Historic innovation for the safety and security industry

The invention of the sprinkler marks a defining moment in fire prevention and protection. VdS has been involved in its development from the very beginning and has driven the use of sprinkler systems. The company is honouring this historic innovation for the safety and security industry with an anniversary campaign. In the spotlight are the milestones in its history and the central role played by VdS in this. 

Press release 14/2024

Cologne, 17 July 2024. The modern sprinkler system was born 150 years ago: On the 11th of August 1874, the American industrialist Henry S. Parmelee was granted a patent for his design, in which the outlets of pipes released extinguishing water by melting a metal alloy. In doing so, he laid the foundation for sprinkler technology, which is often still an important component of fire prevention and protection concepts today.

Jubilee campaign pays tribute to a history of innovative energy

VdS is using the anniversary year as an opportunity to highlight the most important steps in the spread of the sprinkler and sprinkler systems. The anniversary campaign centres on the associated microsite "150-Jahre-Sprinkler.de“, which enables a digital journey through time and at the same time provides an outlook on trends in this area. Throughout the year, there will also be a variety of content on social media channels and a series of articles in the s+s report will provide information on the history and trends in the field of sprinkler technology. In addition, the focus will be on exhibitions at trade fairs, culminating in the VdS BrandSchutzTage in Cologne at the beginning of December 2024. An anniversary booklet rounds off the communication activities. 

"The sprinkler's long history stands for an enormously important contribution to improved company security. With its technical expertise, VdS will continue to support new products and systems in order to ensure reliable and effective fire extinguishing systems also in the future,“ says Dr Robert Reinermann, Managing Director of VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH. 

Closely linked from the very beginning: VdS and the sprinkler

The historical roots of VdS and sprinkler technology have always been closely linked. In 1908, the Sprinkler Monitoring Centre of the private fire insurers was founded, which is the direct predecessor of the Technical Inspection Services at VdS. 

Since then, VdS has been testing technical innovations in fire prevention and protection and defining the conditions for their reliable use. As an independent investment, the company thus repeatedly paves the way for innovations.

For more information on the history of the sprinkler, please visit: https://www.150-jahre-sprinkler.de/