Information
Fire sprinklers: save lives & property
SPRINKLERS
HOW THEY WORK
A fire sprinkler system is designed to operate over a predetermined floor area and needs to be designed by an expert.
Fire sprinkler supply pipes are permanently charged with water from the domestic water main.
Fire sprinklers are fitted to the system of supple pipes and each is an independent unit and operates only if the fire causes it to do so. Each fire sprinkler is fitted with a small thermal element (bulb) activated by heat from a fire, and set to operate at not less than 30°C above ambient temperature, making accidental activation very unlikely other than in a fire condition.
In the majority of fires just one sprinkler head is operated which is normally sufficient to deal with the fire.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
FACTS & INFO
- According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, around 80% of all fire-related deaths in the UK occur in domestic properties.
- In a study conducted by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) found that the presence of sprinklers reduced the risk of death by 91%.
- Domestic fire sprinkler systems are designed to detect and respond to fires in their early stages, typically when the flames are small, using heat-sensitive devices. This allows them to extinguish or control the fire before it spreads, providing valuable time for occupants to escape and reducing the damage to property.
- In the UK, the installation of fire sprinklers is currently not mandatory for domestic properties, unlike commercial buildings. However, certain regulations and standards, such as the Building Regulations Approved Document B, encourage their use in new residential buildings, especially those with multiple storeys.
- The cost of installing domestic fire sprinkler systems can vary depending on the property size, complexity, and specific requirements. However, estimates suggest that the average cost ranges between £1,500 to £3,000 per property.
- Residential properties fitted with fire sprinkler systems are often considered safer by insurers, leading to potential reductions in insurance premiums.
- According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), domestic fire sprinklers can also significantly increase the value of a property, enhancing its desirability among prospective buyers or tenants.
- The UK government's Fire Kills Campaign promotes the use of domestic fire sprinklers as an effective means of fire prevention and urges individuals to consider installing such systems to safeguard their homes and loved ones.
- Various organizations, such as the National Fire Sprinkler Network, promote the benefits of domestic fire sprinklers and actively campaign for their wider adoption in the UK.
- Internationally, countries like the United States and Sweden have seen considerable success with widespread use of domestic fire sprinkler systems, showcasing their effectiveness in saving lives and minimizing fire damage.