Now that you know more about how to reduce your homeowner’s premium, it is time to learn about how to save money and save lives with your fire sprinkler system. Automatic fire sprinkler systems can end up saving lives and preventing disasters from occurring. However, you may have questions about how fire sprinkler systems work and why they can be so effective.
Point blank, fire sprinklers are effective–according to the National Fire Protection Association, there are no records of fires resulting in more than two fatalities in areas that had adequate sprinkler systems. In these cases, the deceased were typically in direct contact with flames before the sprinkler system went off. Fire sprinklers are effective, despite some people not realizing how important they are. If you are looking at a home that doesn’t have a fire sprinkler system in place, consider looking elsewhere–it can be life-saving.
It is very unlikely that a sprinkler system will randomly discharge. Sprinkler systems are almost always dependable, and the likelihood of accidentally sparking these systems is slim. Don’t worry about the potential damage that could be caused if your sprinkler randomly goes off–the likelihood of this happening is small, and there are overwhelming benefits that should outweigh this little concern.
A fire sprinkler system is relatively affordable; new properties can expect to pay $1 to $2 per square foot of their property for a sprinkler system. This cost includes installation and equipment. For older buildings, you can expect to be $2 to $7 per square foot. However, costs also vary by region and environmental factors, so double-check the price before installation.
Fire sprinkler systems typically result in minimum damage, as they use less water than fire hoses use. Water sprinklers are not required in every state. Standards developed by the NFPA for fire systems vary between regions. Much of this is based on how high the risk for a fire is in a specific area. If states choose to do so, requirements can be adopted for fire sprinkler systems. Certain fire standards influence building procedures and are subject to change every few years.
Not all sprinkler systems are the same. There are four main types of sprinkler systems in commercial properties:
- Pre-action sprinklers, in which water only travels through pipes when fire occurs. These are perfect for buildings that have many valuables in them, such as art and public records.
- Wet pipe sprinklers, in which water remains in the pipes to allow for a rapid response to fires. These are typically used for high rise buildings due to the lower maintenance requirements.
- Dry pipe systems, in which water is not stored in pipes to ensure that the water in the pipes will not freeze or burst. These are great for places without temperature control such as warehouses.
- Deluge fire sprinklers, in which the system is triggered by smoke and heat detectors, often used in facilities with highly combustible materials. These are used in places with highly combustible materials like oil and chemical plants.
You also may be unaware of the fact that those who install fire sprinkler systems in their home tend to receive reductions in their insurance premiums. If you’re looking to reduce the price of your premium, consider installing a fire sprinkler system–it is relatively affordable and can save you a lot of money in the long run. Insurance discounts for installing a fire sprinkler system can go up to 60 percent, making installation more than worth it. Installing a fire sprinkler system essentially pays for itself, so it is wise that you move forward with installation if you are considering a fire sprinkler system on your property. Make sure you are choosing the right kind for the type of building you have.