| Frequently Asked Questions About Fire
Sprinkler Systems
CAN THE SPRINKLER GO OFF BY ACCIDENT? Only one in 16 million
sprinkler systems trip for no reason or because of a manufacturing defect.
Sprinkler systems are specifically designed for your building and will be
rigorously tested to minimize such accidents. We also inspect existing
systems to ensure that there is no mechanical damage which might cause
such an accident.
IF ONE SPRINKLER GOES OFF, DON'T THEY ALL GO OFF? Only the sprinkler
over the fire will activate. Sprinklers in each room react to temperatures
individually; usually between 155 and 165° F. So, fire in a kitchen will
activate only the sprinkler(s) in that room.
AREN'T SPRINKLER SYSTEMS UGLY? Sprinklers can be neatly concealed
with no more than a 3/4" cap showing. Custom caps and covers are available
in a range of colors. Ceiling and sidewall mount sprinkler heads blend
into your home decor, and yet are effective fire protection.
WHY DO I NEED SPRINKLERS IF I HAVE A SMOKE DETECTOR? Smoke detectors
will save lives by providing a warning of smoke existence, but they can do
nothing to extinguish a growing fire. Too often, battery operated smoke
detectors fail to function because the batteries are dead or have been
removed. Detectors must be maintained in good working order to help save
your life. The combination of smoke detectors and sprinkler systems can
reduce the loss of life by 98.5%, which is an increase of 48.5% over smoke
detectors alone.
AREN'T SPRINKLER SYSTEMS EXPENSIVE? Usually, this is a question of
priority. We don't hesitate to buy a comfortable couch, a new carpet or
the latest sound equipment. You can a sprinkler system throughout your
home for the equivalent cost. In fact, a sprinkler installation in a new
home can cost as little as $1 per square foot. In many cases this would
represent less than 1% of the total construction cost. Retrofitted systems
are more expensive but easy to install. Your family is the most precious
part of your life. Their safety is usually the most important concern.
DO SPRINKLERS CAUSE WATER DAMAGE? Sprinklers are designed to start
putting water on a fire while it is still small, in the early stages of
development, before it gets to the flashover point. If the fire can be
extinguished in the early stages, not only will it reduce the water
damage, but it will reduce the fire damage too. Not nearly as much water
is required to extinguish the beginnings of a fire, whereas hundreds of
gallons would be necessary for a full-fledged fire.
Your sprinkler system will severely limit a fire's growth. Therefore,
damage from home sprinkler system will be much less than the smoke and
fire damage if the fire had gone on unabated or even the water damage
caused by water from fire fighting hose lines. Quick response sprinklers
release 13-24 gallons of water per minute compared to 125 gallons per
minute released by a fire hose. An uncontrolled fire will cause
significantly greater damage.
A single sprinkler over your stove could save your life if you forgot
about that pan of bacon left on the stove cooking. If necessary, minor
repairs can done afterwards, with very little disruption in your daily
routine. This scenario would not be nearly the same if it were not for the
sprinkler.
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