Sprinkler System Benefits

Fire sprinklers are most effective during the fire’s initial flame growth stage. A properly selected sprinkler will detect the fire’s heat, initiate alarm and begin suppression within moments after flames appear. In most instances sprinklers will control fire advancement within a few minutes of their activation. This will in turn result in significantly less damage than otherwise would happen without sprinklers.

Sprinkler systems offer several benefits to building owners, operators, and occupants. These benefits include:

• Immediate identification and control of a developing fire – Sprinkler systems respond at all times, including periods of low occupancy. Control is generally instantaneous.
• Immediate alert -  In conjunction with the building fire alarm system, automatic sprinkler systems will notify occupants and emergency response personnel of the developing fire.
• Reduced heat and smoke damage -  Significantly less heat and smoke will be generated when the fire is extinguished at an early stage.
• Enhanced life safety – Staff, visitors and fire fighters will be subject to less danger when fire growth is checked.
• Design flexibility -  Egress route and fire/smoke barrier placement becomes less restrictive since early fire control minimizes demand on these systems. Greater utilization of exhibition and assembly spaces is usually a benefit.
• Enhanced Security – A sprinkler controlled fire decreases demand on security forces, minimizing intrusion opportunities.
• Decreased insurance expenditure – Sprinkler controlled fires are less damaging than fires in non-sprinklered buildings. This results in lower insurance reimbursements. Insurance underwriters will usually offer reduced premiums in sprinkler protected properties which can save a large amount of capital. This is especially important when funds are limited.

These benefits should be considered when deciding on the selection of automatic fire sprinkler protection.

Tags: automatic fire sprinkler, fire alarm system, fire control, fire fighters, fire growth, fire sprinkler protection, life safety, safety staff, smoke barrier, sprinkler system

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