This paper explores the particular relationship between sprinklers and glass in a building. There are many misconceptions about sprinklers' ability to prevent non-rated glass from breaking during a fire, when in fact sprinklers can actually cause some glass to break. Laboratory testing has shown that unless the conditions can be strictly controlled, sprinklers and non-rated glass are not an adequate combination to prevent the spread of a fire. Specific testing examples and illustrations are cited in the paper.

Sprinklers are also “active” systems, depending on proper maintenance and activation sequences in order to work properly, whereas fire-rated glass is a “passive” system providing compartmentation around the clock.