--- title: Sprinkler systems – Effective when maintained --- # Sprinkler systems – Effective when maintained * * * ## Sprinkler systems – Effective when maintained - Posted on Thursday, November 5, 2020 Automatic fire sprinklers can save lives and reduce property losses in the event of a fire. But to be effective, they must remain in good working order. Property owners can protect their buildings and occupants through a regular inspection, testing and maintenance program. #### **SPRINKLER SYSTEMS VALUE** Research shows automatic fire sprinklers significantly reduce the number of fire-related fatalities and lower the average property loss per fire. A sprinkler system can extinguish a fire faster than the time it would take a fire department to arrive. What’s more, fire sprinklers on average use one-tenth of the water a fire department would need to control a fire, minimizing water damage. At first, fire sprinklers were installed in high value facilities because of the obvious cost savings in property protection. Later, trends showed a reduction in fire-related deaths where automatic sprinkler systems were present. #### **SPRINKLER SYSTEMS EFFECTIVENESS** NFPA evaluated sprinkler system performance in a study completed on 49,840 fires in sprinklered buildings from 2010 to 2014. The report and fact sheet for the study can be found in the NFPA “[U.S. Experience with Sprinklers](https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Suppression/US-Experience-with-Sprinklers).” The study found: - Only one operating sprinkler was required to control the fire in four out of five fires (79%). - In 97% of fires, five or fewer operating sprinklers were required to control the fire. - Sprinkler protection was present in about 10% of the structure fires reported. - The civilian death rates were 87% lower in properties with sprinkler protection than those without. - In sprinklered properties, the injury rate was 27% lower for building occupants and 67% lower for firefighters. #### **SPRINKLER SYSTEM REASONS FOR FAILURE** The study also reviewed why sprinkler systems failed. Sprinkler system failure means the sprinkler did not activate or operate. Over three-fourths of system failures could be attributed directly to inspection, testing and maintenance issues. In cases examined: - The sprinkler system water supply valve was shut off – 59% - A lack of maintenance – 10% - System components were damaged – 7% This data clearly shows the need for a sound maintenance program to keep the sprinkler system in good working order. [NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems](https://catalog.nfpa.org/NFPA-25-Standard-for-the-Inspection-Testing-and-Maintenance-of-Water-Based-Fire-Protection-Systems-P1163.aspx?order_src=C900&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs9nY_L3D6gIVAY3ICh3C-gm8EAAYASAAEgIGXvD_BwE), notes frequency requirements for each of the components in the Standard in a table format. A few of the simpler inspection and testing requirements could be completed in-house, but it would be most beneficial to contract with a sprinkler contractor to administer the program. Because some of the frequency requirements are on a three- or five-year basis, it would be advantageous to stay with the same contractor from year to year. ## Insurance Quotes Give us some info and we'll help you find the best coverage options. 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