- Author
- Ruegg, R. T. | Fuller, S. K.
- Title
- Economics of Fast-Response Residential Sprinkler Systems.
- Journal
- Fire Journal, Vol. 79, No. 3, 18-22,115, May 1985
- Sponsor
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Keywords
- economic factors | predictive models | sprinkler systems | economic models | cost effectiveness | residential sprinklers
- Abstract
- The model focuses on estimating the cost-effectiveness of hte investment decision from the homeowner's perspective. The numerical results are given in terms of expected net present value benefits over the selected study period. Break-even calculations show the minimum or maximum values required for the specified system to become cost-effective under various conditions. The model and the sample results are expected to be of interest to organizations concerned wtih the research, development, and commercialization of residential sprinkler technology, as well as city planners and managers, developers, and building owners and users. However, its usefulnes as a decision-making tool for the individual home-owner is currently limited by the lack of data for conditions of individual risk. The sample results are based for the most part on national averages and, hence, do not provide decision guidelines for individuals who wish to know whether a residential sprinkler system is likely to be a cost-effective choice for his or her home.