Domestic Fire Sprinkler Systems
Domestic Fire Sprinkler Systems
Domestic fire sprinkler systems are installed extensively throughout the UK in houses, flats and, high-rise apartments. This article is intended to explain when they are installed and why they may be installed. Most importantly, how these systems are installed because pipe-work is installed within the ceiling or floor voids like any other plumbing system. To have your biggest questions of fire sprinkler systems answered, check out our previous blog.
Water Supplies for domestic fire sprinkler systems
Domestic fire sprinkler supplies should be able to supply water at a larger flow and pressure than a standard domestic water supply. Consequantly, they are more dependant on the distance from the town main than a standard domestic supply. Unfortunately, a 25mm MDPE feed will never be adequate. A 32mm occasionally can be adequate for domestic sprinkler systems with a very short distance to the town main. A 50mm main will generally be adequate and is a mandatory requirement by some water authorities including Thames Water. Standard domestic water meters will never allow sufficient water for sprinkler systems to pass in domestic situations
If the mains water supply is insufficient for a domestic sprinkler system a storage system can be utilised subject to space availability for storing around 1,200 litres of water. If this is not available, then we recommend the use of our high-pressure RADmist system which can be connected to an existing 25mm water supply.
Domestic sprinkler systems utilise modern concealed fire sprinkler heads which are very inconspicuous and have little or no visual impact. Every design which we produce takes into account, the symmetry of the lighting plan in each room and, wherever possible, the sprinkler heads are positioned so as not to conflict with lighting positions. We have years of experience carrying out domestic fire sprinkler installation and have all the skills needed to ensure a professional install is provided.
Reduced Water Damage With Domestic Fire Sprinkler Systems
Fire detected at an early stage of development by domestic sprinkler systems can be extinguished with a surprisingly small amount of water. Furthermore, and, a correctly positioned domestic fire sprinkler head will be activated very promptly by a developing fire. This is very important because the developing fire must be tackled early. The amount of water utilised to extinguish the fire by domestic fire sprinkler systems uk would be a fraction of that used by the Fire and Rescue services. Obviously without sprinklers the fire builds rapidly due to the resultant delayed response of the fire service. This then requires a huge amount of water to douse the flames.
Installation
All our installers are familiar with design issues that affect the positions of domestic fire sprinkler heads and can react to changes on-site with minimal delay. The use of a High-Pressure Mist system however although marginally more expensive, can reduce the quantity of water even further. This is invaluable if a large incoming water supply hasn’t been provided.
Welsh Assembly Members voted in February 2011 for Wales to become the first country in the world to make domestic sprinkler systems mandatory in all newly built houses.
BS9251
Domestic Sprinkler Systems Building Regulations with reference to BS9251:2014
The latest revised British Standard of 2014 removed the original 2 categories of system (Domestic and Residential) and created an additional category (CAT 2) as follows:
Category 1
similar to the original category for sprinkler systems for domestic homes classification but allowing a lower water density of coverage
Category 2
which became a new category for domestic sprinkler systems associated with high-rise properties. This new category specified the same number of sprinkler heads (2) as the original domestic classification but to run for 30 minutes. This increased duration produces a more robust domestic sprinkler systems category than that of the original domestic category. However, it is less robust than the following category
Category 3
This is the most robust category than the previous residential classification for domestic fire sprinkler systems uk. It specifies that an allowance for 4 sprinkler heads to operate for 30 minutes must be allowed for with a higher spray density.
The inclusion of sprinkler systems help to meet the requirements of ADB when the usual requirements cannot be met. Domestic sprinkler systems can mitigate for escape routes passing through open plan areas or where corridors have been removed and consequently compromised fire separation.
Residential Sprinkler Systems Building Regulations – regarding Approved Document B
The building regulations were changed in 2007 to allow sprinkler systems for domestic homes to be used to compensate for problems concerning fire safety.
Domestic sprinkler systems installed to BS9251 can afford relaxations to traditional AD part B passive requirements.
- particularly regarding open plan areas within a property and
- Means of egress passing through or close to a kitchen area
- issues associated with extended travel distances and
- limited access for the Fire and Rescue services.
Contact RAD Fire Sprinklers for Domestic Sprinkler Systems in London and the South East of England
Domestic sprinkler systems installed to BS9251
with smoke detection will provide the best domestic fire protection for the inhabitants of a building should a fire develop in that property. All of the first sprinkler systems we install meet current regulations and standards to ensure the best type of system is fitted in your property. Over the years we have installed thousands of domestic fire sprinkler systems for clients throughout the country. Contact us, or call 01892 680 090 to discuss your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Sprinkler Systems
What type of domestic fire sprinkler system should I have installed?
When you choose RAD Fire Sprinklers one of our expert team will work with you to decide on the best type of domestic fire sprinkler system to choose from. No matter what your budget might be, we’ll help to find a domestic fire sprinkler system that meets your requirements.
Is there an alternative to sprinklers if I have low water pressure, reduced pipe size or, no room for a storage system?
In these situations, we recommend the use of our high-pressure RAD-mist system
How much do they cost?
At RAD Fire Sprinklers, we price all domestic fire sprinkler installations on an individual basis as no two jobs are the same. Get in touch today and one of the RAD Fire Sprinklers team will be more than happy to provide you with a quote.
Do all of your domestic sprinkler systems meet current regulations?
All of the domestic fire sprinkler systems we offer meet current safety and building regulations. This is to ensure that our clients new system is safe to use and operate and should the worst happen you’ll be protected.
How do I arrange a fire sprinkler installation in London or the South East of England?
If you’re interested in having a new domestic sprinkler system installed, then all you need to do is get in touch with RAD Fire Sprinklers and send us the floor plans for the property. One of our helpful team are always on hand to assist and if you send us an email then we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
For more information, why not check out our blog on the differences between domestic fire sprinkler systems?
