Choosing the right system for your new home or re-fit is the challenge — and there are no second chances!
While the installation of fire sprinkler systems may seem a simple task, in fact there are many elements which will impact on their effectiveness and economic viability.
It is at the specification stage that it is important to get reliable guidance from independent installers who are familiar not only with the characteristics of systems available, but the companies that make them.
Because Plumbcraft work with only the most reputable suppliers, you’ll be assured of optimally effective systems and materials for the type of development they’re intended to protect.
We never undertake any project without considering its impact on the environment — there is always a ‘greener’ solution. We’ll offer you these alternatives as we discuss the project.
Contact Us to discuss an estimate.
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT AUTOMATED FIRE SPRINKLERS
Since they were first invented in 1874 by an American to protect his piano factory automatic fire sprinklers have been protecting property and saving lives.
For over 100 years fire sprinklers have been widely recognized as the single most effective method for fighting the spread of fires in their early stages – before they can cause major injury to people and severe damage to property. Yet, there are still common misunderstandings about the operation and effectiveness of automatic fire sprinkler systems:
Myth 1: “The water damage from a sprinkler system will be worse than fire damage.”
Fact: Water damage from a home sprinkler system will be much less severe than the damage caused by water from fire-fighting hoses or smoke and fire damage if the fire goes unabated. Quick response sprinklers release 30–90 litres of water per minute compared to 190-470 litres per minute released by a firehose.
Myth 2: “When a fire occurs, all sprinkler heads go off.”
Fact: Sprinkler heads are individually activated by heat. Residential fires are usually controlled with one sprinkler head. 90% of all fires are contained with six or fewer heads and a study conducted in Australia and New Zealand covering 82 years of automatic sprinkler use found that 82% of the fires which occurred were controlled by two or fewer sprinklers.
Myth 3: “Sprinklers are designed to protect property, but are not effective for life safety.”
Fact: Sprinklers provide a high level of life safety. Statistics demonstrate that there has never been any multiple loss of life in a fully sprinklered building. Property losses are 85% less in residences with fire sprinklers compared with those without sprinklers. The combination of automatic sprinklers and early warning systems in all buildings and residences could reduce overall injuries, loss of life and property damage by at least 50%.
Myth 4: “A smoke detector provides enough protection.”
Fact: Smoke detectors save lives by providing a warning system but can do nothing to extinguish a growing fire or protect those physically unable to escape on their own, such as the elderly or small children. Too often, battery operated smoke detectors fail to function because the batteries are dead or have been removed.
For further information on sprinkler systems view the
Aquatherm firestop website.
