FAQs (Frequently asked questions)
How do sprinklers operate?
Fire sprinklers are individually heat-activated and connected to a network of water pipes (...more). When the heat from a fire raises the sprinkler to its operating temperature (usually 68 deg C or 155 deg F), only that sprinkler activates delivering water directly to the source of the heat.
Why are sprinklers so effective?
All fires start small and, if detected and tackled early enough, can be controlled with very little water.
The latest sprinkler systems use a special type of fast response fire sprinkler, which responds very quickly to a fire and is completely automatic in operation.
The system will therefore tackle a fire at a very early stage, even if no one is present, quenching the fire sounding an alarm.
How reliable are sprinklers?
Records from Australia and New Zealand (where all fire must be reported) between 1886 and 1986 show that sprinklers controlled 99.7% of all fires where they were installed.
Do sprinklers go off accidentally?
No! Records in service show that sprinklers are very dependable. The chance of a defective head is less than 1:16,000,000 - less than your chance of winning the Lottery! The chance of an accidental discharge is considerably less.
Won't they all go off together?
No! Each sprinkler reacts individually to a fire so only the sprinkler nearest the fire will open.
In the unlikely event that this is not sufficient to control the fire then the next nearest will open, and so on.
In over 95% of cases only one sprinkler is required to control and/or extinguish the fire.
What about water damage?
Which would you prefer - a little water or a burnt out home?
Typically a sprinkler discharges around 50 l/min. A fireman's hose on the other hand discharges 1000+ litres a minute. In general a sprinkler system will use between 1/100th and 1/1000th of the water used by the Fire Brigade.
Even then, most things that get wet can be restored - but a pile of ashes is beyond hope!
Can I install them myself?
No! These are installed to save your life so only qualified and experienced contractors should install fire sprinklers. They will know how to design and install the system in compliance with national standards, which will ensure that the spacing is correct and the water supply adequate.
Also, fire sprinklers have different operating temperatures and flow patterns. You need someone knowledgeable who can select the correct sprinkler for each area of your home.
Do I have to do anything if there is a fire?
Just get yourself and anyone else out of the house and call the Fire Brigade - the fire sprinklers will do the rest.
They are fully automatic and will work even if there is a power failure.
Leave the system running until the Fire Brigade deems it safe to turn it off.
Although it may look like the fire is out, turning off the system too soon may allow the faire to catch hold again.
Aren't they unsightly?
Residential fire sprinklers are much smaller than ones that you usually see in stores and offices.
Residential models come in a variety of colours to match your decor, and manufacturers will even custom-paint them for you.
Many models are partially recessed into the ceiling with about 1/4"-3/4" below the ceiling.
If you want them completely recessed, these models are also available. They are hidden by a cover plate that is painted to match the ceiling.
The cover is held in place by a metallic link that melts in a fire and exposes the sprinkler.
It is common to find that visitors do not notice the sprinklers at all unless you point them out, even the ones that are not recessed into the ceiling.
