Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition
HFSC Sponsors Sprinkler System

Now more affordable than ever and with sleeker appearance, residential fire sprinkler systems are starting to get the attention they deserve as proactive fire protection devices.

Included in the NAHB 2001 Show Village Home, the residential fire sprinkler system was sponsored by The Viking Corporation, Hastings, MI; B.F. Goodrich, Cleveland, OH; and Harvel Plastics, Easton, PA.

Three different types of sprinkler heads were installed in the ceilings throughout the home to give visitors a look at the wide variety of options available. The home features three pendent-style sprinkler heads, including the Mirage® B-3 concealed unit, the Microfast Model M-6 recessed product and the new Model H-3 Horizon flush-mount residential sprinkler, all from Viking.

Automatic fire protection sprinklers are individually heat activated and tied into a network of piping with water under pressure. When the heat of a fire raises the sprinkler temperature to its operating point, a liquid filled glass bulb shatters, or a solder link melts to open that single sprinkler, releasing water directly over the source of heat.

Viking® sprinklers are available in several models and styles with a variety of finishes, temperatures, thread sizes, orifice sizes and approvals to meet a host of design requirements.

Another part of the system is the BlazeMaster® CPVC pipe and fittings. (BlazeMaster is a brand name of B.F. Goodrich, which manufactures the CPVC compound, which is in turn sold to licensee Harvel Plastics, one of four companies that produce the pipe and fittings for the system.)BlazeMaster CPVC is corrosion resistant and immune to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). It's lighter and easier to install than traditional piping, which saves on labor costs. The CPVC pipe and fittings are listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada and are Factory Mutual approved for all light hazard occupancies, including single family and multi-family dwellings.

Sprinkler heads don't go off all at once. In fact, a single head can contain a fire quickly and easily. And, there are a variety of ceiling and wall mount heads available, in flush, recessed, concealed and pendent styles to fit every type of residential design.

Despite the popular belief that a fire sprinkler sends hundreds of gallons of water everywhere on a protected property, that's just not the case. The HFSC is working to debunk this myth and others and raise an awareness that they're more effective, affordable and pleasing to look at than ever.

"A residential fire sprinkler system is totally different from a commercial system. New technology has made sprinkler systems easier to install. The manufacturers have done a nice job designing sprinkler heads for the homeowner. Some are designed to be inconspicuous and can be flush mounted in walls or ceilings. Some can even be concealed behind decorative coves and molding," he says. Keith adds that Habitat for Humanity International has partnered with the HFSC, recommending that Habitat affiliates install home fire sprinkler systems.

To boost awareness, the HFSC is offering to help the builder put residential sprinkler systems in their model homes. For more information, contact Peg Paul at 1-815-464-8100 or e-mail, peg-ppa@mediaone.net.

For more information,please contact:
The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition
342 North LaGrange Road, Suite 300
Frankfort, IL 60423
1-815-464-8100
www.homefiresprinkler.org