The Promotion and Research of Residential Sprinkler ...ceas.uc.edu/.../dam/aero/docs/fire/Papers/11SResidentialSprinklers.pdf · The Promotion and Research of Residential Sprinkler

The Promotion and Research of Residential Sprinkler

Systems

A Safer Future with Residential Sprinklers

Matthew P. Korst

M03-863-733

University of Cincinnati

College of Fire Science

Political and Legal Foundations

Professor: Lawrence T. Bennett

Residential Fire Sprinklers

2

Certification Statement

I hereby certify that this paper constitutes my own product, that where the language of

others is set forth, quotation marks so indicate, and that appropriate credit is given where

I have used the language, ideas, expressions, or writings of another.

Matthew P. Korst


3

Abstract

This research takes a factual perspective of the development and use of residential

sprinkler systems to promote life and the reduction of property damage. The ultimate goal

of the research is to spread awareness of the powerful affects and advantages of

residential sprinkler systems. Adopting a law requiring residential sprinklers will protect

homeowners and brave firefighters across the nation. The overall intent of this study is to

promote the quality of life in the City of Mason and across the country. Numerous data

and research was done to conclude a significant perspective on sprinkler ordinances. The

data was gathered through several agencies and corporations for analysis. Along with this

paper comes the promotion of fire prevention. The world around us is constantly

changing and to provide for a safer environment for fire personnel and civilians this paper

was written. A quote from President George W. Bush “Recognizing and confronting our

history is important. Transcending our history is essential. We are not limited by what we

have done, or what we have left undone. We are limited only by what we are willing to

do,” The future is ahead of us and it belongs to those who prepare for it today. The

preparation of a safer future is our job.


4

Index

Page #

Introduction ..................................................................................................... 5

The City of Mason .......................................................................................... 6

Mason Fire Department .................................................................... 8

Ohio Fire Code .................................................................................. 9

Scottsdale, Arizona ......................................................................................... 9

California ...................................................................................................... 10

Prince George’s County, Maryland .............................................................. 10

NFPA/NAHB Cost Analysis ........................................................................ 11

USFA Position on Residential Sprinklers..................................................... 12

Discussion ..................................................................................................... 14

Conclusion .................................................................................................... 15

References ..................................................................................................... 18

Appendix A ................................................................................................... 20

Appendix B ................................................................................................... 21

Appendix C ................................................................................................... 24


5

Introduction

This research takes a look at residential sprinkler ordinances in one-, two- and

three-family dwellings across the nation in hope to raise awareness on fire safety and the

reduction of property damage. In a local perspective the City of Mason in southwest Ohio

follows Ohio fire mandated codes that do not require sprinkler systems in homes with

three families or less. On a national scale the majority of communities do not want to

increase sprinkler ordinances in family dwellings for several reasons. Mainly due to

economics, politics and the fear of water damage. The average citizen in the United

States misunderstands how sprinkler systems function and what it takes to discharge

them, therefore making it difficult to create legislative law on family dwelling sprinklers.

The focus of this study is to address the advantages sprinkler ordinances have in

family homes. In North America, smoke detectors are required in all buildings for safety

precautions, but this is not enough to protect life and prevent injury. “In 2009, fire

departments responded to 377,000 home fires in the United States, which claimed the

lives of 2,565 people (not including firefighters) and injured another 13,050, not

including firefighters.”1 Also in 2009, 85% of all U.S. fire deaths occurred in homes.

2

Residential fire deaths are among the most deadly in the United States, because of the

lack of fire protection and public education.

The purpose of this paper is to lay out the factual information to allow the reader

to understand and completely be aware of a safer future with home sprinkler

ordinances.Throughout the course of the paper communities and legal issues will be

studied to show a vast perspective. The fire services job is to increase fire prevention and

1http://www.cdc.gov/homeandRecreationalSafety/Fire-Prevention/fires-factsheet.html 2http://www.cdc.gov/homeandRecreationalSafety/Fire-Prevention/fires-factsheet.html

http://www.cdc.gov/homeandRecreationalSafety/Fire-Prevention/fires-factsheet.html

http://www.cdc.gov/homeandRecreationalSafety/Fire-Prevention/fires-factsheet.html


6

educate their citizen’s on fire safety issues. In which the overall goal of this paper is to

achieve that.

