How Does Foam Factor in NFPA Min. Water Supply?

[PaladinKnight]

To what, if any, level does the addition of a home sprinkler unit affect the insurance rating on a home? I think Paladin clearly outlined the hit and miss effect of a possible foam rating. I'm just curious on this query.

Structures are rated as to the NFF (Needed Fire Flow) individually by ISO.

The presence of Sprinklers is calculated into that NFF, and not something the fire department can control. There are several factors involved in the NFF determination; e.g. pressure, coverage, inspections. etc.

The fire department may or may not benefit from the NFF on these structures.

Since the department may not have previous knowledge of the presence of sprinklers in a home, they should not make any assumptions as to their response. Even if knowledge of sprinklers is known, the dept should not calculate this into their response.

Case in point: A department responded to a restuarant fire. The Battalion Officer knew that the building had sprinklers, but that the water had been shut off at that location. Arriving crews were not aware of this until the BC gave them the information. The firefighters used the same tactics as a building without sprinklers.

As firefighters, we can use the NFF as a guide, but it should not lock us in to a pre-defined mindset. Whether we know the NFF at that location is not as important as having the capacity to recognize what you need, then adjusting to it.