It is the official position of the U.S. Fire Administration that all Americans should be protected against death, injury, and property loss resulting from fire in their residences. All homes should be equipped with smoke alarms and automatic fire sprinklers, and families should prepare and practice emergency escape plans. U.S.F.A. – D.H.S.According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fires in residences have taken a high toll of life and property. In 2007 there were:   * 414,000 residential fires   * 2,895 civilian fire deaths   * 14,000 civilian fire injuries   * $7.5 billion in property damage Source: National Fire Protection Association Fire Loss in the U.S. 2007.

Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems
You protect your family with fire alarms, but how about protecting your property, valuables and your home memories with a Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler system (RFPS)? It’s like having a fireman standing guard in your house 24 hours a day. While you’re waiting for your local Fire Fighters to arrive, your own home can already be fighting any fire and limiting the damage to your property. A properly installed RFPS system can potentially extinguish a fire before the Fire Department even arrives.

If you live in a rural area, the dangers of major destruction from a home fire are greater. Most rural areas have limited water supply for homes and buildings that spread out over large areas. Additionally there maybe limited access to county fire hydrants for fire truck hook up. This requires fire fighters to bring larger fire tankers carrying enough water to supply their efforts to put out a fire in your home or residential buildings.

In a recent home fire of singer/actor Jimmy Dean in Richmond, Virginia, Firefighters drafted water through a large hose from the James River into tanker trucks. They then drove those tanker trucks all the way to the blaze, and pumped water into other fire engines. Emergency personnel could then pump that water through other hoses onto the fire.

Fire marshals say you can help this process by installing fire sprinklers inside your home, especially if it’s an older residence. The actual construction of buildings could create obstacles too. Newer models buildings are built with fire stops in between to prevent flames from moving any higher. But homes built 30 to 40 years ago weren’t required to have them. Leaving a fast lane for flames.

New advances in sprinkler system equipment have made RFPS systems possible and affordable. In November 1980, the NFPA adopted the NFPA 13D Residential Sprinkler installation standard. The standard is based on technical data from the comprehensive full-scale fire tests, which were sponsored by the U.S. Fire Administration. Many towns and counties are adopting this code for new residential construction in their districts.

The Benefits of a Residential Fire Protection System
There are many benefits to having a RFPS system in your home. Especially for families with children, senior citizens, and handicapped members who have special fire protection needs. Firefighters will have less risk of injury or life loss since they will be fighting a fire of less intensity.

Property damage caused by a home fire can be limited and contained to smaller areas of the building, protecting your valuables, memories and your costs of repair. An RFPS can also increase the value of your home. The largest financial benefit is a reduction of your home insurance premiums.

There are many misconceptions about Fire Protection Systems, in part thanks to improper portrayals on TV and in movies. Here a few misconceptions and the truth behind the myth.

1. When one sprinkler goes off, all the sprinklers activate.
Not True. Sprinklers are activated by heat. A pressure tube inside the sprinkler explodes allowing water to flow and spread out through the affected area. If a fire occurs in your bedroom, only the sprinkler(s) in the area where the fire occurs will activate.

2. A sprinkler could accidentally go off, causing severe water damage to a home.
Not True. Records, which have been compiled for well over 50 years, prove the likelihood of this occurring is very remote. Furthermore, home sprinklers will be specifically designed and will be rigorously tested to minimize such accidents. Concealed residential sprinklers like the one shown for this article, have their operating elements above the ceiling level so that they could likely withstand a substantial hit from something like a baseball.

3. Water damage from a sprinkler system will be more extensive than fire damage.
Not True. The sprinkler system will limit a fire’s growth. Therefore, damage from a home sprinkler system will be much less severe than the smoke and fire damage if the fire had gone on unabated or even the water damage caused by water from fire fighting hose lines.

4. Home sprinkler systems are expensive.
Not True. Current estimates suggest that when a home is under construction, a home sprinkler system could cost 1%-1½% of the total building price. Upgrading an existing home depends on square footage and the number of sprinkler heads needed to provide adequate coverage. Installation for an existing 2,000sqft home can range between $4-10,000. They can also be hooked up to any domestic water supply as they do not have the same requirements as industrial or commercial establishments.

5. Residential sprinkles are ugly.
Not True. Most people think of sprinkler heads that you see in the movies where our hero stands on a chair or desk and holds a lighter up to the sprinkler to set it off. These are antiquated and many companies have designed sprinkler heads that can be hidden, or can go with any decor.

6. Any contractor can design and install a RFPS.
Not True. Sprinkler systems might be a series of pipes but they are nothing like the common plumbing in your home. A designer must have a working knowledge of NFPA guidelines and local fire codes in order to design a system that is effective and meets code. Additionally, not just anyone can install a RFPS in any building structure, residential or commercial. Many counties require specific certifications and licenses for any fire protection system installation and subsequent inspection.

In both North and South Carolina, plumbing contractors can acquire a special license to install residential sprinklers. It’s a nightmare that will hopefully remain a dream. In North Carolina these plumber systems have to be designed and calculated by a NICET III or they must contract with a licensed sprinkler contractor, who of course have a NICET III on staff. It’s an added expense, and potentially a dangerous option as plumbers rarely have the experience a knowledge about sprinkler design and installation. You’re better off ensuring you contract with a qualified and licensed sprinkler contractor. Learn more @ Finding a Qualified Sprinkler Contractor.

HFP has designed several commercial, industrial and residential sprinkler systems for our clients. We have the knowledge and experience to help you lay out a plan and design a system that’s right for your business or home. You can learn more about HFP, our experience and services by visiting our Home page or calling us at 704.877.2553

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