- Fire Sprinklers -
Residential Sprinkler Systems
Automatic Sprinkler Systems have become an intricate part of fire protection. They supply water to a network of individual overhead sprinklers, each protecting an area below them. The sprinklers open automatically in response to heat and spray water on the fire to put it out or keep it from spreading. Contrary to popular belief, only those sprinklers near the fire area open and spray water. Fire sprinklers are a mandatory requirement for many large, commercial and multi-family residential units.
Sprinklers in the Home
Four out of every five of all fire deaths occur in homes, according to the National Institute of Standard Technology. 60-70 percent of those deaths could have been prevented and damage limited by adding sprinklers systems to homes and apartments. Since 1980, fast response sprinklers have been available for use in residential occupancies such as homes and apartments. Lightweight piping materials are available and can be used to supply the sprinklers, primarily from a common household water supply when installed in a one or two family dwelling, and thanks to the use of modern materials such as PVC plastic, the cost of residential sprinklers system have come down. Estimates suggest the installing such a system would only add one to one and one half percent to the cost of the new housing. They can also be installed in existing buildings. Homes with automatic sprinkler systems should also be equipped with smoke alarms.
SMASHING SOME MYTHS ABOUT FIRE SPRINKLERS
MYTH #1: WATER DAMAGE FROM SPRINKLERS IS WORSE THAN THE FIRE. The truth is that the sprinkler puts out far less water on the fire than a fire hose ever would. Automatic systems spray water only in the immediate area and can keep the fire from spreading to the point where widespread damage is unavoidable.
MYTH #2: SPRINKLERS CAN GO OFF ACCIDENTALLY, CAUSING UNNECESSARY WATER DAMAGE.
Accidental water damage caused by an automatic sprinkler is relatively rare. Several studies concluded that sprinkler accidents are generally less likely and less severe than mishaps regarding the standard home plumbing system.
MYTH #3: RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. Residential sprinkler systems are far less expensive than they used to be, principally because the new quick response residential sprinklers and smaller water supply than they require.
Permits are required for installation of a residential sprinkler system, contact the Brick Building Department for details, 732-262-4627.