Chapter 7 - Fire Sprinklers

Abstract

Fire sprinklers are a type of “active” fire protection system required by fire and life safety codes. The system is activated by heat from a fire, at which time water will be discharged over the fire from the piping system; the water flows from a nozzle, referred to as the fire sprinkler head. It is important to remember that fire sprinklers only discharge water when exposed to heat produced by a fire, and only those sprinkler heads that are exposed to heat will actually discharge water. The codes require all rooms and spaces to be fully protected by fire sprinkler heads, by ensuring that the water spray will cover all the floor area in a room and ultimately the entire building. Fire and life safety codes state that owners and occupants of ASCs are legally responsible for maintaining fire sprinkler systems and keeping the systems in good operating condition.