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Myth: Heat from lighting a cigarette can activate the system.
Fact: Sprinklers operate only when the air temperature reaches the specified range. A small heat source, such as a match or a cigarette, will not cause a sprinkler to discharge.
Myth: When one “goes off,” they all “go off.”
Fact: In most systems, sprinklers operate independently when the heat at an individual sprinkler reaches the specified range. Generally, only one or two sprinklers open during a fire.
Myth: Sprinklers cause severe water damage.
Fact: A single sprinkler generates about 25 gallons per minute, depending on the water pressure and size of the sprinkler's orifice. That's not much compared with a fire hose, which can discharge 150 gallons per minute or more. And one or two sprinklers can usually control or extinguish a fire, preventing damage outside the immediate area.
Myth: Leaks and drips are common problems.
Fact: A properly designed and maintained sprinkler system does not leak.
Myth: Sprinkler systems are not cost-effective.
Fact: The cost of sprinkler systems is reasonable, especially considering how well they prevent property damage, injury, and death.
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