Why Fire Sprinklers?

Properly installed and maintained automatic fire sprinkler systems help save lives. Because fire sprinkler systems react so quickly, they can dramatically reduce the heat, flames and smoke produced in a fire.

Statistics

• Fire and the average property loss by one-half to two-thirds compared to where sprinklers are not present.
• NFPA has no record of a fire killing more than two people in a completely sprinklered public assembly, educational, institutional or residential building where the system was working properly.
• In 1999, 34% of public assembly properties where fires occurred in the U.S. were equipped with sprinklers, compared with 7% of residential properties.
• In 2002, 79% of fires occurred in the home, resulting in 2,670 fire deaths.

*From NFPA's U.S. Experience with Sprinklers and NFPA's Fire Loss in the United States, November 2003, Kimberly D. Rohr

Residential - Commercial - Industrial Sprinklers

Like the fire sprinklers found in most commercial buildings, residential sprinklers stand ready 24 hours a day to detect and suppress fires before they can become a threat to lives or property. As life safety devices, residential fire sprinklers are designed to react more quickly than their commercial cousins and thus need less water to do their work. Each sprinkler operates independently, so only those in the affected area go off. Most home fires are extinguished by one or two sprinklers with only a small amount of water.

Water Supplies

Fire sprinklers require a reliable source of water; either a city water connection or a storage tank with at least 100 gallons and a pump. Sprinklers can share a common supply and piping with the domestic water system, reducing cost but requiring additional storage capacity.

Proper Design

Many manufactured home suppliers offer fire sprinklers as an option. Where sprinklers are installed after the home is constructed, it is important to use a qualified designer and installer. For example, sloped or beamed ceilings require special design and installation considerations. Look for a certified fire sprinkler contractor.

Maintenance

Fire sprinkler systems require periodic maintenance and inspection. This is not a do-it-yourself job and should be left to a qualified contractor. Never paint sprinklers, it can prevent them from operating in a fire.

Insurance Savings

If you have fire sprinklers you may be eligible for a discount on your property insurance. Ask your agent.

Don't Forget the Smoke Alarms

Even though fire sprinklers are effective life safety devices you still need smoke alarms. Some fires can begin as smoldering fires that produce smoke and gases but don't generate enough heat to activate the sprinklers. Smoke alarms are needed to provide warning for these situations.

View Fire Sprinkler Myths