systems are also highly customizable, making it easy to design a system that meets a facility’s specific needs. They are also versatile and can be used in various applications, including high-risk areas, [data centers](https://blog.koorsen.com/2015/12/data-center-fire-safety), and other critical environments.

## **Contact Koorsen Fire & Security**

Pre-action [fire sprinkler systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) are an effective and reliable solution for [fire suppression](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-suppression-systems/) in commercial and industrial facilities. They provide a high level of protection against false alarms, are highly customizable, and are suitable for a wide range of applications.

To learn more about whether a pre-action [fire sprinkler system](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) is right for your business’s needs, [contact Koorsen Fire & Security](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) today. From design to installation to testing and maintenance, [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://www.koorsen.com/) can meet all of your fire sprinkler needs.

[![Fire Sprinkler Questions? Click to Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/cf5f04ea-68ca-4b85-b16f-cb89039244b7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/cf5f04ea-68ca-4b85-b16f-cb89039244b7)

 

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

 Topics: [Fire Sprinkler Systems](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-sprinkler-systems)

## Contact Us Now!

*Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.* 

### Related posts

[Designing a Fire Sprinkler System for Historic or Older Buildings](https://blog.koorsen.com/designing-a-fire-sprinkler-system-for-historic-or-older-buildings)

[Enhancing Safety and Mitigating Risks: The Benefits of Fire Sprinklers](https://blog.koorsen.com/enhancing-safety-and-mitigating-risks-the-benefits-of-fire-sprinklers)

[Saving Lives and Property: Fire Sprinkler Success Stories](https://blog.koorsen.com/saving-lives-and-property-fire-sprinkler-success-stories)

[Navigating Choices: Exploring the Diversity of Fire Sprinkler Heads](https://blog.koorsen.com/navigating-choices-exploring-the-diversity-of-fire-sprinkler-heads)

[What Are The Key Components Of Fire Sprinkler Compliance?](https://blog.koorsen.com/navigating-the-regulatory-landscape-ensuring-fire-sprinkler-compliance)

[![Questions! Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673)

### SEARCH OUR BLOG

This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached.

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

### Subscribe to Our Blog

### Recent Posts

### CATEGORIES

- [Commercial Security (111)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/commercial-security)
- [Fire Protection (109)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-protection)
- [Fire Extinguisher (77)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-extinguisher)
- [Fire Alarm Systems (75)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-alarm-systems)
- [Fire Safety & Security (73)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety-security)
- [Koorsen News (73)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/koorsen-news)
- [Fire Sprinkler Systems (67)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-sprinkler-systems)
- [Fire Safety (61)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety)
- [Access Control Systems (45)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/access-control-systems)
- [Fire Suppression (45)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-suppression)
- [Inspection/Testing (43)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/inspectiontesting)
- [Small Business Security (39)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/small-business-security)
- [Kitchen Fire Suppression (37)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/kitchen-fire-suppression)
- [Video Surveillance (30)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/video-surveillance)
- [Fire Training (24)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-training)
- [Restaurant Industry (24)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/restaurant-industry)
- [Emergency/Exit Lighting (22)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-exit-lighting)
- [Monitoring (20)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/monitoring)
- [NFPA (19)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/nfpa)
- [Education Industry (18)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/education-industry)
- [Commercial Kitchen (17)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/commercial-kitchen)
- [Training & Education (15)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/training-education)
- [Fire Pumps (12)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-pumps)
- [Healthcare Industry (12)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/healthcare-industry)
- [Property Management Industry (10)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/property-management-industry)
- [Bi-Directional Amplifier (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/bi-directional-amplifier)
- [Emergency Notification (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-notification)
- [General (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/general)
- [Nurse Call System (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/nurse-call-system)
- [Kasey Program (8)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/kasey-program)
- [Restaurant (8)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/restaurant)
- [Education (7)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/education)
- [Property Management (7)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/property-management)
- [Construction Industry (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/construction-industry)
- [Koorsen Family Foundation (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/koorsen-family-foundation)
- [Press (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/press)
- [Retail Industry (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/retail-industry)
- [Mobile Equipment (4)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/mobile-equipment)
- [Vehicle Fire Suppression (4)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/vehicle-fire-suppression)
- [Awards (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/awards)
- [Dry Chem Suppression (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/dry-chem-suppression)
- [Engineering (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/engineering)
- [Hospitality Industry (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/hospitality-industry)
- [Long Term Care (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/long-term-care)
- [Podcast (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/podcast)
- [Industrial (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/industrial)
- [Infographics (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/infographics)
- [KnoxBox (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/knoxbox)
- [Backflow Preventer (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/backflow-preventer)
- [Construction (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/construction)
- [Distributed Antenna Systems (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/distributed-antenna-systems)
- [Flame Detection (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/flame-detection)
- [Government (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/government)
- [Home Security (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/home-security)
- [The Joint Commission (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/the-joint-commission)
- [Underground Services (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/underground-services)

