 How effective are fire
sprinklers?
Sprinklers typically reduce chances of dying in a fire and
the average property loss by one-half to two-thirds in any
kind of property where they are used.
Can I afford a sprinkler system?
This question is best answered only after a review of the
occupancy as the cost per square foot can vary widely due
to great differences in installation requirements. Generally
speaking, a sprinkler system can be installed in a new home
for as little as $1-$2 per square foot which is less than
the cost of a retrofit installation that can run in the range
of $2-$3 per square foot.
When a fire activates one sprinkler,
don't all sprinklers go off?
Fire sprinklers respond independently to a rated temperature
setting. Usually, only one sprinkler is activated to extinguish
or limit the fire to its room of origin.
Won't a sprinkler system freeze in the
winter?
Much
like your plumbing system, your sprinkler system piping is
installed on inside walls adjacent to the ceiling framing
and then insulated to entrap the available heat lost from
the living area below.
 Don't sprinkler systems cause water
damage?
Fire sprinklers are designed to control a fire in its early
stages where less water is required. Most fires are completely
controlled with the activation of only one or two sprinklers.
Quick response sprinklers release 13 to 24 gallons of water
per minute compared to a fire hose releasing 150-200 gallons
per minute. Therefore, an uncontrolled fire will encounter
significantly greater water damage.
Can a sprinkler head go off by accident?
The odds of accidental discharge due to a manufacturing defect
are 1 in 16 million per year. Sprinkler piping is no more
likely to leak than existing plumbing piping in every home
and building.
Won't a sprinkler system look ugly in
my house?
Quick response residential sprinkler systems are designed
to save your life by providing attractive ceiling and side
mount sprinkler heads that blend unobtrusively into your room
decor. Sprinklers, cover plates, and escutcheons can be custom
painted by the manufacturer to match any decor.
Isn't a smoke detector enough?
Smoke detectors will save lives by providing a much needed
warning system. However, smoke detectors do nothing to extinguish
a growing fire. Too often, battery operated smoke detectors
fail to function because of dead or missing batteries. In
order for detectors to help save your life, you must provide
periodical maintenance. |
