3 Common-But-False Myths About Fire Sprinkler Systems

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

A fire sprinkler system can reduce the extent of property damage.

Three Truths On Fire Sprinkler System Myths

If a fire breaks out in your Boca Raton, FL, building, a fire sprinkler system can operate to significantly reduce the extent of property damage and overall fire restoration costs. Despite the benefits of maintaining a commercial sprinkler system, today many myths and misconceptions are circulating about the effectiveness of commercial safety sprinklers. Read on for the truth about three common sprinkler system myths.

1. Myth: Sprinkler Systems Are Not Effective Against Most Fires
A commercial sprinkler system that is properly installed and maintained can extinguish most fire business fires completely, without the need for other fire suppression measures. Occasionally, a fire is too large to be extinguished by sprinklers alone. However, even in this situation, sprinklers can still control the flames, reduce the fire’s temperature, and limit smoke damage until the fire department arrives.

2. Myth: Sprinkler Systems Cause More Damage Than They Prevent
Television shows and movies tend to depict scenes in which a flame — or sometimes just a nominal amount of smoke — causes every sprinkler in the building to activate simultaneously, soaking everything in sight. These scenes have led to a perception that sprinkler systems create an unnecessary mess, requiring extensive fire sprinkler cleanup throughout the building. In most sprinkler systems, however, each sprinkler head operates independently and is triggered by heat. Consequently, during a fire, only the sprinkler heads closest to the fire will activate. Smoke cannot trigger a sprinkler system.

3. Myth: Installing a Commercial Sprinkler System Is Not Cost-Effective
The least expensive way to add a sprinkler system to your building is to install the sprinklers at the same time the building is constructed, or during other renovations to the property. Installing sprinklers is most costly when the sprinkler system must be retrofitted to the building. This is especially true for older buildings. Either way, the cost of installing sprinklers is still far less than the potential cost of recovering from a devastating building fire.
When you separate fire sprinkler myths from facts, it’s clear that a good sprinkler system is an asset to your building.