A review of fire codes, communities, sprinkler systems, statistics and a brief

history was done to develop the beef of this paper. Along with that a demographic and

modern view of the City of Mason was done. In over the last three decades Mason has

been a birthplace of thousands of one- and two- dwelling homes without sprinkler

ordinances.

Research was done by compiling numerous amounts of information by

internationally known cooperation’s including the NFPA, USFA, NIST, and NAHB.

Expert analyze was found and implemented into the paper to develop an intelligent

perspective on sprinkler ordinances. Countless studies and statistics show for an

immediate need of sprinklers in family dwellings.

In conclusion there are several myths about the use and effectiveness of sprinkler

systems. Most of which were created by Hollywood production and construction

companies across the nation for financial gain. This paper was made to change that

perspective and be a strong advocate for residential sprinkler systems.

The City of Mason

Mason is the largest growing city in Warren County, which is located in the

southwest corner of Ohio. In 1970, just a year before the town was to become a city, there

were fewer than 5,700 residents.3 The population was later estimated to have 29,491

people in a 2006 census. (Appendix A) In just over three decades the population tripled.

3http://www.imaginemason.org/about/history


7

As a resident since 1995 the small once farm town went from one lane roads and half-

finished neighborhoods to fully occupied neighborhoods and two lane paved roads

everywhere. With Mason’s current 24 commerce parks and 500 businesses in the City’s

18 square miles the city prospers financially and economically.4 “Mason’s fifteen largest

employers provide work for more than 9,000 persons and generate more than $5.3

million annually in income tax revenue.”5 With all this business and financial power

Mason still fails to do one thing which is to require and protect its thousands of citizens

and households with residential sprinkler systems. Interviewing Gregory Nicholls the

Chief Building Official with Mason since 1994, said that at times the city was

constructing 400 to 450 family households a year.6Currently in Mason the average new

single family household is 3,400 square feet and the median value was estimated to be

about $350,000 in 2005.7There are 10,493 households in Mason with an average of 2.8

persons per home and the median age of a home is nine years.8 Gregory also told me in

his history with Mason he has heard of only one household with a residential sprinkler

ordinance and it was a homeowner who owned a sprinkler system company. The city still

continues to provide building permits for several homes including multi-million dollar

ones in which none of them have sprinkler ordinances.

4http://www.imaginemason.org/about/mason-today 5http://www.imaginemason.org/about/mason-today 6 Gregory N. Nicholls, AIA “Chief Building Official” 7http://www.imaginemason.org/about/demographics/demographics 8 http://realestate.aol.com/Mason-OH-real-estate

http://www.imaginemason.org/about/mason-today

http://www.imaginemason.org/about/mason-today

http://www.imaginemason.org/about/demographics/demographics


8

Mason Fire Department

The Mason fire department originated from a small town volunteer department to

over 60 full-time and part-time employees. The city has two fire stations 51 and 52 which

both operate 365 days a year twenty four hours a day. Mason’s fire department handles

over 3,000 fire and medical emergency responses each year.9 With such a high

population and demand for public service Mason has a mutual aid agreement with

neighboring Deerfield Township. “Deerfield Township is one of southwest Ohio’s

fastest-growing communities with a population of over 36,000 residents.”10

With such

enormous populations to cover, Deerfield and Mason support one another in emergency

services calls. Another main focus is to provide the growing population with public

education. The fire service provides educational programs for schools, civic groups and

businesses. “The department is pleased to have a Kids Fire Safety House, a fire safety

trailer that can be taken to schools and other locations to help teach children about fire

escape and safety.”11

The city does provide adequate response times and educational

programs, but fails to provide fire safety ordinances amongst its thousands of households.

