Fire Sprinklers

Home Fire Sprinklers

Why it matters

While smoke alarms warn you to escape, home fire sprinklers actively start fighting the fire immediately. By controlling the fire while it is still very small, sprinklers drastically reduce deadly heat and toxic smoke, giving your family the critical time they need to survive.

What to know

Many people misunderstand how home fire sprinklers work because of movies and television. Here are the facts about their life-saving value:

• They activate individually
  Sprinklers are triggered by intense heat, not by smoke, cooking vapors, or burnt toast. Only the single sprinkler closest to the fire will activate—they do not all go off at once.
• They prevent severe water damage
  A home fire sprinkler can control or put out a fire using a fraction of the water that fire department hoses would use. The water damage from a single sprinkler is minimal compared to the total destruction caused by a spreading fire and high-pressure fire hoses.
• They are highly reliable
  Accidental sprinkler discharges are extremely rare.
• They work with smoke alarms
  Sprinklers do not replace smoke alarms; they work together as a complete system. Smoke alarms wake you up, and sprinklers keep the escape route survivable.

Do this now

• Ask your builder
  If you are building a new home or doing a major remodel, explicitly ask your builder or contractor about residential fire sprinkler options.
• Keep them clear
  If you already live in a sprinklered home, do a monthly visual inspection to check that your sprinklers are not blocked by tall furniture or storage.
• Know your valve: Know exactly where your home’s main water control valve is located and keep the area around it accessible.

Don’t

Don’t believe the movie myths. Remember that smoke does not trigger fire sprinklers, and they do not all activate at the same time.

Don’t paint or block them. Never paint over sprinkler heads or their covers. Do not hang clothes, plants, decorations, or any other items from sprinkler pipes or heads, as this can break them or block the water flow.