Stakeholder Perceptions of Home Fire Sprinklers

Fire Protection Research Foundation report: "Stakeholder Perceptions of Home Fire Sprinklers" (PDF)
Author: Sam Bowles, Christine Barbour, Mark Mazza, Newport Partners, Davidsonville, MD
Date of issue: September 2016

Foreword

As residential fire sprinkler adoption is debated in many states, there is a lot of misinformation about the experience and perception of home fire sprinklers. The purpose of this study was to gather information related to residential fire sprinkler adoption in two states, California and Maryland. It includes an analysis of the overall experience and perceived value of home fire sprinklers by homeowners, local government officials, and water purveyors.

This research is focused on the impact of residential fire sprinkler adoption. It used surveys and interviews to gather data on issues frequently debated when residential fire sprinklers are proposed for widespread adoption, including such issues as:

  • Consumer value
  • Local government feedback
  • Water purveyor perceptions and requirements

The Fire Protection Research Foundation expresses gratitude to the report authors Sam Bowles, Christine Barbour, and Mark Mazza, who are with Newport Partners located in Davidsonville, MD. The Research Foundation appreciates the guidance provided by the Project Technical Panelists, and all others that contributed to this research effort. Thanks are also expressed to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for providing the project funding.