Fire sprinkler systems can mean the difference between minor or catastrophic loss, including loss of life. These systems have become more affordable over time, and should be installed in all buildings. Here are a few facts.
Did you know?

  1. The first unmistakable fire sprinkler system was built into the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in England in 1812. Though the system was not automatic, it was fed via a series of water barrels. The barrels fed a 10-inch water main which branched into smaller pipes. The pipe didn’t have traditional sprinkler heads, but rather ½ inch drilled holes from which the water sprinkled.
  2. Building codes now require fire sprinklers to be installed in all new high rise and/or underground buildings. Systems must be installed at most 75 feet above or below the point where firefighters can adequately utilize the fire hoses.
  3. The sprinkler head (either glass bulb or an alloy link) will not open until a preset temperature is reached. When it becomes hot enough, the glass bulb will break or the link will melt, which releases the plug and allows water to flow. Each sprinkler head operates individually, which means that the water pressure to the fire-affected area remains high.
  4. A sprinkler system will do far less damage than a stream from a fire hose. It typically takes between 1 to 4 minutes for a sprinkler system to activate. It takes fire departments 15 minutes to arrive and set up equipment before the first drop of water touches the fire. The extra 10 minute delay could cost lives and/or increase the fire damage.
  5. The two types of sprinkler systems are control mode and suppression mode. Control mode sprinklers are designed to prevent the spread of fire and building collapse. Suppression mode sprinklers are intended to completely extinguish the fire before the fire department ever arrives.
  6. Wet pipe systems are the most commonly installed kind of sprinkler system. Dry pipe systems are designed for places such as outdoors or open garages where the pipes have the potential to freeze.
  7. Foam water systems utilize a mixture of water and foam to suppress fire in complex fires locations such as flammable liquid storage areas or airport hangars.
  8. Deluge systems drench areas such as exit stairwells or building openings to slow the travel of fire.
  9. Residential systems allow the occupants time to safely escape.
  10. Commercial systems protect occupants and the structure from the fire.