Full-Scale Burns to Test Low-Cost Home Sprinklers

Full-Scale Burns to Test Low-Cost Home Sprinklers

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Sprinkler head designed for use in residential sprinkler systems is shown at left. It has a new type of fusible link that is more sensitive than a conventional commercial sprinkler head, such as the one at the right.

An extensive series of full-scale burn tests on the effectiveness of low-cost residential sprinkler systems will be conducted this summer in Los Angeles. Scheduled to start in July, the tests will continue for three to four months.

Sponsored by the United States Fire Administration, the tests will culminate an effort of over three years, involving the expertise of a number of firms and agencies acting on a series of grants from the USFA.

“Viewed from either a life/injury loss, or a property loss approach, it’s clear the USFA’s goal of a 50 percent reduction in our nation’s fire loss can only be achieved if we solve the residential problem,” Gordon Vickery, USFA administrator, stressed.

Residential fire costs

Statistics show that residences account for 75 percent of the nation’s building fires, 85 percent of the civilian deaths, 41 percent of the dollar loss, 56 percent of fire Fighter deaths, and 60 percent of fire fighter injuries.

“Clearly, corrective measures must be taken and a low-cost residential sprinkler system appears to be a very positive step in the right direction,” Vickery emphasized.

Briefly, the tests in Los Angeles will center around the effectiveness of a new type sprinkler head, one that has a new, high sensitivity, fusible link.

“In previous tests, as late as last September, commercially available sprinkler heads were being used,” Vickery explained. “It was initially believed a commercially sold sprinkler head could be a success on the domestic scene.”

More realistic test

However, during the September tests, the burn setting more fully resembled a furnished living room. There was a vinyl upholstered chair near one wall, a sofa near an adjacent wall, drapes hung at the window behind the chair, and a wood end table at the intersection of the two walls. The wood frame walls were finished with plywood. Paneling was nailed directly to the studs. The ceiling was covered with combustible tile. Ventilation was provided via open windows and an entrance door.

A match was used to ignite paper trash stuffed into a plastic wastebasket located beneath the end table.

“It was a challenge for the sprinklers,” Vickery said. “However, it was realistic and unfortunately, by the time the sprinkler system activated, temperature levels and carbon monoxide concentrations were too high. Protection of property was obviously inadequate. Air temperature at eye level peaked at over 500°F, carbon monoxide at 10,000 ppm, and the ceiling temperature at 1200°F.

Hardware inadequate

“Obviously, the existing hardware used according to the existing 13D standard was not adequate,” the USFA administrator stressed. “The commercial sprinkler does not respond quickly enough in a ventilated fire with combustible walls and ceiling to establish control and assure a survivable environment.”

Based on the fire test results, it was estimated there was a need for a sprinkler link more sensitive by a factor of five. Essentially, this meant a smaller link.

“Subsequent tests were conducted using the newly developed head and the results were a great improvement,” Vickery said. “Using the same fire scenario with a prototype head and the newly developed link, the fire was effectively controlled. This was a major breakthrough in the progress toward an affordable home system. The use of less water earlier in the Fire means a smaller system. Overall, it will be a cheaper system, one which is more likely to be used in more homes.

Optimism expressed

“We also found that a density of 0.08 gpm/sq ft at the First sprinkler, dropping to 0.06 gpm/sq ft with two sprinklers operating, was effective. Water demand was 18 gpm, a considerable reduction from the present 13D standard, and the water distribution was also satisfactory. With improved sprinkler head design, it’s believed a system requiring less than 18 gpm will be effective.”

The tests also showed a relatively low carbon monoxide concentration (530 ppm maximum), gas temperatures at eye level were 90°F maximum, and ceiling surface temperatures reached a maximum of only 200° F.

“It’s now time for a series of sophisticated tests,” Vickery concluded. “The NFPA, Factory Mutual Research Corp., and the Los Angeles Fire Department will assist in these tests and we’re cautiously optimistic.

“It’s been said that we stand on the threshold of a new era in Fire protection engineering, and I agree. The idea of a built-in Fire protection system in a private residence is an exciting thought, one which must be pursued to the fullest,” Vickery declared.

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