tcfp

Myth #5 –“If you want your home fire sprinklers to be reliable, they will need frequent, expensive maintenance.”

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 22:58:24 GMT

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems.

When thinking about having a home sprinkler system installed, comparing the cost of commercial installations can be off-putting. Thankfully, the standards for residential configurations are much simpler:

FACT: The standard design for home fire sprinklers is much simpler than the design for more traditional sprinklers like the ones used in commercial buildings. If you install home fire sprinklers, the only “inspection and maintenance” you will need is to (a) walk around your home and make sure the sprinklers are not obstructed by something that would block the water coming out, and (b) avoid turning off the main control valve, which you don’t normally operate anyway.

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

Thanks for reading our Myths and Facts series on Home Sprinkler Systems. We offer professional level service for commercial and residential clients around the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. If you have a project that needs doing, contact us for a free quote.

Myths and Facts surrounding Fire Sprinklers is offered through the National Fire Protection Agency. See information about them at nfpa.org.

How Often Should I Have My Fire Extinguisher Inspected?

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 13:16:32 GMT

NFPA Guidelines on Fire Inspection Intervals

Fire Extinguisher Inspection/Internal Examination and Maintenance Intervals According to NFPA 10

Regular fire extinguisher inspection is important. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) is the primary body responsible for codes & standards relating to fire protection in the USA. Like many other standards south of the border, the recommendations and practices of the NFPA heavily influence Canadian policy. Many times they carry codes right over. Below is a helpful list of required maintenance intervals for fire extinguishers.

Most people are aware that fire extinguishers need to be inspected by a professional annually. However, newer regulations are requiring visual inspections by personnel within the workplace. Make sure you’re the most up to date with the requirements in your city of operation.

If your current service provider isn’t meeting your needs, give us a call or get a free estimate on our site. We’ll have you Totally Covered.

* Dry Chemical in cylinder-operated extinguishers is examined annually.

** The extinguishers agent in liquid charge-type AFFF and FFFP extinguishers is replaced every three years and internal examination (teardown) is normally conducted at that time. The agent is solid charge type AFFF extinguishers is replaced every 5 years during the periodic hydrostatic test and teardown is done at that time.New Paragraph

NFPA 10 - Full Text

What are the different types of Fire Extinguishers?

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 12:28:16 GMT

It's not just about size. Not every fire extinguisher is the same.

Make sure the equipment protecting your office and home are going to work when you need them.

There are different kinds of fire extinguishers and different kinds of fire. Choosing the right fire extinguisher can be the difference between a safely resolved situation and one made much worse.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Water & Foam

You’re probably familiar with the classic “fire triangle”. Any fire needs fuel, oxygen and heat to burn. the Water & Foam Fire Extinguisher puts a fire out by removing the heat component. Foaming agents found inside of these also remove oxygen from the other elements. There are only for Class A fires and can be extremely dangerous if used on other kinds of fires.

Carbon Dioxide

Focusing on the oxygen element of the fire triangle, Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers are effective on Class B & C fires, but are usually ineffective on Class A Fires. Since the rapid decompression of the gas causes the discharge to be quite cold, they often also remove heat from a fire.

Dry Chemical

The combination of oxygen, fuel and heat causes a chemical reaction. The Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher is the most widely used today because it works by creating a barrier between the oxygen and fuel, stopping the chemical reaction in its tracks. They’re effective on Class A, B and C fires and are the most widely used in the world today, thanks to their effectiveness and versatility.

Wet Chemical

This kind of extinguisher also focuses on shutting down the chemical reaction of a fire and have a special agent in them that prevents a fire being re-ignited. Class K Wet Chemical Extinguishers were developed for commercial kitchen operations where fat fryers (deep fryers) are in use.

Clean Agent

These are fire extinguishers with an environmentally friendly bend, using halon agents rather than halocarbon agents – meaning they’re less harmful to the ozone. They also focus on interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers are useful on Class B & C fires primarily, but some can be used on Class A fires.

Dry Powder

Dry Powder extinguishers are like Dry Chemical extinguishers in their use of chemical agents to create a barrier between oxygen and fuel, but they’re designed only for use on Class D (combustible metal) fires only. They’re not to be used on any other class of fire.

Water Mist

Another Fire Extinguisher with a green bend, these are very straightforward. They simply shoot a mist of water at the fire to remove the heat element of the fire triangle. However, their application is more limited than the Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers. They are primarily for Class A fires but are also safe for use on Class C fires.

Don’t forget to have an expert regularly inspect and maintain your fire extinguishers. Just like any mechanical device, they need regular maintenance. Unlike most mechanical devices, when you reach for it you might be depending on it to save your life.

