Popular Myths of Sprinkler Systems?

MeyerFire University | FX001.04

By Chris Logan, CFPS, RSE

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FX001 SERIES

1. What is a Sprinkler System?
2. What is the Purpose of a Sprinkler System?
3. What are the Common Components of a Sprinkler System?
4. What are Popular Myths about Sprinkler Systems?
5. What is a Standpipe System?
6. What is the Purpose of a Standpipe System?
7. What are Common Components of Standpipe Systems?
8. When are Sprinkler Systems Required?
9. Example of When Sprinklers Are Required?
10. Does the Owner Have Insurance Standards?
11. Does the Owner Have Standards or Specifications?

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TRANSCRIPT

What are some of the top myths surrounding fire sprinkler systems?

Many myths about fire sprinkler systems are spread through TV and movies.

The dramatic effect of a sprinkler system activating is good for Hollywood, but has negative impacts in our industry.

​Here are some of the most common myths about fire sprinkler systems.

Myth #1: A pull station activates the sprinkler system.

​One of the most common myths with sprinkler systems is the myth that a pull station will activate the sprinkler system.

Pull stations are connected to the fire alarm system only, and they only notify occupants to evacuate the building.

Pull stations only send an electronic signal to the fire alarm system, not to discharge water from sprinklers.

Myth #2: Smoke will activate the sprinkler system.

Similar to the pull station myth, this one involves Doug leaving dinner in the oven for too long, or burning toast which triggers the smoke alarm and activates the sprinkler system.

Sprinklers have heat sensitive elements and do not react to smoke or any different odors in the air.

Myth #3: All sprinklers activate at once.

When the sprinkler system activates, every sprinkler in the building fuses, and water is discharged everywhere!

This is the most common myth associated with fire sprinklers, and one of the most used myths in movies and TV shows.

The truth is each individual sprinkler contains a heat response element that initiates at specific temperature for period of time.

Even in an actual fire, most of the time only one or two sprinklers will activate to control or extinguish a fire.

Myth #4 - Water damage from a sprinkler system will be more extensive than fire damage.

Fire sprinklers significantly reduce property loss and damage due to a fire.

The sprinkler quickly activates to control smoke and heat.

This limits the damage in other areas of the property, and gives the occupants valuable time to evacuate safely.

Water discharge from fire sprinklers is much less than fire fighting hand lines, up to 85% less water is used to extinguish a home fire.

Water dries and fire does not.

Myth #5: Sprinklers may go off accidentally.

Statistically, you are more likely to win the lottery than a fire sprinkler accidentally discharging.

The odds of a sprinkler falsely activating are shown to be 1 in 16 million.

There are many myths associated with fire sprinklers, it is important as an industry to clarify these myths and educate the public on fire sprinkler protection and the positive effect it has on protecting property and lives.

​I’m Chris Logan, This is MeyerFire University.