Developments in Fire Sprinkler Technology

Technology in fire sprinklers has exploded. There is more private fire sprinkler research now than ever before. New technology in fire sprinklers has tested the existing standard and found that it was wrong in some cases, it has provided new sprinklers that control fire better while reducing the cost of the overall system. This expansion of the types and applications of fire sprinklers has created a great need for education for the Authorities Having Jurisdiction and the Engineer as they must be able to make informed decisions regarding this new technology. Significant research has been done at Factory Mutual Research Corporation and Underwriters Laboratory in the United States. Full scale fire testing is done to prove any new technology did not lower the level of protection of existing fire sprinkler system installations. In each and every case, the existing level of fire protection was the baseline against which the new sprinklers were tested. This level can not be lowered for the test to be considered a success. This is intended to be an overview of the developments in fire sprinklers. Although extensive detail is not included, the overall aspects of these developments can be discussed. The research that will be covered will include the following general subjects: high piled and rack storage sprinkler protection without in-rack sprinklers, extended coverage and quick response sprinklers for ordinary and light hazard occupancies, as well as special sprinklers and their applications.