On 06/25/2011 02:46 PM, bob wrote:
I live in an apartment with several fire sprinkler in the ceiling.

If the sprinkler goes off due to fire or malfunction, can I turn it off
after the fire is out? Is it the same valve near the water heater or is
there a different one?

Im more worry about water damage (to electronics and computers) than
fire damage. Perhaps because Ive never had a fire before and this is
the first time I moved to a place with fire sprinklers.

Alternately, is there a switch to cut off power to computers or other
devices when it senses water? This would reduce short-circuits caused by
water when the device is powered.

Typically the sprinkler risers are in the stairwells, with the floor
control valves on each landing. HOWEVER - if you are not a firefighter,
fire marshal, or sprinkler contractor, you probably don't want to touch
those valves, unless you like having legal problems. The valve controls
all the sprinkler for the whole floor, therefore if the fire is out in
your apartment but not in your neighbor's, and you cut the water off,
well, you get the idea.

I too share your concern on a visceral level about having all that
pressurized water in pipes above all my valuables, but honestly, the
sprinkler system is probably better maintained than the domestic water
supply. So long as you don't bust a sprinkler head (it happens,
especially with non-concealed types) you don't have a lot to worry about.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel