The average temperature of activation is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, the element melting within 30 seconds to four minutes. Once the sprinkler is activated, the pressurized water discharges over the flames at a rate of 8 to 24 gallons per minute. Once a sprinkler is activated, the entire system is not triggered. Sprinkler heads are individually activated to avoid unnecessary water damage to property. Fire hoses release approximately 50 to 125 gallons of water per minute, resulting in more extensive water damage than that caused by sprinklers.
Sprinkler systems are also dependable.
A study by Factory Mutual Research states that the chance of a sprinkler accidentally activating due to a manufacturing defect is one in 16,000,000 sprinklers per year in service. That's less than the average cost of carpeting, not to mention the priceless human lives that are saved. The effectiveness of the system is astounding. Two examples that illustrate sprinkler systems' importance are those of a Northwestern University dormitory blaze and the well-publicized Seton Hall dormitory fire. At Northwestern's Hinman Building on a chilly November day, a fire blazed through the basement of the dormitory.