A History of Fire Sprinkler Systems: From Invention to Life-Saving Technology

As early as 1913 a study showed that only 5 people had died in fires where sprinklers were on the property. Since that time, many more lives have been saved by this invention.

1860

• Barnabas Wood of Nashville, Tennessee patented the first basic sprinkler.

1864

• Four years later, Henry Parmelee made modifications and produced the first practical automatic sprinkler.

1881

• Frederick Grinnell of Providence, Rhode Island patented the first sensitive automatic sprinkler and incorporated it with a tooth-edged deflector and ½-inch orifice.

1895

• The National Fire Protection Association was founded in Boston. The NFPA set standards for automatic sprinklers and by 1899 requirements became uniform throughout the United States and Canada.

1933

• The NFPA released the first guide to fire departments regarding the proper use of sprinkler systems.

1939

• A standard for the Care and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems was set by the NFPA. The industry was launched into a new level of fire protection.