Automatic fire sprinklers have been standard equipment in many factories, warehouses, and even in office buildings for many years, but have never quite made a complete foray into the consumer market. This is a shame, as they are such a logical extension of the smoke detector. The way that automatic fire sprinklers work is very simple. When heavy smoke is detected in a room, it sets off the sprinklers in the ceiling. These rain down a substantial amount of water – enough to quench a fire in its beginning stages, or to slow one that is more advanced.

Of course, automatic fire sprinklers do have their drawbacks which make them sort of problematic for a household environment. Having that much water raining down in a room can really put a damper on your day, so to speak. Carpets, books, clothing, and even walls can be ruined, and mildew growth can be stimulated by thoroughly soaking a room. This means that automatic fire sprinklers are not a good idea for the kitchen or adjoining rooms.

Of course, in the environment where automatic fire sprinklers are traditionally used, this is not a problem at all. Smoke in a kitchen might just mean a minor cooking accident, but smoke in a warehouse almost always spells trouble. The same goes for an office building, or a factory. In the den, the bedrooms, and many hallways, however, automatic fire sprinklers just make sense. Although they are expensive, and do not absolutely eliminate the chance of fire, a good automatic fire sprinklers system is, in my opinion worth it because it does make my family somewhat safer.