We all like to believe that our homes are safe. Contrary to what you might think, homes are at greater risk of fires than other public places.

In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2015 alone, 1,345,500 fires were reported in the United State. This staggering statistic alone shows a gloomy picture.

As a solution to this problem, NFPA has recommended the use of fire sprinklers.

How Fire Sprinklers Work

Invented in 1870s by Henry S. Parmelee, a piano maker in New Haven, Connecticut, fire sprinklers have come a long way. Let’s take a look at how they work:

In simple terms, a sprinkler system contains a network of pipe that run through the walls or ceilings holding water under pressure. Every sprinkler is a faucet or a tap through which water bursts out with immense pressure. Unlike other faucets that require somebody to open, fire sprinklers contain a heat-sensitive plug that automatically opens it by sensing fire.

The piping always has water and hence, its supply is not a problem. With rising temperature, the sprinkler activates and forcefully extinguishes fire. The very idea of sprinklers is to react quickly so that the damage to life and property is minimized.

They are efficient in reducing the effect of heat and flames and allow people time to evacuate the property. With a whopping 10 to 25 gallons of water thrown per minute, the chances of fire creating havoc are considerably reduced.

Types of Sprinklers

Generally, there are two types of fire sprinklers; wet-pipe systems and dry-pipe systems.

In wet-pipe systems, there is pressurized water waiting to be released from the sprinkler as soon as the air temperature rises. They are quite effective in suppressing flames and minimizing the impact of toxic gases from fire.

On the other hand, dry-pipe systems do not contain water inside their piping. Instead, they carry nitrogen gas or compressed air. This is more effective in buildings that are cold as water inside pipes may freeze and eventually, burst.

Common Misconceptions about Fire Sprinklers

When it comes to fire sprinklers, people have some ungrounded myths. Let’s take a look at some of them:

• It is highly unlikely that a fire sprinkler will activate accidentally.
• Usual smoke or temperature change do not prompt fire sprinkler to operate. It takes a high temperature to start the sprinkler.
• All the sprinklers do not start bursting water at once. The sprinkler that is nearest to fire will go off. It is only when the fire exceeds that other sprinklers come into action.

Fire sprinklers have become a mandatory safety device in homes, schools, restaurants, hospitals and other public places.

In case of fire sprinkler activation, it may be quite difficult to clean up afterwards. We at Water Damage Orange County provide an effective and efficient fire sprinkler clean up service in Irvine, California.

Our water damage restoration and fire service professionals not only make sure that odors are removed, but also clean soiling that was created by soot and smoke.