Frequently Asked Questions
-
Why are sprinklers important for life safety?
-
How can we be sure sprinklers will work in a fire?
-
What about water damage?
-
What about smoke?
-
What is the life safety record for sprinklers?
-
Aren’t sprinklers unsightly?
-
Don’t all the heads go off at once? I’m sure I’ve seen this happening on tv!
-
Surely sprinklers create more water damage than the fire and rescue service?
-
If sprinklers false alarm, won’t they create a lot of damage?
-
How do sprinkler heads work?
-
I want to install sprinklers in a new building but I have been advised that the water supply from the local mains is inadequate. Can I still install a sprinkler system?
-
What standards do I need to comply with when designing or installing sprinkler systems?
-
Does the installation of sprinklers permit ‘tradeoffs’ in respect of requirements regarding escape routes and passive fire protection measures?
What about smoke?
Smoke damage is a major cause of loss in fires. In serious cases, smoke can be the main cause of death. The water droplets delivered from a sprinkler head wash the larger particles from smoke reducing its density and toxicity. In addition the water droplets cools the smoke making it less harmful.
Quick response sprinkler heads will attack a fire even earlier in its growth. Fast attack dramatically reduces the amount of smoke that a fire can generate.