9 http://www.imaginemason.org/city-goverment/safety-services/fire-department 10 http://www.deerfieldtwp.com/Business/Development_info.htm 11 http://www.imaginemason.org/city-goverment/safety-services/fire-department


9

Ohio Fire Code

The City of Mason follows the Ohio fire code on automatic sprinklers systems,

which was mandated by the International Code Council with a few exceptions. As of

January 1, 2011 automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in one- and two- family

dwellings. In which additions or altercations to existing buildings that don’t have them

are not required.12

This is required in the International Residential Code, but however has

not been completely implemented into the Ohio fire code. However, the Ohio fire code

does make three requirements in which NFPA 13, 13R and 13D must be followed when

installing sprinkler systems. (Appendix A) These requirements show the duration,

advantages, scope and sprinkler design for all sprinkler ordinances including residential.

Scottsdale, Arizona

The city of Scottsdale, Arizona is one of the leading communities with built-in

residential automatic sprinkler systems. Since January 1, 1986 sprinkler ordinances have

been required in every multi-family and single family dwelling.13

The systems have been

credited with saving a number of lives locally within their 240,000 person community. In

a 15 year study from 1986 to 2001 the city had 199 working fires in sprinkled buildings.

The total value of complexes for sprinkled and non-sprinkled in the community was

$767,334,000 and the total cost for fire related property damage in the 199 sprinkled

incidents was $703,300. In which a total of 13 lives were saved. The average loss per

sprinkled building was $3,534 and $45,019 for non-sprinkled buildings. (Appendix B)

12 http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/ca/st/b400v10/st_ca_st_b400v10_3_sec014_par001.htm 13 http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/residentialsprinkler


10

California

As of January 1, 2011 all new single family residences and duplexes built are

required to have sprinkler systems. “Prior to the recent California building code

amendment, 146 cities and counties in California had building codes requiring sprinklers

in particular homes, however this is the first time a statewide building code for fire

sprinklers has been enacted.”14

The most populated state in the nation took a step forward

in public safety mandating residential sprinkler systems. The predicted average cost of

residential sprinklers is $4000 per unit.This may seem expensive, but will protect civilian

and firefighter lives across the state.

Prince George’s County, Maryland

In 1987, Prince George’s County signed a law mandating fire sprinklers for all

residential structures. The law required all newly constructed single-family dwellings to

be protected by NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. “From the years 1992 to 2007 Prince

George’s County recorded a total of 13,494 single family/townhouse fires and 245 of

those were protected by fire sprinkler systems. In those 245 incidents, no deaths were

recorded and only six injuries were reported.”15

In this study 101 people died and 328

were injured in single family/townhouse fires with no sprinklers.The county recorded that

89% of fire deaths were in residential dwellings. The fifteen year report also recorded a

$134,711,199 total fire loss for single-family houses and townhouses. For the 245

activated sprinkler events there was a total of $1,352,820 fire loss. Fires with no

sprinklers/fatalities averaged $9,983 property loss while incidents with no sprinklers and

14 http://firsttuesdayjournal.com/fire-sprinkler-systems-mandatory-for-new-home-construction-in-

california/ 15 http://www.homefiresprinkler.org/images/Prince-Georges-County-Report.pdf


11

had fatalities averaged $49,503. Then in homes protected with fire sprinklers averaged

$4,883 property damage.16

Another benefit that homeowners have with fire sprinkler

systems in the county is lower insurance cost. Prince George’s County is a prime

example of how sprinklers systems preserve life and drastically reduce property damage.

NFPA/NAHB Cost Analysis

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) did a study relating the cost of

residential sprinkler systems on ten communities in which nine were in the United States

and one in Canada. “The ten communities offer diversity in terms of sprinkler ordinance

status, geographic location, housing style, and sprinkler system variables such as the type

of piping material and the water supply source (municipal or on-site).”(pg 7)17

The data

was collected from builders and sprinkler installers regarding three separate building

plans per community. Along with that expense and system information was gathered. The

report ranged 30 houses in which the minimum cost for sprinkler ordinances per square

foot was $0.38 and the highest being $3.66.18

This range averaged out to be $1.61 per

square foot. This report also conducted a survey on insurance premium discounts for

homeowners with sprinkler systems installed. For all of the communities the average

discount percentile was collected from five insures who have a strong market share in

their state. The percentile savings ranged from 0 to 10% among all that were surveyed,

with an average premium discount of 7 %.(pg9)19

Appendix B shows the locations of the

ten communities selected for research and graphical data relating to the study.

