Some federal agencies, states, and municipalities are going even further than the model building codes to require sprinkler installations. 34 states allow local jusidications to adopt regulations which exceed or modify state requirements for automatic sprinkler systems. Since 1977, the Veterans Administration has required all its new hospitals, nursing homes, and related residences to be fully sprinklered The General Services Administration demands that all federal buildings six stories or higher be protected by automatic sprinklers The Department of Defense has begun the installation of residential fire sprinklers in its base housing units The US Department of Housing and Urban Development's minimum property standards require automatic sprinklers in selected areas of multi-family housing for the elderly. If one sprinkler head goes off, they all go off. Normally, only the sprinkler over the fire will activate.
Sprinklers are just too expensive to install.
More importantly, there are numerous cost saving benefits of sprinkler systems savings in construction code options and insurance discounts which will offset the cost of installation. Discounts Insurance companies have long recognized the property protection features of automatic sprinklers and have provided premium reductions for commercial properties that allow systems payback in as little as three or four years. These same discounts are beginning to apply to private residences as well. The Homeowner's Committee of the Insurance Services Office has recommended that discounts up to policy premium for single-family residences protected throughout with residential states allow such reductions in premium costs. Construction Options Most building codes permit authorities to modify or substitute certain other fire safety requirements if smoke detectors and automatic sprinklers are installed.