Debunking 4 Fire Sprinkler Myths

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

There’s no denying a fire could cause devastating damage to your Greene County commercial property. And without a way to extinguish the flames quickly, some of your workers and customers could be severely injured or killed. That's why having a commercial fire sprinkler system is vital.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), when sprinklers are installed, the chances of dying in a fire are diminished by 80 percent and the average property loss due to fire is cut by 50 to 66 percent, compared to fires where there are no sprinklers.

While it’s unquestionable that sprinklers are crucial tools for defense against fires, there are still many misconceptions about how sprinklers truly work. So, let’s talk about 4 common myths concerning commercial fire sprinkler systems and why they’re wrong.

Myth 1: Water Damage Produced by Sprinklers Cost More Than Fire Damage

FACT:  Sprinkler systems are more cost-effective when compared to the damage caused by other firefighting efforts. Since sprinklers can keep a fire contained within one room rather than allowing flames and smoke to spread through a building, most fire damage cleaning is reduced to one area. Additionally, water damage as a result of fire hoses regularly costs more to restore. Sprinklers discharge only 8-24 gallons of water per minute, while fire hoses gush 50-125 gallons per minute.

MYTH 2: All Sprinkler Heads Discharge During a Fire

FACT: Sprinkler heads are designed to only respond to fire temperatures above 155 °F. A temperature-sensitive glass bulb filled with a liquid or metal alloy hold fire sprinkler heads in place. The glass applies pressure to a pipe cap, stopping water from streaming through the system. So, only sprinkler heads close to a fire will be set off, leaving unaffected areas dry.

MYTH 3: Sprinklers are Too Sensitive

FACT: Although you want your sprinkler system to be sensitive to fires, that doesn’t mean they will be set off by somebody burning their lunch or lighting a cigarette. Only 1 in 16 million sprinkler heads trigger by accident, so their benefits far overshadow any risks.

Myth 4: Smoke Alarms Activate Sprinkler Systems

FACT: Fire sprinkler systems and smoke alarms function separately. Smoke alarms detect smoke particles which causes them to alarm. This is very important, because you want a warning before a fire has extended too far. But sprinkler system heads are only heat activated. The one will not set off the other.

As a business owner, you’re aware that safety is needed to keep your operations running smoothly. To help ensure your Greene County company will be safer from fire damage, it’s a good idea to install commercial sprinklers and mount fire extinguishers throughout your facility.

But if the unexpected does occur, help is nearby. At SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County, we’re both fire damage and water damage clean up professionals. We offers 24-Hour Emergency Recovery Services and are committed to getting your business back on its feet as quickly as possible.