16 http://www.homefiresprinkler.org/images/Prince-Georges-County-Report.pdf 17 http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/Research/FireSprinklerCostAssessment.pdf 18 http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/Research/FireSprinklerCostAssessment.pdf 19 http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/Research/FireSprinklerCostAssessment.pdf


12

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) conducted a nationwide

survey on the top insurers throughout the nation on residential sprinkler premium

discounts. The data was compiled on insurers who have at least 40% of the market in

every state besides Hawaii. To qualify for the discounts the sprinkler systems must follow

the protocol of NFPA standards and for a percentile discount they must be class A or B

systems. Class A has automatic sprinklers installed in all areas including bathrooms,

attics, closets, and attached structures. Class B has installation partially or totally in

bathrooms, attics, closets, and attached structure.20

Depending on the quality of the

sprinkler system your insurance discount will vary. Appendix C shows the percentage

discount per class and per insurer in each state.

USFA Position on Residential Sprinklers

The United States Fire Administration through FEMA has written and presented

statistical data reasoning for the need of residential fire sprinklers. Throughout the last

four decades, the way we live and the materials we surround ourselves by have increased

a hazard for fire growth. Today the average household has a TV in every room and more

flammable furnishing and carpet occupying the living space. “The available time to

escape a flaming fire in a home has decreased significantly (i.e., from 17± 6 minutes in

1975 to 3± ½ minute in 2003)”21

The decreased fire escape time has been blamed for

increased flammability of home furnishings in which we surround ourselves.“In the year

2006, 19% of all reported fires occurred in one- and two-family structures; however,

20http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=82243 21http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/about/position_statements/sprinklers_position.shtm


13

these fires caused 66% (2,155) of the fire deaths in the US.”22

Also 25% of all firefighter

line of duty deaths were connected to residential fires. The average annual firefighter

death total is at 100, meaning that 25 firefighters died in residential fires in one year. In

this statement the USFA also presented results from the National Institute of Standards

and Technology (NIST). The results are shown below:23

When fire sprinklers alone are installed in a residence, the chances of dying in a

fire are reduced by 69%, when compared to a residence without sprinklers.

When smoke alarms alone are installed in a residence, a reduction in the death

rate of 63% can be expected, when compared to a residence without smoke

alarms.

When both smoke alarms and fire sprinklers are present in a home, the risk of

dying in a fire is reduced by 82%, when compared to a residence without either.

The final position statement of the USFA: “It is the position of the U.S. Fire

Administration that all citizens should be protected against death, injury, and property

loss resulting from fire in their residence. All homes should be equipped with both smoke

alarms and automatic fire sprinklers, and all families should have and practice an

emergency escape plan. The USFA fully supports all efforts to reduce the tragic toll of

fire losses in this nation, including the proposed changes to the International Residential

Code that would require automatic sprinklers in all new residential construction”24

The

installation of residential sprinklers will not only increase the chances of saving your life,

but the ability to minimize property damage saving your life’s work.

22http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/about/position_statements/sprinklers_position.shtm 23http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/about/position_statements/sprinklers_position.shtm 24http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/about/position_statements/sprinklers_position.shtm


14

Discussion

There is countless data and studies that show a safer future with residential

sprinkler systems in one-, two- and three-family dwellings is a need. The only thing that

stands between this need is legislative law and a strong public demand. The two main

reasons public demand is low is because of the misunderstanding of how sprinkler

systems operate and how much they cost. Many people believe that when one sprinkler

system goes off they all will. This is false; sprinkler heads react to temperatures in each

room, meaning that a fire in the kitchen will only activate that sprinkler head. It takes

about 165 degrees Fahrenheit to set off a sprinkler head. Several people also believe that

sprinkler heads will accidentally go off or cause significant water damage. The odds of

you getting killed by an asteroid are 30 times greater than your sprinkler system

accidentally going off. “Considering that a fire fighter’s hose sprays about 175 gallons a

minute while a residential sprinkler only sprays about 15 gallons of water per minute,

your sprinkler system would have to run 12 times longer than a fire fighter’s hose before

it caused the same amount of damage.”25

’

