Three Common Fire Protection Systems

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For small residences, several fire extinguishers and working smoke detectors may be all that’s needed for a sufficient fire protection system. However, for multi-family complexes and commercial buildings, more elaborate fire protection systems are necessary. These systems include sprinkler, standpipe and alarm systems and they all should be regularly maintained and inspected by certified experts.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler systems utilize a labyrinth of pipes that are run throughout the ceilings of buildings and end in nozzles at strategic points. Normally each room will have a nozzle that will expel water in the case of a fire. Sprinkler systems act quickly and are highly conducive to minimizing fire spread and damage. These types of fire protection systems NYC can reduce the risk of death by fire by at least 50% according to the National Fire Protection Association. The same organization also estimates that sprinkler systems can reduce property loss by at least 50%. These statistics emphasize the importance of considering a sprinkler system in any building.

Standpipe Systems

Think of a standpipe fire protection system as a fire hydrant inside a building. Standpipe systems consist of piping that is run throughout a building. This piping system helps to transfer water to hose connections located at strategic points within the structure. Standpipe systems may be installed in shopping malls, stadiums, parking garages etc. As with sprinkler systems, standpipe systems must be regularly inspected and tested by certified individuals.

Fire Alarm Systems

The fastest way to alert people to a fire inside a building is with a fire alarm system. These systems may be configured in many different ways and could include alarms, strobes, a fire alarm panel and manual pull stations. Fire alarm systems alert people in the building to the presence of smoke, fire and poisonous gas. In addition to notifying occupants, these systems will often automatically alert local authorities to the situation. This ensures that fire and safety personnel are on-site as quickly as possible.

While the original installation cost may be a deterrent for some, including an effective fire protection system in any building that has high human traffic is a smart and responsible decision. Costs may be offset by insurance discounts for having the systems on the premises. Regular maintenance, inspection and testing by certified experts will ensure that the systems remain in good working condition. Alerting people as soon as possible to the threat of fire and installing systems to minimize damage will serve property and business owners well in the event of a fire.