Automatic Fire Sprinklers For Your Home

Every responsible homeowner has smoke detectors, but few have any kind of automatic fire sprinkler system installed. It is true, that a house using a well-maintained smoke detector in every room is likely to detect a fire in its early stages, which greatly increases the chances of escaping safely, but for me, I want the best possible protection for my family.

I had never realize that there was more to fire prevention than smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and of course a house that is up to building codes until I began my job working in a manufacturer warehouse. It was only then that I noticed something that every industrial building has, but few homes do – something that can ultimately mean the difference between life and death in a fire. That something is, of course, automatic fire sprinklers.

Automatic fire sprinkler manufacturers have been making this equipment for factories, warehouses, and even in office buildings for many years, but have never quite made a complete foray into the consumer market. This is a shame, as they are such a logical extension of the smoke detector. The way that automatic fire sprinklers work is very simple. When heavy smoke is detected in a room, it sets off the sprinklers in the ceiling. These rain down a substantial amount of water – enough to quench a fire in its beginning stages, or to slow one that is more advanced.

Of course, automatic fire sprinklers do have their drawbacks which make them sort of problematic for a household environment. Having that much water raining down in a room can really put a damper on your day, so to speak. Carpets, books, clothing, and even walls can be ruined, and mildew growth can be stimulated by thoroughly soaking a room. This means that automatic fire sprinklers are not a good idea for the kitchen or adjoining rooms.

Of course, in the environment where automatic fire sprinklers are traditionally used, this is not a problem at all. Smoke in a kitchen might just mean a minor cooking accident, but smoke in a manufacturer warehouse almost always spells trouble. The same goes for an office building, or a factory. In the den, the bedrooms, and many hallways, however, automatic fire sprinklers just make sense. Although they are expensive, and do not absolutely eliminate the chance of fire, a good automatic fire sprinklers system is, in my opinion worth it because it does make my family somewhat safer.