Accelerators

Accelerators in fire protection systems are devices used to reduce the operating time of dry pipe and certain preaction systems by speeding the release of air from the system piping. Their primary function is to detect a rapid drop in air pressure—indicative of an open sprinkler—and amplify that pressure loss to more quickly trip the main dry pipe valve. This allows water to enter the system faster, improving response time and overall fire control performance.

Accelerators are most commonly used in dry pipe systems, particularly where large system volumes or complex piping networks could otherwise delay water delivery.

Traditionally, accelerators have been mechanical devices, relying on differential pressure and internal chambers to sense and react to air pressure changes. However, newer electronic accelerators have been introduced, using sensors and control logic to detect pressure decay more precisely and initiate valve trip functions with greater reliability and adjustability. Regardless of type, accelerators play a critical role in ensuring timely system operation where air-filled piping would otherwise slow response.