When it comes to protecting a commercial or residential building from fire, nothing is more effective than an automatic fire sprinkler system. Decades of data have proven that sprinklers are incredibly effective at controlling and often extinguishing a fire in its early stages, saving both lives and property. Despite their proven track record, there are still many persistent myths and misconceptions about how fire sprinklers work that can cause building owners and homeowners to be hesitant about them. It’s time to debunk these common myths and understand the truth about this life-saving technology.
Myth #1: When one sprinkler goes off, they all go off.
This is by far the most common myth, and it’s largely fueled by dramatic movie scenes.
- The Truth: Fire sprinkler systems are not designed to all activate at once. Each individual sprinkler head is a self-contained, heat-activated device. It has a small glass bulb or a metal link that is designed to break or melt only when it is exposed to the high temperature of a fire directly below it (typically between 135°F and 165°F). In a typical fire, only the one or two sprinkler heads closest to the fire will activate. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 90% of fires, just one sprinkler was enough to control the blaze.
Myth #2: Sprinklers cause massive water damage.
People often imagine a torrential downpour that floods the entire building.
- The Truth: A fire sprinkler is designed to control a fire with a surprisingly small amount of water. A typical sprinkler head discharges about 10-25 gallons of water per minute. A firefighter’s hose, on the other hand, can discharge over 200 gallons per minute. The sprinkler applies water directly onto the fire when it is small, often extinguishing it before the fire department even arrives. The small amount of water damage from one or two sprinkler heads is vastly less than the devastating damage that would be caused by a large fire and the massive volume of water from fire hoses needed to put it out.
Myth #3: Sprinklers are ugly and will ruin my building’s aesthetic.
Some people picture large, industrial pipes hanging from the ceiling.
- The Truth: Modern fire sprinkler technology has come a long way. Sprinkler heads can be very discreet and aesthetically pleasing. They are available in a variety of finishes to match the ceiling color. There are also concealed-head sprinklers that are hidden behind a flat cover plate that sits flush with the ceiling. The cover plate is designed to fall away when it reaches a certain temperature, allowing the sprinkler head to drop down and activate. As many architectural and design resources show, modern sprinklers can be seamlessly integrated into any design.
Myth #4: Sprinklers are prone to accidental activation.
The fear of a sprinkler head accidentally going off and ruining a room is a common concern.
- The Truth: Accidental discharge from a fire sprinkler is incredibly rare. The odds of a sprinkler activating due to a manufacturing defect are estimated to be about 1 in 16 million. As the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) points out, you are more likely to be struck by lightning than to have a sprinkler go off accidentally. They are only activated by high heat, not by smoke, a smoke detector, or a fire alarm.
Your Inland Empire Fire Sprinkler Service Experts
A fire sprinkler system is the single most effective fire protection measure available. It provides 24/7 protection, automatically controlling a fire to protect lives and property. To be effective, however, a system must be regularly inspected, tested, and maintained by a licensed professional. For building owners and managers throughout the Inland Empire, the team at Cal-Counties Fire Protection provides comprehensive fire sprinkler service. Contact us today for an inspection or service.