Your Guide to Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems

Your Guide to Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems

Many know the importance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in protecting people and property from fire. Despite this, residential fires continue to be a persistent issue nationwide, leaving behind a trail of destruction, heartache, and financial strain. To better protect your property and everyone inside, consider investing in a residential fire sprinkler system. These systems provide an extra layer of protection and reduce death, injury, and property damage. To learn more about these life-saving systems, read through this guide to residential fire sprinkler systems!

Here Are the Risks

Residential fires are devastating and, unfortunately, more common than one might think. The U.S. Fire Administration’s most recent national estimates for residential building fires and losses show that in 2023, there were:

  • 344,600 fires.
  • 2,890 fire deaths.
  • 10,400 fire-related injuries.
  • $11,266,200,000 in dollar loss.

These statistics are devastating, especially considering that 99 percent of all U.S. households have at least one smoke alarm. However, with residential fire sprinkler systems, the odds are in your favor.

How Does a Residential Fire Sprinkler System Work?

Depending on the size of the property, residential fire sprinkler systems usually include at least one sprinkler head in every room. These heads connect directly to your plumbing or have other dedicated pipes. Contrary to popular belief, these systems are very precise – a little smoke while cooking will not set them off. Furthermore, only the heads closest to the fire will activate. In fact, an NFPA study found that in 85% of home fires with operating fire sprinklers, only one sprinkler head was required to control the fire, and in 99.2% of the fires, five or fewer were required to control the fire. The system will only activate when it detects dangerous levels of heat, typically between 135° F and 165° F. If the system is activated, water will flow at about 13 gallons per minute – enough to put out the fire without excessive water damage.

Types of Residential Fire Sprinklers

Residential fire sprinkler systems are designed with you in mind. There are many types of fire sprinklers, the most common being pendent, sidewall, concealed, and concealed sidewall sprinklers. Concealed sprinklers can come in different colors, too!

Benefits of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems

Residential fire sprinkler systems keep people and property safe. They will also keep your property code compliant, if applicable. Even though there are a limited number of communities that require newly constructed residential properties to install a sprinkler system, these systems are recommended for everyone regardless of code requirements.

Today’s fires burn hotter and faster than ever, but fire sprinklers provide an unmatched layer of protection that cannot be achieved with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. But you don’t have to take our word for it, check out this video from the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition and see for yourself!

USA Fire Protection is Here to Help

Whether you are a homeowner, home builder, or developer, the USA Fire Protection team is here to meet all your residential fire sprinkler needs. From new construction to retrofits, single-family or multi-family, our experienced team of professionals is equipped to handle any project. To get in touch with a member of our residential team today, call 844-MYUSAFP (698-7237) or connect with us online here.

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