Fire sprinklers are widely recognized as the single most effective method for fighting the spread of fire in their early stages, before they can cause severe injury to people and damage property. Fire sprinkler systems have had a dramatic influence in the designing of new buildings. Fire sprinkler systems prevent fires from spreading, and contain it to a small area. This has allowed architects the flexibility to design floor plans and not have to worry as much about codes relating to fire safety. A building with a fire sprinkler system is considered to be safer and also more valuable. Insurance premiums are almost cut it half if a sprinkler system is present thus making it an investment that will pay itself off, plus some. The pro totally out way the cons of the decision to install fire sprinklers in a build and it is also starting to become mandatory. .
The concept of an automatic sprinkler system originated in the 19th century but perfection of it did not come until the 20th century. An automatic sprinkler system is defined as followed: "For fire protection purposes, an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The installation includes one or more automatic water supplies. The portion of the sprinkler system aboveground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a building, structure, or area, generally overhead, and to which sprinklers are attached in a systematic pattern. The valve controlling each system riser is located in the system riser or its supply piping. Each sprinkler riser includes a device for actuating an alarm when the system is in operation. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the area" (NFPA). That definition is taken from Installation of Sprinkler System, which is considered the constitution of sprinkler systems.