Speakers from the Copper Development Association cited numerous reasons to install all-copper fire sprinkler systems at a seminar held at the Restoration & Renovation Conference in Baltimore last spring. Copper is flexible, lightweight and easier to work with than steel pipe systems, said Andrew Kireta, Jr., CDA's national program manager for tube, pipe and fittings.

"When fires do happen, copper systems deliver clean water, even if the system has never been flushed," he said.

Also, copper is not vulnerable to open flame and will not emit toxic fumes when exposed to fire, he added. All-copper systems can withstand heat up to 2,000 degrees F.

Dale Powell, CDA's Northeast regional manager, described many landmark institutions and residences in his region that installed all-copper fire sprinkler systems during their renovations, including the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg.

For more information, visit http://piping.copper.org or call CDA at 800-741-6823.