The world’s first recognizable sprinkler system
April 20, 2009 by BuildingTech
Filed under Trivia
The world’s first recognizable sprinkler system was installed in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in the United Kingdom in 1812 by its architect Benjamen Wyatt FSA. The system which was designed by Col William Congreve (qv) was covered by a patent No 3606 dated the same year. The apparatus consisted of a cylindrical airtight reservoir of 400 hogsheads (~95,000 litres) fed by a 10in (250 mm) water main which branched to all parts of the theatre. A series of smaller pipes feed from the distribution pipe were pierced with a series of 1/2″ (15 mm) holes which pour water in the event of a fire.
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- The world’s first recognizable sprinkler system was installed in the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the United Kingdom in 1812 by its architect Benjamen Wyatt FSA The system which was designed by Col William Congreve (qv) was covered by a patent No 3606 date
Sprinkler System Benefits
April 20, 2009 by BuildingTech
Filed under Fire Protection
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.
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Fire sprinkler system
April 20, 2009 by BuildingTech
Filed under Definitions, Fire Protection, Thermal and Moisture Protection

A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection measure, consisting of a water supply, providing adequate pressure and flowrate to a water distribution piping system, onto which fire sprinklers are connected. Although historically only used in factories and large commercial buildings, home and small building systems are now available at a cost-effective price.
Sprinklers may be required to be installed by building codes, or may be recommended by insurance companies to reduce potential property losses or business interruption. Building codes in the United States for places of assembly, generally over 100 persons, and places with overnight sleeping accommodation such as hotels, nursing homes, dormitories, and hospitals usually require sprinklers either under local building codes, as a condition of receiving State and Federal funding or as a requirement to obtain certification (essential for institutions who wish to train medical staff).
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