Residential sprinklers represent a different approach and technology. They add fire suppression to the early warning of smoke detectors. First, a heat sensitive element (called the fusible link) detects the heat from fires. Second, the sprinkler releases water on the fire, extinguishing the fires or confining the fire until the fire department arrives. It is the ability of sprinkler systems to control or extinguish fires in their early stages that makes them such a critical tool in fire protection strategy.

Each sprinkler head responds independently, so that when heat is detected and the sprinkler goes off, which is referred to as "activation", it puts water only on the affected area and not throughout the rest of the house or building. In roughly 90 percent of all documented sprinkler activations in residences, one sprinkler has been sufficient to control the fire.

CAN THE SPRINKLER GO OFF BY ACCIDENT?
Only one in 16 million sprinkler systems trip for no reason or because of a manufacturing defect.  Sprinkler systems are specifically designed for your building and will be rigorously tested to minimize such accidents.  We also inspect existing systems to ensure that there is no mechanical damage which might cause such an accident.

IF ONE SPRINKLER GOES OFF, DON'T THEY ALL GO OFF?
Only the sprinkler over the fire will activate. Sprinklers in each room react to temperatures individually; usually between 155 and 165° F. So, fire in a kitchen will activate only the sprinkler(s) in that room. 

AREN'T SPRINKLER SYSTEMS UGLY?
Sprinklers can be neatly concealed with no more than a 3/4" cap showing.  Custom caps and covers are available in a range of colors. Ceiling and sidewall mount sprinkler heads blend into your home decor, and yet are effective fire protection.

WHY DO I NEED SPRINKLERS IF I HAVE A SMOKE DETECTOR?
Smoke detectors will save lives by providing a warning of smoke existence, but they can do nothing to extinguish a growing fire. Too often, battery operated smoke detectors fail to function because the batteries are dead or have been removed. Detectors must be maintained in good working order to help save your life. The combination of smoke detectors and sprinkler systems can reduce the loss of life by 98.5%, which is an increase of 48.5% over smoke detectors alone.

AREN'T SPRINKLER SYSTEMS EXPENSIVE?
Usually, this is a question of priority. We don't hesitate to buy a comfortable couch, a new carpet or the latest sound equipment. You can a sprinkler system throughout your home for the equivalent cost. In fact, a sprinkler installation in a new home can cost as little as $1 per square foot. In many cases this would represent less than 1% of the total construction cost. Retrofitted systems are more expensive but easy to install. Your family is the most precious part of your life. Their safety is usually the most important concern.

DO SPRINKLERS CAUSE WATER DAMAGE? 
Sprinklers are designed to start putting water on a fire while it is still small, in the early stages of development, before it gets to the flashover point. If the fire can be extinguished in the early stages, not only will it reduce the water damage, but it will reduce the fire damage too.   Not nearly as much water is required to extinguish the beginnings of a fire, whereas hundreds of gallons would be necessary for a full-fledged fire.

Your sprinkler system will severely limit a fire's growth. Therefore, damage from home sprinkler system will be much less than the smoke and fire damage if the fire had gone on unabated or even the water damage caused by water from fire fighting hose lines. Quick response sprinklers release 13-24 gallons of water per minute compared to 125 gallons per minute released by a fire hose. An uncontrolled fire will cause significantly greater damage.

A single sprinkler over your stove could save your life if you forgot about that pan of bacon left on the stove cooking.  If necessary, minor repairs can done afterwards, with very little disruption in your daily routine.  This scenario would not be nearly the same if it were not for the sprinkler.