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Sprinkler Facts
Why Sprinklers?
Water is simply the best extinguisher for most fires. Sprinklers apply water directly to flames and heat, which causes cooling of the combustion process and prevents the ignition of adjacent combustible material. Sprinklers are most effective during the beginning stage of a fire when it is relatively easy to control. A properly installed sprinkler will detect the fire's heat, initiate alarm, and begin suppression within moments after flames appear. In most instances, sprinklers will control the spread of fire within minutes of their activation, which will in turn result in significantly less damage, both by the fire itself and the water to put it out, than would happen without sprinklers.
The Benefits of Sprinklers
Water is simply the best extinguisher for most fires. Sprinklers apply water directly to flames and heat, which causes cooling of the combustion process and prevents the ignition of adjacent combustible material. Sprinklers are most effective during the beginning stage of a fire when it is relatively easy to control. A properly installed sprinkler will detect the fire's heat, initiate alarm, and begin suppression within moments after flames appear. In most instances, sprinklers will control the spread of fire within minutes of their activation, which will in turn result in significantly less damage, both by the fire itself and the water to put it out, than would happen without sprinklers.
The Benefits of Sprinklers
- Immediate identification and control of a developing fire. Sprinkler systems respond at all times, including periods of low occupancy. Control is generally instantaneous
- Immediate alert. In conjunction with the building fire alarm system, automatic sprinkler systems can notify occupants and emergency response personnel of the developing fire
- Reduced heat, smoke, and water damage. Significantly less heat and smoke will be generated when the fire is extinguished at an early stage. The amount of water used by a sprinkler to extinguish a fire is typically far less than conventional fire hoses, thus greatly reducing the likelihood of widespread water damage. In addition, there are no known instances of accidental discharges from properly installed sprinkler systems
- Enhanced life safety. Occupants and fire fighters will be subject to less danger when the growth of a fire is checked early
- Design flexibility. Building codes allow flexibility in the placement of exit route and fire/smoke barriers in the presence of a sprinkler system since early fire control minimizes demand on these systems
- Enhanced security. A sprinkler-controlled fire can minimize opportunities for intrusion and theft by reducing the demand for security forces in the event of a fire
- Decreased insurance premiums. Sprinkler-controlled fires cause less damage than fires in non-sprinklered buildings. Insurance underwriters may offer reduced premiums for properties protected with sprinkler
- The Vermont Downtown Program offers tax credits of up to 50% of the cost of installation for buildings that are located within Montpelier's Designated Downtown.
- Reduced insurance premiums -- check with your insurer.
- For state permits, code requirements, licensed designers and installers, please email or call Stan Brananowski at 802-479-4434
- For consultant / technical assistance, please email or call Nick Artim at 802-388-1064
- For funding assistance, please contact Joss Besse or Suzanne Hechmer