"Sprinklers typically reduce the chances of dying in a home fire by one haIf to two thirds."
National Fire Protection Association
The automatic fire sprinkler can trace its earliest origins back to 1806 and an Englishman called John Carey. However, it was almost seventy years later that the first commercially viable fire sprinkler was invented. In 1874 Henry S. Parmelee invented a sprinkler head for use in his piano factory. It had a single valve, plugged with a solder that would melt in a fire. Once melted, the valve was opened, releasing water through a perforated chamber. The design was such that only areas affected by fire would be doused.
A few modifications later and the Parmelee Sprinkler Company began to market the invention. After installation in a number of factories, where they were tested by real fires, the sprinklers soon spoke for themselves. Once insurance companies were on board, offering reduced premiums for factories with sprinklers installed, success was ensured. Parmelee took his sprinkler to. the United Kingdom in 1881, establishing an industry there, too. From the time of its invention, Parmelee's fire sprinkler evolved constantly to achieve improved performance and reduced cost, resulting in ever-increasing sales.
From its invention, Parmelee's sprinkler evolved to achieve improved performance, reduced cost, and consequently greater sales. Today it is estimated that forty million sprinklers are installed around the world each year, massively reducing the financial, cultural, and personal losses caused by fires. However, many argue that their use is not widespread enough. Sprinkler installation remains a hot topic, with groups around the world campaigning for their compulsory fitting in both public and private buildings.