The idea of a sprinkler head in the middle of your home does not seem so

attractive, thus causing many people to be against an ugly metal sprinkler hanging from

their ceiling. This conception is extremely false, because sprinkler heads that are

designed for home features are way different than the ones seen in a typical office

building. Sprinklers in homes are designed to be nearly invisible or can retract up into the

ceiling behind plates, in which they can be designed to match your home. Home sprinkler

25 http://www.doityourself.com/stry/firesprinklersystem


15

systems are also designed to function way differently than commercial models. “Home

sprinklers spray more outwardly than commercial models and are capable of covering

between 150 to 400 square feet, thus requiring fewer sprinkler heads.”26

The image and

conception of a sprinkler system in residential homes is extremely misunderstood by the

public.

The public view believes that installing sprinkler systems would be too expensive

to the home builder or raise the cost drastically. This is false; a sprinkler system can

actually raise the value of your home and protect valuable merchandise. A current

estimate of a home sprinkler system could raise the building price from 1% -1 ½%.27

Sprinkler systems can also get you a cut off on your homeowners insurance.

Conclusion

The City of Mason and the rest of the nation must prepare for the future and adopt

a law requiring residential sprinklers. Mason is a prime example of a vastly growing city

that needs to mandate sprinkler ordinances in new built households. With over 10,493

households already and newly built ones produced every year the potential for fire grows.

The average family household is 3,400 square feet costing an estimated $350,000 and

consists of 2.8 persons per home. This means if we calculated the cost of residential

sprinklers by the average square foot at $1.62, the cost would be $5,508, which would

add 1.5% to the total household mortgage. Mason generates extremely high revenue from

high end businesses that supplies a lot of high paying jobs to citizens. This means that

adding a 1.5% to the mortgage would nearly be nothing to homeowners that have

26 http://www.doityourself.com/stry/firesprinklersystem 27http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/about/position_statements/sprinklers_position.shtm


16

mortgages over 15 to 30 years. The installation of sprinkler systems is very capable for

new built homes and must be mandated.

There have been several studies from NFPA, NIST, USFA, and NAHB that show

residential sprinkler ordinances are affordable and save lives. Having sprinkler systems

can get you on average a 5% to 10% discount on homeowners insurance. The risk of

dying with sprinklers in your home is reduced to 82% which can bring down the yearly

death toll of firefighters and civilians drastically. With over 85% of all fire deaths

occurring in homes in 2009 the death toll could have been reduced from 2,565 to 385

saving 2,184 lives. Also on average 25% of firefighters die in a household fire, which

brings a yearly death toll for residential fires for firemen to 25. The future household with

residential sprinklers is not going to just save thousands of lives, but can keep your hard

earned belongings protected. The city of Mason has no sprinkler systems installed in any

of their homes leaving a disaster for the future. As homes grow older and technology

advances, the risk of fire will increase. The city must create a law to install sprinkler

systems to provide protection for its civilians, but also take that step to lower the chance

of potential fire hazards to take some weight off of the two fire stations in Mason.

The state of California and the communities of Scottsdale and Prince George’s

County have realized the advantages of residential sprinkler systems. The largest

populated state California just recently mandated that all newly built residential homes

must have sprinkler systems. Prince George’s County 15 year study showed that with the

use of sprinklers the death toll can be reduced to zero. The county recorded zero deaths

and 6 civilian injuries in 245 fires that were protected by sprinkler ordinances. In

Scottsdale, Arizona they reported saving 13 lives in 199 incidents with sprinklers. The


17

city of Masons main logo is “more than you imagine”, well I imagine a safer environment

for the thousands of hardworking civilians. The next step in doing this is passing a local

law or pushing for a statewide law to mandate sprinklers. This will not only allow the city

to prosper financially, but in public safety.

The public’s perspective of residential sprinklers is truly misguided and must be

changed to build support behind a law mandating residential sprinklers. Installing

sprinklers can reduce water damage and give homeowners more time to escape from

today’s fast growing fires. The idea that a sprinkler head in your home is ugly is false,

because they build them to blend in with your household and can retract up into the

ceiling. Public support is the future and I hope this combined research will raise

awareness for the millions that do not know the potential of sprinkler ordinances. This is

also dedicated to the countless people that have died in residential fires and to the family

members that have suffered through the painful loss. Planning for the future is saving

lives and that’s what the City of Mason must do.


