Sprinkler Systems

http://go.askthebuilder.com/NewsletterSignupNow Tim Carter discusses all new fire sprinkler design and how to install them. A fire sprinkler system can save you a lot of money and hassle if there is a fire in your home. Automatic fire sprinklers can be installed in a new home or your existing home. Smoke detectors are good, but fire sprinklers along with the smoke detectors are better. These sprinklers can protect you and your family from fires, which can be extremely destructive.

Sign up NOW for Tim's FREE weekly newsletter at: http://go.askthebuilder.com/NewsletterSignupNow

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• sprinkler
• system
• fire
• ask
• builder
• askthebuilder
• tim
• carter
• home
• house

[drcrawfs]

I've posted before and i might have come acroos wrong. My point is, anyone can install sprinkler systems, but, they will not be rcognized by the insurance companies or the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction or Sire Marshals.

[AsktheBuilder]

@drcrawfs Can you show me on an insurance carrier's website or in a policy where they say this? Please don't make blanket statements like this without being able to back it up.

[drcrawfs]

NFPA 13R is the standard for residential fire sprinklers. NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) writes all the standards for fire protection. It specifically states that a "Certified Contractor" is required to install said fire sprinklers.  I don't mean to be a jerk about it, but, with the current economic status, most insurance carriers will definitely find a way to not cover the property that has a "home made" fire sprinkler system which is not in accordance with NFPA standards.

[AsktheBuilder]

I don't doubt what you say, but the bottom line in residential will be what the local building code officials mandate. We'll see how that shakes out in each city and town across America when sprinklers are finally mandated in new homes.

[217memo]

I think we should leave the fire sprinkler installation to a fire sprinkler fitter and the plumbing to a plumber. This is why there is an NFPA 13 for Fire Sprinklers. Nothing in there is for plumbing. If a plumber installs it. Let's hope he or she knows about codes and coverage. Trust me. There is more to sprinkler fitting than just doing it. Same goes for plumbing.

[CodeV75]

Many thanks for another informative video. Thanks also for recognizing that serious DIY'ers are very capable. I know that standards and codes and inspectors are all fine and well meaning. In this economy however, many people are trying to get things done on limited dollars. I think a DIY fire sprinkler system, installed to the recommendations of the mfg, has to beat no fire sprinkler system, every time!

[bmfd669]

If i were having a new toilet installed, i wouldn't call a landscaper, even though he may know how to do some plumbing. If I were installing new outlets in my house i wouldn't call a furnace repairman, even though he may have basic knowledge of electricity. So why would I call a plumber to install a system that will, if installed properly, save my family's life as well as my home. Call a properly trained Sprinkler Fitter. They are the only people qualified to do the work.

[bmfd669]

No, it's not rocket science....for that you should call a rocket scientist!

[isakoner]

@AsktheBuilder

that is true. i can install a system in my own house and no one can stop me but

that doesnt mean the insurance will cover me. they will find reasons not to..

[MuziqSoul114]

@krazyjk022 good point lol. So maybe firefighters are needed.. lol

[ImJustIce1]

@AsktheBuilder Read the P2904 standards for 1 and 2 family dwellings, it will explain everything you need to know. A homeowner can install anything he chooses and the insurance company(s) WILL insure the installation (and in some cases offer a discount) as long as the system has been inspected and certified by the local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction).

[dogdarkify]

@AsktheBuilder As for Australia, be it commercial or residential, design install and commisioning of any fire service need to be conducted by compentent tradesmen and those compentencies are determined in accordance with the appropriatre Australian Qualification Framework and state and federal licencing. Really strict over here, massive fines for installs not done to standard.

[drcrawfs]

And lastly, in Pennsylvania, Effective January 1, 2010, all NEW multi family dwellings such as apartments and condos will required sprinklers and effective January 1, 2011, all NEW single family dwellings will require them.