Myth #8: “Home fire sprinklers are unattractive and will ruin the aesthetics of my home.”

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 23:20:30 GMT

We’re continuing our series on Home Sprinkler Systems, covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems – and the facts you need to know to stay safe:

We’ve been a little sneaky. All through this series on Home Sprinkler Systems, we’ve been using an image of a sprinkler head that most people recognize. That’s not exactly helpful for resolving Myth #8, but if we’d shown you what modern home sprinkler heads look like, you wouldn’t recognize them at all!

Image taken by Amanda Cowen/The Columbian New Paragraph

FACT : New home fire sprinkler models are very unobtrusive, can be mounted flush with walls or ceilings, and can be concealed behind decorative covers.

The facts are that home sprinkler systems offer unparalleled protection from fire, they’re aesthetically next to invisible and are very affordable when building a new home. Make sure you get a free estimate on a Home Sprinkler System from Total Coverage Fire Protection if you’re considering a new build.

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

Myths and Facts surrounding Fire Sprinklers is offered through the National Fire Protection Agency. See information about them at nfpa.org.

Myth #7: Debunking Misunderstandings on How Sprinklers Work

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 23:16:39 GMT

We’re continuing our series on Home Sprinkler Systems, covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems – and the facts you need to know to stay safe:

Contrary to what many people think, we are not at greatest risk from fire in hotels or other public places; it is at home, where most of us feel the safest, that we are actually at highest risk of fire. Hotels, in fact, are among the places that are safest from fire, and that is due in large part to the fire protection technology required for them. That technology typically includes automatic fire sprinklers.

So how do Home Sprinkler Systems Work?

Home fire sprinklers include a network of piping filled with water under pressure that are installed behind the walls and ceilings, and individual sprinklers are placed along the piping to protect the areas beneath them. Because the water is always in the piping, fire sprinklers are always “on call”. If fire breaks out, the air temperature above the fire rises and the sprinkler activates when the air temperature gets high enough. The sprinkler sprays water forcefully over the flames, extinguishing them completely in most cases, or at least controlling the heat and limiting the development of toxic smoke until the fire department arrives. Only the sprinkler nearest the fire activates. Smoke will not activate sprinklers.

Sprinklers are so effective because they react so quickly. They reduce the risk of death or injury from a fire because they dramatically reduce the heat, flames, and smoke produced, allowing people the time to evacuate the home. Home fire sprinklers release approximately 10-25 gallons of water per minute. In a home without sprinklers, a fire is likely to grow to dangerous levels by the time the fire department is able to arrive.

In less time than it typically takes the fire department to arrive on the scene, sprinklers contain and even extinguish a home fire. That not only reduces property damage, it saves lives.

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

How are they Installed?

Sprinklers are installed by specially trained contractors who follow NFPA codes and standards and other local requirements. The best time to install sprinklers is when you are building a new home or remodeling an existing home. Nationally, installing sprinklers adds between one and one-and-a-half percent to the total cost of construction. Installing sprinklers during remodeling, known as “retrofitting,” generally costs more and the cost depends on the existing structure. Many insurance companies offer a range of discounts for homeowners with sprinklers, making comparison shopping worthwhile.New Paragraph

Debunking the Myths

Unfortunately, there are many stubborn misconceptions about home fire sprinklers that make some homeowners reluctant to install sprinklers in their homes. These are the facts:

It is extremely rare for sprinklers to operate accidentally. In a typical home, water damage will be considerably less from unwanted sprinkler discharges than from other plumbing mishaps.

Cigar smoke and burned toast cannot cause a sprinkler to operate. Only the high temperature that results from a fire will activate the sprinkler.

All the sprinklers do not activate at once. This scenario may be common in movies and TV shows, but it just isn’t true for home fire sprinklers. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates. Ninety percent of the time, one sprinkler contains the fire.

Check out some more myths around home sprinkler systems in our archive.

Home fire sprinklers give you added protection from fire and peace of mind. NFPA encourages the use of these devices. Ask your builder about installing sprinklers in your home. Free information for both builders and homeowners is available by contacting the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

This article was taken from nfpa.org. Check out their website for more helpful information!

If you’re considering building a new home, get a free quote for a home sprinkler system and make sure you and your family and as protected as can be. Total Coverage Fire Protection offers commercial and residential sprinkler installation.

Myth #6 –“When a fire occurs, every sprinkler will activate and everything in the house will be ruined..”