18

References

(2011). Retrieved June 1, 2011, from City of Mason Ohio More than you Imagine:

http://www.imaginemason.org/

Development Information. (2010). Retrieved May 30, 2011, from Deerfeild Township

Committed to Service Excellence:

http://www.deerfieldtwp.com/Business/Development_info.htm

Fire Deaths and Injuries: Fact Sheet. (2010, October 1). Retrieved June 1, 2011, from

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://www.cdc.gov/homeandRecreationalSafety/Fire-Prevention/fires-

factsheet.html

Fire Sprinkler Systems. (2011). Retrieved May 28, 2011, from The Official Web Site of

the City of Scottsdale, Arizona:

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/residentialsprinkler

International Code Council. (2007). Retrieved June 1, 2011, from

http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/ca/st/b400v10/st_ca_st_b400v10_3_sec014_pa

r001.ht

Mason, OH Real Estate Market. (2011). Retrieved May 30, 2011, from AOL Real Estate:

http://realestate.aol.com/Mason-OH-real-estate

Misconceptions about Home Fire Sprinkler Systems. (2006). Retrieved June 1, 2011,

from Doityourself:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/firesprinklersystem


19

Newport Partners Davidsonville, MD. (2008, September). Home Fire Sprinkler Cost

Assessment. Retrieved June 1, 2011, from National Fire Protection Association:

http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/Research/FireSprinklerCostAssessment.pdf

Nicholls, G. N. (2011, May 22). Cheif Building Official. (M. P. Korst, Interviewer)

Tran, T. (2011, March 15). Fire sprinkler systems mandatory for new home construction

in California. Retrieved June 1, 2011, from First Tuesday Journal Online:

http://firsttuesdayjournal.com/fire-sprinkler-systems-mandatory-for-new-home-

construction-in-california/

USFA Position on Residential Fire Sprinklers. (2008, May 28). Retrieved June 1, 2011,

from United States Fire Administration:

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/about/position_statements/sprinklers_position.shtm

Weatherby, S. (2009, August). BENEFITS of RESIDENTIAL FIRE SPRINKLERS: Prince

George’s County 15-Year History. Retrieved May 28, 2011, from Prince George's

County:

http://www.homefiresprinkler.org/images/Prince-Georges-County-Report.pdf

Xu, L. (2007, September 14). Fire Sprinklers and Homeowner Insurance . Retrieved June

1, 2011, from National Association of Home Builders :

http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID

http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID


20

Appendix A

Census Population

1980 8,692

1990 11,452

2000 22,019

2006 29,491

Chart recreated from City of Mason’s website

From: Recreated for graphically data 2006 International Building Code Commentary

Figure 903.3.1

NFPA 13 NFPA 13R NFPA 13D

Extent of

Protection

Equip throughout

(Section 903.3.1.1)

Occupied spaces

(Section 903.3.1.2)

Occupied spaces

(Section 903.3.1.3)

Scope All Occupancies Low-rise residential One- and two-

family dwellings

Sprinkler design Density/area

concept

4-head design 2- head design

Sprinklers All types Residential only Residential only

Duration 30 minutes

(minimum)

30 minutes 10 minutes

Advantages Property and life

protection

Life safety/tenability Life safety/tenability


21

Appendix B

Evaluation of Automatic Sprinklers in Scottsdale

January 1, 1986 thru January 1, 2001

* Total Working Fires in Sprinkled Buildings 199

* Types of Activations Commercial 102

Multifamily 48

Single Family 49

* Total Value of Complexes $767,334,000

* Total Structural Fire Loss for 199 Incidents $703,300

* Total Lives Saved 13

* Average Loss Per Sprinkled Incident $3,534

- Without Omega Failure at Joshua Tree Apartments $2,276

* Average Fire Loss @ Non-Sprinkled Structural Incidents $45,019

* Fires Controlled With Two or Less Sprinkler Heads (183/16) 92%

From:

