Fire Sprinkler Systems: What They Are, How They Work, and When You Need Them
Learn how fire sprinklers work, their benefits, and legal requirements. Guard-x provides certified installation and inspections. Stay safe!
Fire sprinkler systems save lives and property, but there’s still a lot of confusion about how they work. Whether you own a commercial building, manage a residential complex, or are planning a home renovation, understanding the basics of automatic sprinkler systems is essential.
What Is a Fire Sprinkler System?
A fire sprinkler system is an automatic fire suppression system that uses heat-activated sprinkler heads to release water over a fire zone. These systems are a core part of any fire protection plan.
There are different types of systems:
- Wet pipe system: Water is always present in the pipes (most common)
- Dry pipe system: Pipes are filled with air under pressure—ideal for unheated spaces
- Any other specialized automatic sprinkler systems
How Are Fire Sprinklers Activated?
Despite what movies show, fire sprinklers are not activated by smoke. Each sprinkler head is triggered individually by heat, usually at 155 °F (68 °C). Only the head(s) nearest to the fire will activate—this limits water damage.
Are Fire Sprinklers Required?
Yes, under most local fire codes, they are required in:
- Commercial buildings (e.g. offices, stores, warehouses)
- Multiresidential buildings (condos, apartments, RPA)
- Certain new single-family homes in some jurisdictions
Quebec’s building and fire safety codes apply specific rules based on building size and occupancy.
Benefits of Fire Sprinklers
Protect human lives
Suppress fires before firefighters arrive
Minimize property damage
Lower insurance premiums
Reduce smoke and toxic gas exposure
Sprinkler System Installation & Maintenance
Installing a fire sprinkler system requires professional design, compliant with NFPA 13. Guard-X handles:
- Sprinkler system installation (new and retrofit)
- Fire sprinkler inspection (annual & post-incident). The NFPA 25 inspection can be annual, semi-annual, quarterly, or on request.
- Fire sprinkler repair (malfunctions, leaks)
We install systems across Montreal, Laval, South Shore and more.
FAQ
Are fire sprinklers activated by smoke?
No. They are activated by heat.
When are fire sprinklers required in homes or businesses?
Usually required in buildings with multiple units or high occupancy. Local codes define thresholds.
How do you install fire sprinklers?
A certified contractor designs and installs the system based on building layout and use.
Do all sprinklers go off at once?
No. Only the sprinkler(s) closest to the fire will activate.
Trust Guard-X for Your Sprinkler Systems
Guard-X brings trusted expertise and deep industry knowledge to every project:
Installing and maintaining automatic sprinkler systems
Servicing both wet, dry pipe systems and and other specialized systems
Inspecting sprinkler heads and full fire protection systems
What makes us different? We're fast, we're certified, and we're always on. Our 24/7 availability means your building is protected—even when you're off the clock.