Fact or Fiction

MYTH: Fire sprinklers could ruin my house if they go off accidentally.

FACT: The chances that a sprinkler will accidentally discharge due to a manufacturing defect are extremely rare; 1 in 16 million. Overall, sprinkler accidents are generally less likely and less severe than accidents involving home plumbing systems.

MYTH: When a fire occurs every sprinkler in the house will activate.

FACT: By design, only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate. Contrary to movie scenes, all the sprinklers in a sprinkler system do not activate at once. When a fire sprinkler system activates, only the sprinkler that is closest to the fire goes off-and in 90% of the cases, one sprinkler is enough to suppress the fire.

MYTH: A little fire or smoke damage is better than have my whole house ruined by water damage if the sprinklers go off.

FACT: A residential fire sprinkler uses only 10-25 gallons of water per minute and operates early in a fire. A hose used by firefighters flows about ten times that amount, 125-250 gallons a minute.

MYTH: Small things like burning a piece of toast could trigger my sprinkler system and ruin my home.

FACT: Fire sprinklers are only activated by extremely high temperatures, not by smoke. Only a threatening fire can generate enough heat to operate a sprinkler. Burning toast and smoking cigars will not trigger a fire sprinkler.

MYTH: Fire sprinklers won't look nice in my beautiful home.

FACT: Actually, most fire sprinklers are so small and unobtrusive, that you won't notice them unless you are looking for them. Tyco's Rapid Response sprinklers come in a wide range of colors and styles, ensuring that they will blend aesthetically with any home decor.

MYTH: Fire sprinklers are expensive.

FACT: The cost of installing a fire sprinkler system is roughly 1% to 1.5% of the total cost of building the home. For less than the cost of other popular new home upgrades, a potentially life-saving sprinkler system can offer peace-of-mind and protect your family for many years to come. Plus, you can enjoy discounts of up to 15% on your homeowner's insurance premium.