Fire sprinkler systems are unquestionably one of the first and most important lines of defense against a fire. In fact, the preservation of a business’s equipment, information, property, and valuables often depends on the proper functioning of fire alarm and sprinkler systems.
It is surprising, then, that the general public does not have a completely accurate understanding of how fire sprinkler systems work. To help remedy that, here are the three biggest fire sprinkler myths that continue to circulate, debunked with accurate facts.
Myth 1: Sprinkler Systems Extinguish Fires
Many people think that a sprinkler system’s primary function is to extinguish fires.
In fact, fire sprinkler systems are designed to suppress fires by reducing the rate of heat release. Cooling down the fire helps to prevent it from spreading.
The degree to which the sprinkler can control the fire depends largely on the material that is burning, the size of the space, and whether or not the blaze is shielded from the flow of water. For example, it may be possible for sprinkler systems to extinguish small fires of free-burning cellulose materials like paper and wood.
Larger fires that ignite plastics that burn quickly and at high temperatures may not be fully extinguished.
Typically, an effective sprinkler system will only suppress the fire until the local fire department arrives and completes the job with external equipment.
Myth 2: Pulling the Fire Alarm Activates the Sprinkler System
If it were up to action movies and Hollywood, they’d have everyone believe that pulling the fire alarm pull station automatically causes the sprinkler system to discharge water. In reality this only happens if the fire sprinkler system was designed to include this feature and is extremely rare.
So, if the fire alarm doesn’t tell the sprinklers to turn on, what does?
Sprinkler heads are assembled with a thermal element that will either melt or break at a certain temperature. If the heat from the fire is intense enough to trigger the thermal element, the sprinklers will be activated and water will be discharged.
Myth 3: All Sprinkler Heads Activate in the Event of a Fire
This is probably the most pervasive misconception about sprinkler systems, also in part because of Hollywood movie magic which often shows scenes in which all sprinkler heads simultaneously go off when a fire occurs.
Actually, most sprinkler systems are built so that the sprinkler heads activate based on proximity. Often, only the head(s) closes to the fire will release water to suppress the direct heat threat at the same time as reducing potential water damage.
Hollywood isn’t all wrong, though, since there is one type of sprinkler system — a “deluge system” – that activates all sprinkler heads at the same time. But they are seldom installed except in very specific spaces where fires would be incredibly destructive like air hangars. Likely, the fire sprinkler system in a standard workplace or home would not be a deluge system.
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For more information on fire sprinkler regulations and maintenance, please check out our website or the NFPA.
As always, it’s better safe than sorry – and the last thing anyone wants is to be caught off-guard because they believed incorrect information about how their organization’s fire sprinkler system works.
Myths aside, the most important thing to remember is that it’s important to have fire sprinkler systems regularly inspected and serviced so that they do their job in the event of a fire.
Allegiant Fire Protection takes fire protection and the safety of your facility seriously. We know that an improperly-working sprinkler system can make a huge difference. Our sprinkler system inspection and testing schedule are determined by the local code, building occupancy type, and the system’s components.
Our NICET-certified technicians follow the requirements outlined in the National Fire Protection Association’s code NFPA 25, along with any additional local regulations to ensure your peace of mind regarding your facility’s sprinkler system.
Please don’t hesitate to give us a call today and discuss your sprinkler inspection options.