Fire sprinklers are a vital part of fire protection in today’s world. They are found in all types of buildings, from large commercial structures to small residential homes. But how did fire sprinklers come to be?
The history of fire sprinklers can be traced back to the 15th century, when Leonardo da Vinci designed a system of pipes and nozzles that would automatically release water on a fire. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the first practical fire sprinkler system was invented.
In 1723, Ambrose Godfrey, a British chemist, patented a system that used gunpowder to release water on a fire. Godfrey’s system was not very effective, but it did lay the foundation for future fire sprinkler systems.
In the early 19th century, several inventors made significant improvements to fire sprinkler systems. In 1812, William Congreve, a British inventor, patented a system that used a water reservoir and a network of pipes to distribute water to sprinkler heads. Congreve’s system was more effective than Godfrey’s system, but it was still not very practical.
In 1872, Philip Pratt patented an automatic fire sprinkler system that used a fusible link to release water on a fire. Pratt’s system was the first truly practical fire sprinkler system, and it quickly became popular in commercial buildings.
In the late 19th century, Henry S. Parmalee and Frederick Grinnell made further improvements to fire sprinkler systems. Parmalee invented a sprinkler head that used a frangible glass bulb to release water on a fire. Grinnell invented a sprinkler head that used a deflector to direct the water stream onto the fire.
The development of fire sprinkler systems continued in the 20th century. In the early 20th century, sprinkler systems began to be used in residential homes. In the mid-20th century, sprinkler systems began to be used in high-rise buildings. And in the late 20th century, sprinkler systems began to be used in aircraft.
Today, fire sprinklers are an essential part of fire protection in all types of buildings. They are credited with saving countless lives and property from fire.
Benefits of Fire Sprinklers
There are many benefits to installing fire sprinklers in your home or business. Fire sprinklers can:
- Save lives: Fire sprinklers can give you and your family the extra time you need to escape a fire safely.
- Save property: Fire sprinklers can help to contain a fire and prevent it from spreading, which can save you a lot of money on repairs.
- Reduce insurance premiums: Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners and businesses that have fire sprinklers installed.
- Improve safety: Fire sprinklers can help to create a safer environment for your family and employees.
- Increase peace of mind: Knowing that your home or business is protected by fire sprinklers can give you peace of mind.
If you are considering installing fire sprinklers in your home or business, be sure to contact a qualified contractor like Nationwide Fire Sprinklers today.
History of Nationwide Fire Sprinklers
Nationwide Fire Sprinklers Limited was formed by Keith Rhodes in 2006 following a career in the sprinkler industry in which he learned the good the bad and the ugly way some companies operate in this unregulated industry.
