fire extinguisher or sprinklers

[holdover]

all of what LifeLongWNYer says in his post.. I installed one in my house in 1977, there were no residential rules, so I used commercial rules. I live in a rural area where there are no stupid **** hole rules and I am a fireman and know what a little bit of water at the right time will do.. My supply is 1" pipe, not big but better than nothing. My building inspector liked everything he saw, and even recommended me to a couple of customers for a system in their house. For the unheated areas I put a DRY system in. There is a one way valve held closed by 60lbs of air pressure supplied by a small RV air compressor. It is automatically set to come on when pressure falls below 60 lbs. If there ever is a fire the head will activate and release the pressure which will allow water to flow and hopefully put out a fire. Each head in the house covers 100 sq ft or less. most heads are 135 heads, laundry room and kitchen are 165. There are even heads in the closets. 41 years and no problems, BTW the heads in the living spaces are flush mount heads with a fuseable plate under them which you don't even notice. Install the system after you get the CO if you are having problems with the local building inspector, plumb it after you get the closing inspection and mark where the pipe drops are so you can expose and install. I get a 10% discount on homeowners which over 41 years has paid for the system many times over and also created piece of mind. Good Luck, your mileage may vary. Also the system is seperate from the typical plumbing to sinks showers etc., in case it ever activates a simple ball valve will shut off the water to the sprinklers.

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

Gee, I just thought of something else, which i intended to put in my post last night, but forgot.

There is now some sort of plastic pipe for residential sprinklers, which would be easier to work with than black iron. I don't recall the name of it, but remember seeing advertisements for it in several magazines.

As I recall, it is orange, in color. Maybe someone here will add more info.



.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Gee, I just thought of something else, which i intended to put in my post last night, but forgot.

There is now some sort of plastic pipe for residential sprinklers, which would be easier to work with than black iron. I don't recall the name of it, but remember seeing advertisements for it in several magazines.

As I recall, it is orange, in color. Maybe someone here will add more info.



.

I used to have a picture of a section of it on my PB acct but doubt it is there anymore.

 

[SALIV8]

I wouldn't install a sprinkler system in a residential shop, or have one installed.

Is it a great tool for fire? Sure.

But you have to have it tested, have it inspected, and don't forget you have to replace the heads every 10 years, at least where I'm at (Chicago). Not to mention the potential for leaks and serious water damage.

Additionally, a good smoke detector or many, and even better insurance is so much cheaper and all that is needed..