see all

### ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

- [Fire Extinguishers](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/)
- [General Fire Products](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/general-fire-products/)
- [Emergency/Exit Lighting](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/emergency-exit-lighting/)
- [Fire Alarm Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-alarm-systems/)
- [Fire Sprinkler Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/)
- [Kitchen Fire Suppression](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/kitchen-hood-fire-suppression/)

- [Fire Suppression Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-suppression-systems/)
- [Commercial Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/commercial-security/)
- [Emergency Notification](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/emergency-notification/)
- [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/)
- [Home Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/home-security/)
- [Nurse Call Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/nurse-call-systems/)

### OTHER COMPANIES

- [KOORSEN ENVIRONMENTAL](https://koorsenes.com/)
- [KOORSEN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT](https://www.koorsenfm.com/)

### CONTACT KOORSEN

[866-311-7753](tel:8663117753)

[info@koorsen.com](mailto:info@koorsen.com)

- [FAQS](https://www.koorsen.com/faq/)
- [KOORSEN CAREERS](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/)
- [MEDIA RELATIONS](https://www.koorsen.com/media-relations/)
- [TRANSPARENCY IN COVERAGE](https://www.koorsen.com/transparency-in-coverage/)

<https://twitter.com/koorsenfire> <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Koorsen-Fire-Security/173081436052031> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0ncdcrEYAjDHIcGGgJ3KQ> <http://www.linkedin.com/company/koorsen-fire-and-security>

© 2026 Koorsen Fire & Security | [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.koorsen.com/privacy-policy/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security",
    "url" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-08-26T14:37:01.389Z",
  "datePublished" : "2023-07-25T19:50:03.000Z",
  "headline" : "What is a Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler System, and How Does It Work?",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/Fire_Pre_Action.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-pre-action-fire-sprinkler-system-and-how-does-it-work",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security - - -"
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "Organization",
  "address" : {
    "@type" : "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry" : "",
    "addressLocality" : "Indianapolis",
    "addressRegion" : "IN",
    "postalCode" : "46218",
    "streetAddress" : "2719 N Arlington Ave "
  },
  "alternateName" : "Koorsen",
  "description" : "Since 1946, people have trusted Koorsen to protect and secure their businesses and homes.",
  "email" : "https://www.koorsen.com/",
  "image" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&name=koorsen-logo.png",
  "logo" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-pre-action-fire-sprinkler-system-and-how-does-it-work",
    "@type" : "WebPage",
    "description" : "A pre-action fire sprinkler system is a type of fire suppression system that is designed to minimize the risk of false alarms and water damage."
  },
  "naics" : "238220",
  "name" : "Koorsen Fire &amp; Security Headquarters",
  "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/pages/Koorsen-Fire-Security/173081436052031", "https://twitter.com/koorsenfire", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/koorsen-fire-and-security", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0ncdcrEYAjDHIcGGgJ3KQ", "https://www.instagram.com/koorsenfire/?hl=en" ],
  "telephone" : "",
  "url" : "https://www.koorsen.com/"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security"
  },
  "dateModified" : "August 26, 2025, 2:37:01 PM",
  "datePublished" : "2023-07-25 19:50:03",
  "description" : "A pre-action fire sprinkler system is a type of fire suppression system that is designed to minimize the risk of false alarms and water damage.",
  "headline" : "What is a Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler System, and How Does It Work?",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "url" : "https://1973249.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1973249/Fire_Pre_Action.jpg"
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-pre-action-fire-sprinkler-system-and-how-does-it-work",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "Koorsen Fire &amp; Security Headquarters"
  }
}
```