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:08:17 GMT

We’re continuing our series on Home Sprinkler Systems, covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems – and the facts you need to know to stay safe:

You know those movie scenes where someone puts a lighter next to a sprinkler system and BOOM! sprinklers across a whole building go off at the same time? That’s Hollywood for you. Here are the facts:

FACT: In the event of a fire, typically, only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire, leaving the rest of the house dry and secure. Roughly eighty-five percent of the time, just one sprinkler operates.

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

Myths and Facts surrounding Fire Sprinklers is offered through the National Fire Protection Agency. See information about them at nfpa.org.

Myth #4 –“Home fire sprinklers often leak or activate accidentally.”

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 23:56:21 GMT

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems.

In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to substantially increase fire protection and occupant safety. But don’t they leak and go off accidentally?

FACT : Leaks from fire sprinklers are very rare, and no more likely than leaks from any part of a home’s plumbing system. According to NFPA’s report, “U.S. Experience With Sprinklers,” the threat from non-fire water damage from home fire sprinklers is negligible. Unintentional release of water in a non-fire activation of a sprinkler appears to be less likely and much less damaging than unintentional water release involving a home’s plumbing and water supply. Furthermore, home fire sprinklers are designed to activate only during a significant fire—not from a burning match or smoke.”

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

Myths and Facts surrounding Fire Sprinklers is offered through the National Fire Protection Agency. See information about them at nfpa.org.

Myth #3 – “Home fire sprinklers are expensive and will make housing unaffordable, especially for first-time buyers moving to our area.”

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 23:57:11 GMT

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems.

In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to substantially increase fire protection and occupant safety. But aren’t they expensive and don’t they make housing unaffordable?

FACT : The fact is that home fire sprinklers are affordable. In 2013, the Fire Protection Research Foundation issued its updated Home Fire Sprinkler Cost Assessment report, which revealed that the cost of installing home fire sprinklers averages $1.35 per sprinklered square foot for new construction. That’s down from $1.61 per sprinklered square foot that was in the Foundation’s 2008 report. To put the cost of sprinklers into perspective, many people pay similar amounts for a ‘better quality’ laminate flooring. Sales in many U.S. communities where sprinklers are available show that not only are consumers requesting this feature but also that houses with sprinklers are selling faster than those without. Installing home fire sprinklers can help residents: significantly reduce property loss in the event of fire; cut homeowner insurance premiums; help qualify home for a tax rebate; and help support local fire service efforts.

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

There have been amazing advancements in home sprinkler technology that maintain life safety and reduce costs. Get a free estimate from us today!

Myths and Facts surrounding Fire Sprinklers is offered through the National Fire Protection Agency. See information about them at nfpa.org.

Myth #2 – “New homes are safer homes, the fire and death problems are limited to older homes.”

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 23:51:46 GMT

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems.

In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to substantially increase fire protection and occupant safety. But aren’t fire and death problems limited to older homes?

FACT: Age of housing is a poor predictor of fire death rates. Statistically, the only fire safety issue that is relevant to the age of the home is outdated electrical wiring. Beyond that, age of the home has little to nothing to do with fire safety. A fire at 2 a.m. is just as deadly in a new home as it is in an older home.

New methods of construction negatively impact occupant and firefighter life safety under fire conditions. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) tested the performance of unprotected floor assemblies exposed to fire. The findings of the study, “The Performance of Unprotected Floor Assemblies in Basement Fire Scenarios,” assert that these structures are prone to catastrophic collapse as early as six minutes from the onset of fire.

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

In 2008, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) conducted a study to identify the danger to firefighters created by the use of lightweight wood trusses and engineered lumber in residential roof and floor designs. The findings of the report, “Structural Stability of Engineered Lumber in Fire Conditions,” point to the failure of lightweight engineered wood systems when exposed to fire. Firefighters expecting thirty minutes of structural integrity with dimensional wood structures face higher peril in lightweight structures.

The same UL study found that the synthetic construction of today’s home furnishings add to the increased risk by providing a greater fuel load. Larger homes, open spaces, increased fuel loads, void spaces, and changing building materials contribute to:

faster fire propagation

shorter time to flashover

rapid changes in fire dynamics

shorter escape time

shorter time to collapse

Lightweight construction has been variously estimated to be used in one-half to two‐thirds of all new one‐ and two‐family homes, excluding manufactured homes. Fire sprinklers can offset the increased dangers posed by lightweight construction and create a safer fire environment for firefighters.

Note: Statistics from the United States

Myths and Facts surrounding Fire Sprinklers is offered through the National Fire Protection Agency. See information about them at nfpa.org.

Myth #1 – “Smoke Alarms Offer Enough Protection”

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 14:14:59 GMT

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems.

In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to increase fire protection. But don’t smoke alarms offer enough protection?

