Fire Sprinkler Myths!


Common Myths


Myth: Smoke sets off fire sprinklers.



Fact:  Sprinklers are activated by heat, not smoke.  In fact, the heat
necessary to set off your average sprinkler is anywhere from 150 to 165
degrees, in other words only the kind of heat a fire would create.



Myth: A fire sets off all the fire sprinklers.



Fact:  Only a sprinkler head that is close to a fire, the one affected by
the initial heat of the fire, will activate. In 81% of structure fires, only
one or two sprinkler heads activated.


Myth: Fire sprinklers cause excessive water damage.



Fact:  The average sprinkler only produces 15-25 gallons of water per
minute, versus 150-250 gallons produced by a fire hose.  In structures with
fire sprinklers, the average property loss by fire is cut by one-half to
two-thirds, and in some cases even more, than structures without.  In most
cases, structures without fire sprinklers are heavily or completely
destroyed by the mix of fire and water damaged caused by fire hoses.





Myth: Fire sprinklers are expensive.



Fact:  Nationally, fire sprinklers cost 1%-2% on average of total building
costs.  In New Jersey - because of construction, property and other industry
factors - this amount may be closer to 2%-4%.  Overall, the cost of
installing fire sprinklers is comparable to installing carpeting or
cabinets.  When fire sprinklers are installed in new structures, there are
opportunities to decrease the costs even further. In addition, most
insurance companies provide discounts to businesses and homeowners that have
fire sprinklers, which compounded over time can pay back the costs.



Myth: Fire sprinklers are unsightly.



Fact:  Modern advances in fire sprinkler technology have enabled architects,
contractors and designers to install fire sprinklers into residential
properties and businesses in ways that are atheistically pleasing and
concealing.  In fact, most people do not even notice that the building or
room they are in is protected by fire sprinklers.




The New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NJFSAB) is a cooperative
partnership advocating installation and proper care of fire sprinkler
systems as a highly effective means of helping save lives and property.
Working alongside fire and government authorities in the State of New
Jersey, NJFSAB supports educational programs and legislative measures to
increase consideration, promote proper usage and enhance/enforce building
codes for fire sprinklers in new and renovated properties.  Headquartered in
Waldwick, N.J., NJFSAB is comprised of local leaders, contractors,
businesses and unionized personnel representing fire sprinkler construction,
production, distribution and installation industries.  www.njfsab.org.

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