Common myths about fire sprinkler systems
Common Fire Sprinkler Myths
We get asked many questions about fire sprinkler systems, so here are the main ones – to help you to understand them a bit better and know a little bit more for your project.
- Modern fire sprinkler systems don’t always need a huge water supply as they can be plumbed into the mains, drawing water only if and when they are activated
- Sprinkler systems are activated by heat and not smoke. They contain a small glass tube of liquid which expands when it reaches the temperature created by the fire – around 57 Celsius.
It expands and triggers the sprinkler head to release water. - Burning your toast won’t set fire sprinklers off – because it is heat activated.
- If a sprinkler head is triggered in one location, the other heads around the house are not necessarily activated. You may have seen it differently in films – but that’s just for dramatic effect!
- Sprinkler heads are discreet and blend into a ceiling without ruining the aesthetics of a room.
- Sprinkler systems usually interface with a domestic smoke alarm or fire panel. The system triggers the alarm system, not the other way round.
- Sprinkler heads can be fitted that permit an open plan design to cover the exit routes as required by building control.
- Sprinkler systems can be fitted to older properties as well as new-build ones.
- Sprinkler systems are built to British Standard BS9251:2014.
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