FACT : Smoke alarms alert occupants to the presence of danger, but do nothing to extinguish the fire. Home fire sprinklers respond quickly to reduce heat, flames, and smoke from a fire, giving residents valuable time to get out safely. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half. However, if you have a reported fire in your home, the risk of dying decreases by about 80% when sprinklers are present.

Fire sprinkler opponents have been using a statistic of 99.45% to illustrate the effectiveness of smoke alarms in reducing home fire deaths. This NFPA statistic estimates the likelihood of surviving a home fire when a working smoke alarm is present.

A 100% chance of dying would mean that every fire is fatal, or, roughly, 100 deaths per 100 fires. Fortunately, that is not the case. The chances of surviving a reported home fire when working smoke alarms are present is 99.45% (100 minus 0.55) vs. 98.87% (100 minus 1.13) in home fires with no working smoke alarms. The first number is barely higher than the second.

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

The 99.45% vs. 98.87% statistic is based on “chances of survival” which is not the same thing as “risk of fire death” based on total number of reported fires. Chances of survival don’t have much bearing in the discussion; preventing home fire death and reducing home fire death risk is the goal.

Consider this:

Each year, over 2,300 home fire deaths occur in more than 365,000 reported structure fires. Therefore, the likelihood of surviving a home fire is approximately 99% without regard to the presence of smoke alarms or any other fire safety provisions. Does that mean 2,300 deaths are acceptable? Most people would say no.

Each year, there are an estimated 12,000 deaths due to falls in homes and an estimated 11 million fall injuries in the home. The likelihood of surviving a fall is therefore 99.9%. Does that mean 12,000 deaths are acceptable? Most people would say no.

Each year, there are an estimated 42,000 deaths due to motor vehicle crashes and an estimated 6 million reported motor vehicle crashes. The likelihood of surviving a motor vehicle crash is 99%. Does that mean 42,000 deaths are acceptable? Most people would say no.

Note: Statistics from the United States

Myths and Facts surrounding Fire Sprinklers is offered through the National Fire Protection Agency. See information about them at nfpa.org.

tcfp

Myth #5 –“If you want your home fire sprinklers to be reliable, they will need frequent, expensive maintenance.”

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems. When thinking about having a home sprinkler system installed, comparing the cost of commercial installations can be off-putting. Thankfully, the standards for residential configurations are much simpler:

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

How Often Should I Have My Fire Extinguisher Inspected?

NFPA Guidelines on Fire Inspection Intervals

What are the different types of Fire Extinguishers?

It's not just about size. Not every fire extinguisher is the same.

There are different kinds of fire extinguishers and different kinds of fire. Choosing the right fire extinguisher can be the difference between a safely resolved situation and one made much worse.

Myth #8: “Home fire sprinklers are unattractive and will ruin the aesthetics of my home.”

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

Myth #7: Debunking Misunderstandings on How Sprinklers Work

So how do Home Sprinkler Systems Work?

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

How are they Installed?

Debunking the Myths

Myth #6 –“When a fire occurs, every sprinkler will activate and everything in the house will be ruined..”

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

Myth #4 –“Home fire sprinklers often leak or activate accidentally.”

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems. In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to substantially increase fire protection and occupant safety. But don’t they leak and go off accidentally?

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

Myth #3 – “Home fire sprinklers are expensive and will make housing unaffordable, especially for first-time buyers moving to our area.”

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems. In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to substantially increase fire protection and occupant safety. But aren’t they expensive and don’t they make housing unaffordable?

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

Myth #2 – “New homes are safer homes, the fire and death problems are limited to older homes.”

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems. In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to substantially increase fire protection and occupant safety. But aren’t fire and death problems limited to older homes?

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

Myth #1 – “Smoke Alarms Offer Enough Protection”

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems. In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to increase fire protection. But don’t smoke alarms offer enough protection?

Total Coverage Fire Protection Offers Sprinkler Systems for Commercial and Residential Clients

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems.

When thinking about having a home sprinkler system installed, comparing the cost of commercial installations can be off-putting. Thankfully, the standards for residential configurations are much simpler:

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems.

In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to substantially increase fire protection and occupant safety. But don’t they leak and go off accidentally?

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems.

In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to substantially increase fire protection and occupant safety. But aren’t they expensive and don’t they make housing unaffordable?

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems.

In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to substantially increase fire protection and occupant safety. But aren’t fire and death problems limited to older homes?

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be covering myths that surround home sprinkler systems.

In new home builds, home sprinkler systems offer an affordable way to increase fire protection. But don’t smoke alarms offer enough protection?