- Author
- Kung, H. C.
- Title
- Low-Cost Residential Sprinkler Systems.
- Coporate
- Factory Mutual Research Corp., Norwood, MA
- Book or Conf
- National Fire Prevention and Control Administration and National Bureau of Standards. Low-Cost Residential Sprinklers. 3rd Conference Proceedings. November 29-30, 1977, Howard County, MD, 54-83 p., 1978
- Keywords
- building fires | cost effectiveness | residential buildings | residential sprinklers | automatic sprinkler systems
- Abstract
- Loss of life and property due to residential fires can be greatly reduced, if a large precentage of residences are equipped with automatic sprinkler systems(1). However, the current design concept for residential sprinkler systems, resulting from relaxation of the industrial-oriented standards, produces a system still too costly to be widely installed. In order to improve system acceptance, it is vital to develop low-cost reliable residential sprinkler systems. By utilizing water in a more efficient manner, the required water discharge rate in controlling residential fires can be significantly reduced. Low-cost plumbing a a limited water supply will then be adequate to handle the smaller water demand. Consequently, system costs can be reduced substantially. A program is underway at Factory Mutual Research Corporation with the objective of developing sprinkler systems which require significantly less water than the current standard(2) (NFPA 13-D), but still provide adequate protection for both life and property. It is expected that the information gained in tyhis program will lead to new performance criteria for approval and listing by recognized laboratories, and will provide a guide for installation standards and further development of low-cost residential sprinkler systems.