Incentives for the Use of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems in U.S. Communities (PDF, 882 KB) NFPA Research Foundation, October 2010 The use of residential fire sprinkler systems in new U.S. homes is becoming increasingly common due to building codes and ordinances, as well as recognition of the life safety benefits which these systems provide. As a mechanism to expand the installation of fire sprinkler systems in homes, the presence of “incentives” in a jurisdiction can potentially have a considerable impact on the building market and the overall cost of a sprinkler system. To evaluate the nature and impact of incentives, this research identified, characterized, and estimated the approximate value of sprinkler system incentives found in communities across the U.S. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 communities that each offered one or more incentives to encourage the use of sprinkler systems in new single-family homes.
U.S. Experience with Sprinklers and Other Fire Extinguishing Equipment (PDF, 337 KB) John R. Hall, Jr., September 2010 Includes statistics on how often sprinklers (or other automatic extinguishing systems) are reported in fires, by property use, and their estimated impact in reducing the average loss of life and property per fire. Includes statistics on performance, usage and reliability of sprinklers and other automatic extinguishing systems, as well as leading reasons when system fail to operate or operate but are ineffective. Also includes special study statistics on non-fire sprinkler activations.
Integration of Residential Sprinklers with Water Supply Systems (PDF, 842 KB) NFPA, September 2009 The purpose of this research was to develop objective data which characterizes the manner in which residential fire sprinklers are integrated with local water supply systems in communities with a sprinkler ordinance. This study explored these issues in detail through interviews with 20 communities where residential sprinklers are required in all new homes.
Home Fire Sprinkler Cost Assessment (PDF, 634 KB) NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation, September 2008 A national perspective on the cost of installing residential fire sprinklers is examined in this report released by the Fire Protection Research Foundation, an affiliate of NFPA. According to the report, the cost of installing sprinkler systems to the home builder averaged $1.61 per sprinklered square foot. Sprinklered square feet is the total area of spaces with sprinklers.
The Environmental Impact of Automatic Fire Sprinklers FM Global and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, April 2010 The findings of a groundbreaking study show that greenhouse gases released by burning buildings can be reduced by 98% when automatic fire sprinklers are installed. The study, a collaborative effort of FM Global and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, also found that automatic fire sprinklers: reduce fire damage by up to 97%; reduce water usage to fight a home fire by upwards of 90%; and reduce the amount of water pollution released into the environment.
Prince George's County 15-Year History with its Single-Family Residential Dwelling Fire Sprinkler Ordinance(PDF 397 KB) Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, August 2009 Through a partnership with the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC), the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Prince George’s County Fire Department, and the University of Maryland University College, this study review Prince George’s County’s (MD) experience with an ordinance mandating the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in new one- and two-family structures over the 15-year period of 1992-2007.
ISO Residential Sprinklers fact sheet(PDF, 35 KB) Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, August 2009 ISO is an independent statistical, rating, and advisory organization that serves the property/casualty insurance industry. ISO offers the following regarding how residential sprinklers are reflected in ISO's advisory residential property programs such as premium discounts, sprinkler "leakage" coverage, and building code effectiveness grading schedule.
