Fire Sprinkler Alternatives

[Keely C.]

Working through a messy permitting issue in Los Angeles, CA.  LADBS is requiring installation of a fire sprinkler system.  I plan to submit for a modification.  Does anyone have advice on an alternative Active Fire Protection System that is less expensive but will still satisfy the city in place of sprinklers?  Can anyone explain an alarm system that goes right to the fire station, and the costs involved?  I am also willing to put in fire extinguishers as a Passive system.  Thank you

[Tom Spaeth]

Can't say I know your codes. But know the codes in general. Fire extinguishers are considered close to useless by the code for the code issues you are involved in. A sleeping person will not be able to magically wake up and use one. So no go there.

A fully smoke detector-ed building might pass the code section as an alternative - But doubt it. The issue you are fighting is that a sprinkler system actively puts out the fire. That is what LA wants to happen. Because that saves lives. There is no active fire suppression system that is cheaper then good old fashioned water. Every other type of system is extremely more expensive.

The code is designed to save lives not money so you are in an uphill battle. There has been a push for a couple of decades to get sprinklers into houses. I expect that trend to continue. These systems have been getting a lot cheaper but large cities like LA and Chicago and New York which happen to be unionized find ways to make everything more expensive.