American Fire Sprinkler Association - CT ChapterHome - Fire Spinklers Save Lives
The Connecticut Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting public awareness of fire safety and
the need for residential and commercial fire sprinkler systems, consulting with the legislature to improve upon or enact new fire sprinkler regulations, and creating a network of contractors and their employees to develop and promote fair and amicable business practices.
For centuries, fire-fighting was done with pails of water and hose streams. This proved to be ineffective unless the fire was discovered early. Early versions of the sprinkler system began to appear in the late 1800's. These systems consisted of a network of perforated piping installed at the ceiling. Water flow was controlled with a valve. When a fire was discovered, the valve was opened, releasing the water.
Modern systems operate automatically. They utilize sprinkler heads located to maximize coverage. The heads consist of a heat sensitive soldered fusible link or glass bulb that holds back water discharge. Heat from a fire melts the solder or burst the bulb, allowing water to flow.
Today, sprinklers are available in various size, shapes, and colors. They can be concealed, recessed, or installed along sidewalls to create a more aesthetic appearance while maintaining maximum functionality.