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/fire/15yearsprinklerexecstudy.pdf

(pg 4)

Map from NFPA report (pg 13)

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/Public+Website/fire/15yearsprinklerexecstudy.pdf


22

Graph from NFPA study (pg 16)

Chart recreated from NFPA report (pg 15)

House Size for 30- Home Sample (Square feet)

Sprinklered Area* Living Area**

Mean 4,118 3,660

Median 4,124 3,441

Minimum 1,913 1,723

Maximum 6,542 6,360


23

Chart recreated from NFPA report (pg 16)

Sprinkler System Cost to the Home Builder

Cost

($/sprinklered

SF)

Cost

($/living

Space

SF)

Cost with

Available

Credits

($/sprinklered

SF)

Cost with

Available

Credits

($/living

space

SF)

Mean $1.61 $1.72 $1.49 $1.60

Median $1.42 $1.49 $1.23 $1.38

Minimum $0.38 $0.74 $0.38 $0.74

Maximum $3.66 $3.66 $3.66 $3.66


24

Appendix C

Table 1. Discounts for Fire Sprinklers on Homeowners Insurance Policies

States Company Name Market

Share Sprinkler Credits

Data Source Class A

1 Class B

2

Alabama

State Farm IL 29.43%

AL Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%

Alfa Ins Grp 20.57%

AL Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%

Allstate Ins Grp 11.95%

AL Dept. of

Insurance 10% 0

Alaska


AK Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%

Allstate Ins Co 29.80%

AK Dept. of

Insurance 10% 0

United Services Auto Assoc 9.23%

AK Dept. of

Insurance 8% 8%

Arizona

State Farm IL 19.81% State Farm 10% 5%

Zurich Ins Grp (Farmers Ins Grp) 17.40% Farmers 10% 5%

Allstate Ins Grp 14.66% Allstate 3% 0

Arkansas


Farm Bureau Mut Ins Co Of AR

Inc 21.05% Ins. Agent 0 0


California



Allstate Ins. Grp 14.13% Allstate 10% 0

Colorado



American Family Ins Grp 13.60% American Family 10% 10%


Connecticut


Chubb & Son INC 11.38% Chubb & Son 15% 0

Liberty Mut Grp 6.15% Ins. Agent 10% 10%

Hartford Fire & Cas Grp 5.75% Ins. Agent 13% 0

Nationwide Corp 5.40% Nationwide 0 0

Delaware



Allstate Ins. Grp 9.71% Allstate 0 0

District of

Columbia




Florida

State Farm Florida Ins. Co. 21.02%

FL Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%

Allstate Floridian Ins. Co. 8.86%

FL Dept. of

Insurance 10% 0

Poe Financial Grp (took Citizens'

policies) 7.20%

FL Dept. of

Insurance 7% 4%

Tower Hill Ins Grp 5.11%

FL Dept. of

Insurance 7% 4%

Nationwide Ins. Co. of Florida 4.92% FL Dept. of 16% 9%


25

Insurance

Georgia State Farm IL 31.99% State Farm 10% 5%

Allstate Ins Grp 14.04% Allstate 10% 0%

Hawaii3 State Farm IL 25.37% State Farm 10% 5%

Idaho




Illinois State Farm IL 31.98% State Farm 10% 5%


Indiana


Indiana Farm Bureau Grp 8.70% Ins. Agent 0 0



Iowa




Kansas


KS Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%

American Family Ins Grp 17.88%

KS Dept. of

Insurance 10% 10%

Zurich Ins Grp (Farmers Ins Grp) 10.34%

KS Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%

Kentucky


Kentucky Farm Bureau Grp 21.20% Ins. Agent 0 0


Nationwide Corp. 4.16% Nationwide 13% 8%

Louisiana State Farm IL 34.52% State Farm 10% 5%


Maine


White Mountains Grp (York Ins.

