What is a Fire Sprinkler System?

MeyerFire University | FX001.01 

By Joe Meyer, PE

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FX001 SERIES

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NOTES & SUMMARY

• One-Page Summary [PDF]
• Notes Page [PDF]

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 IS A FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM?

An automatic fire sprinkler system is a network of pipes fed from an automatic water supply. When activated, a sprinkler system releases water directly where the fire is happening.

PURPOSE
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Sprinkler systems have been in use since the 1870s and have had an exceptional track record of protecting property and saving lives.

These systems are designed with one goal in mind: controlling a fire.

EFFECTIVENESS

Why are sprinkler systems so effective? They operate without human interaction during the early stages of a fire. This is before the fire grows, and well before fire department has a chance to arrive. 

In most cases, sprinkler systems suppress a fire with much less water than firefighter hoses would apply. When properly designed, installed, and maintained fire sprinkler systems have proven to be about 96% effective in suppressing a fire. Most fires are even suppressed with only one or two sprinklers.

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are an effective, reliable, proven system that keeps building owners from major losses of both property and life.

I'm Joe Meyer, this is MeyerFire University.