Understanding Residential Fire Sprinklers

Written by

Designer Fire Sprinklers

23 September 2024

•

3 min read

Fire safety is paramount for every homeowner, and one of the most effective ways to ensure safety and minimise damage in the event of a fire is through the installation of residential fire sprinklers. But what exactly are fire sprinklers, and how do they work? This blog aims to provide you with a clear understanding of residential fire sprinklers, dispelling common myths and highlighting their benefits.

What Are Fire Sprinklers?

Fire sprinklers are part of an active fire protection method that consists of a water supply system, providing adequate pressure and flowrate to a water distribution piping system, onto which fire sprinklers are connected. Although they are often associated with commercial buildings or new residential constructions, fire sprinklers can be retrofitted in existing homes and are highly effective at controlling, and often extinguishing, a fire before firefighters arrive.

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work?

Contrary to popular belief, fire sprinklers are designed to activate not by smoke, but by heat. Each sprinkler head is equipped with a heat-sensitive element glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid, which expands when exposed to the high temperatures typical of a fire (usually at 68°C). When the liquid expands enough to break the glass bulb, the sprinkler activates, releasing water directly over the source of the heat. A single sprinkler head may contain 90% of fires to the room of origin, preventing the fire spreading to other rooms.

Key Components of a Fire Sprinkler System

Sprinkler Heads Installed in the ceilings or high on the walls, these are the components that actually dispense water when triggered by heat. Sprinkler heads are strategically placed to maximise coverage.

Piping Hidden behind the walls and ceilings, these pipes carry water from the source to the sprinkler heads.

Water Source The system is connected to the home’s main water supply to ensure a reliable and immediate flow of water. In some setups, a reservoir or tank may be used as an additional or alternative water source.

Alarm A water flow alarm activates when the sprinklers do, serving as an additional alert to the residents.

Benefits of Installing Fire Sprinklers

Life Safety First and foremost, sprinklers save lives. They are designed to act quickly and control the fire immediately, which can be crucial for escape and survival during a fire emergency.

Property Protection: By controlling the fire early, sprinklers reduce the amount of damage a fire can cause, which can mean a significant difference in repair costs and recovery time.
Environmental Impact: Fire sprinklers can help reduce the amount of runoff and pollution caused by firefighting efforts, and they use significantly less water than firefighting teams would.

Are Fire Sprinklers Worth It?

While the upfront cost of installing fire sprinklers can seem significant, the benefits they offer in terms of safety and potential savings in the event of a fire are substantial. Sprinklers not only protect your property and belongings from fire damage but most importantly, they can save lives.

The decision to install a fire sprinkler system in your home is a step towards proactive fire safety management. As residential fire safety technology advances, the integration of such systems into every home could become standard practice, much like smoke detectors.

For homeowners, understanding the function and benefits of fire sprinklers is crucial in making informed decisions about their safety measures.

Fire sprinklers are a smart investment in your home’s safety and your peace of mind.