Co.) 9.90% Consultant 10% 6%



Concord Grp 5.53% Ins. Agent 10% 0

Maryland



ST Paul Travelers Grp 11.36% Ins. Agent 2% 0

Nationwide Corp 11.16% Nationwide 10% 5%

Massachusetts

Commerce Grp Inc 9.82% Ins. Agent 10% 0

Andover Grp 8.91% Ins. Agent 10% 5%

ST Paul Travelers Grp 7.90% Ins. Agent 5% 0



Michigan


MI Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%

Auto Owners Grp 14.55%

MI Dept. of

Insurance 0 0

Automobile Club MI (AAA) 10.27%

MI Dept. of

Insurance 10% 10%

Minnesota





26

Mississippi State Farm IL 30.29% State Farm 10% 5%


Missouri




Montana



Safeco Ins Grp 11.94% Ins. Agent 7% 4%

Nebraska



Farmers Mut Ins Co of NE 12.83% Ins. Agent 0 0

Nevada




New Hampshire




Concord Grp 7.05% Ins. Agent 20%4 0

Andover Grp 5.28% Ins. Agent 10% 5%

New Jersey


NJ Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%


NJ Dept. of

Insurance 5% 2%

Chubb & Son INC 9.14%

NJ Dept. of

Insurance 15% 0%

Palisades Grp (High Point

Preferred Ins. Co. 7.34%

NJ Dept. of

Insurance 15% 10%

New Jersey Manufacturers 6.41%

NJ Dept. of

Insurance 15% 8%

New Mexico




New York




North Carolina


NC Dept. of

Insurance 13% 7%

Nationwide Corp 16.11%

NC Dept. of

Insurance 13% 7%

NC Farm Bureau Ins Grp 13.43%

NC Dept. of

Insurance 13% 7%


NC Dept. of

Insurance 13% 7%

North Dakota



Auto Owners Grp 8.81% Ins. Agent 10% 5%

Ohio


OH Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%


OH Dept. of

Insurance 0 0


OH Dept. of

Insurance 10% 0

Grange Mut Cas 5.31%

OH Dept. of

Insurance 4% 1%


27

Oklahoma




Oregon




Pennsylvania



Erie Ins Grp 13.42% Ins. Agent 10% 0

Nationwide Corp 10.06% Nationwide 10% 5%

Rhode Island

Amica Mut Grp 11.52% Ins. Agent 13% 8%




South Carolina




South Dakota


SD Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%

American Family Ins Grp 17.20%

SD Dept. of

Insurance 10% 10%

Farmers Mut Ins Co of NE 7.76%

SD Dept. of

Insurance 10% 10%

Zurich Ins Grp (Farmers Ins Grp) 7.70% Sd Dept. of Insurance 10% 5%

Tennessee


Tenn Farmers Mut 17.39% Ins. Agent 5% 2%


Texas

State Farm Mutual Group 29.26% State Farm 10% 5%



Utah




Vermont5

Co-Operative Ins Co 10.43% Ins. Agent 3% 0





Nationwide Corp 4.67% Nationwide 0% 0

Virginia

State Farm Fire and Casualty

Insurance Co. (NAIC # 25143) 21.67%

VA Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%

Allstate Ins Grp (NAIC # 19232) 13.00%

VA Dept. of

Insurance 10% 0

United Services Auto Assoc

(NAIC # 25941) 11.95%

VA Dept. of

Insurance 8% 8%

Nationwide Corp (NAIC#

23779) 11.82%

VA Dept. of

Insurance 0 0

ST Paul Travelers Grp 11.74%

VA Dept. of

Insurance 5% 2%

Washington




Safeco Ins Grp 9.29% Ins. Agent 7% 4%


28

West Virginia


WV Dept. of

Insurance 10% 5%


WV Dept. of

Insurance 0 0

Erie Ins Grp 12.67%

WV Dept. of

Insurance 0 0

Wisconsin




Wyoming State Farm IL 25.79% State Farm 10% 5%


1. Class A: Automatic Sprinklers in all areas including bathroom, attics, closets, andattached structures.

2. Class B: Automatic Sprinklers totally or partially omitted in bathroom, attics, closets, and attached structures.

From: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=82243

Documents

The Promotion and Research of Residential Sprinkler ...ceas.uc.edu/.../dam/aero/docs/fire/Papers/11SResidentialSprinklers.pdf · The Promotion and Research of Residential Sprinkler