Sprinkler Systems: Myths and Reality

Fire sprinkler systems have been considered the “gold standard” of building protection for more than a hundred years. They are widely used in shopping malls, hospitals, warehouses, offices, and residential complexes.

At the same time, they are surrounded by more myths than almost any other fire safety technology—so persistent that some business owners deliberately refuse effective protection, guided by false assumptions.

Let’s take an honest look, without exaggeration: what about sprinkler systems is true, and what is a dangerous myth.

Myth 1. “If one sprinkler activates, the whole building will be flooded”

Reality:
A sprinkler system never activates “all at once.”

Each sprinkler head is an independent heat-sensitive element that responds only to a temperature increase at a specific point. If a trash bin catches fire in one office, only one or two sprinklers will activate—not hundreds.

Statistics show:

• in 70–80% of fires, a single sprinkler activation is sufficient;

• multiple sprinklers operate only in large-scale fires, when the alternative would be the complete destruction of the building.
  Conclusion: the “flooding” myth is an exaggeration with no technical basis.

Myth 2. “Sprinklers can activate because of smoke or steam”

Reality:
Sprinklers do not react to smoke, steam, odors, or dust.

They are triggered only by temperature, typically:

• +57 °C

• +68 °C

• +79 °C and higher, depending on the type of premises.
  

Even heavy smoke without a temperature rise will not activate the system. That is why sprinklers are often used together with fire alarm systems:

• the alarm system detects smoke;

• sprinklers suppress the flames.
  

Myth 3. “Water will damage property more than fire”

Reality:
This is one of the most common—and most dangerous—myths.

Let’s compare:

• fire brigades use thousands of liters of water;

• a single sprinkler discharges dozens of times less.
  

In addition:

• sprinklers extinguish a fire at an early stage;

• the fire does not have time to spread, and smoke does not destroy everything around it.
  

Insurance industry practice is clear:
losses from fires in buildings equipped with sprinkler systems are many times lower than in those without them.

Myth 4. “Sprinkler systems are outdated technology”

Reality:
Modern sprinkler systems are high-tech solutions that include:

• different types of sprinklers (quick-response, concealed, dry, deluge);

• zoned control;

• integration with building management systems, ventilation, and smoke extraction;

• remote monitoring of system status.
  

In warehouses and industrial facilities, systems are used that can suppress high-risk fire classes, including chemical and electrical areas.

Myth 5. “The system is reliable and does not require maintenance”

Reality:
A sprinkler system is reliable only with regular maintenance.

Typical problems without servicing include:

• closed or corroded valves;

• reduced pressure in the piping;

• mechanically damaged or painted-over sprinklers;

• lack of water in the storage tank.
  

Without inspections, even the most expensive system becomes nothing more than ceiling decoration.

When sprinkler systems really work

A sprinkler system performs at 100% effectiveness if it is:

• properly designed for a specific facility;

• installed by certified professionals;

• integrated with other safety systems;

• regularly maintained;

• supported by personnel who understand what happens during activation and do not make fatal mistakes.
  

Why myths are dangerous for business

Myths about sprinkler systems directly influence business decisions. Because of false beliefs, companies often refuse to install fire suppression systems, try to save money on design, or postpone maintenance “until later.” In a critical moment, this leads to chaotic and incorrect actions by personnel, which only worsen the consequences of a fire and increase financial losses.

The reality is much simpler and harsher: a sprinkler system does not remove human responsibility and does not replace competent safety management, but it operates quickly and without emotion exactly when people do not have time to react. And in most cases, this is what separates a local incident from a catastrophe for a business.