DOMESTIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM info for end users/ householders

Domestic fire sprinkler systems are often required by Building Control or legislation, due to poor fire brigade access, building design and other factors, or simply families choosing to protect themselves from the devastating effects of fire.

We aim to give you a short guide of the steps you need to take and what you should expect.

Each fire sprinkler is activated independantly in a fire your house wont become a Hollywood movie scene or deodorant advert.

Accidental sprinkler head activations are less than 1: 1 million

Town main system or pump and tank?

A domestic dwelling may be able to run off the town main water supply. If the town main water is acceptable an automatic valve will be needed to turn off the household water supply in the event of a fire. If the water meter is in the road it could be difficult to operate this system with sufficient flow/ pressure.

If the town main water supply is not sufficient a water storage tank and pump will need to be used. The water tank will typically be 600litres if 1 sprinkler is in each room or 1000litres+ if two sprinklers are in any one room. The water supply should last for a minimum of 10 minutes. A 10% factor of saftey is required.

You will need to employ a fire sprinkler contractor who carries approvals such as FIRAS or has been trained by bodies such as XACT. Commercial companies carrying LPCB approval have knowledge bases beyond that required  by BS9251, and will be able to install residential systems.

Technical drawings and flow calculations will be carried out by the contractor to BS9251.

Domestic fire sprinklers require at least 1/2 bar of pressure to operate. Building height also adds to the pressure required, each storey being circa 3 metres adds 0.3 bars. Pipe work friction then adds losses, which must be compensated for. So for a three storey building you could expect 0.5bars (sprinkler) + 0.3 x 3 (height) circa1.0 bar (frictional loss) = 2.4 bars, similar to the pressure in your car tyres.

A flow test will need to be carried out on completion, it's worth witness testing this, you will be given a certificate as evidence.

A test valve will be opened and the flow meter should read the required flow e.g 100litres/ minute, the gauge should read the required pressure during the flow test. e.g 100litres/ minute at 2.4 bars.

This is a simple guide and your fire sprinkler contractor will be able to answer questions specific to your home.

Each year you will be required to carry out a service, similar to a landlord gas check which will involve a sprinkler head check, flow test etc.

In 08-09 the UK Fire service attended 722K fires and false alarms, in which 287 people died in their homes.

We hope this information will help you install a fire sprinkler system and ensure it's done well. Of course cost is a consideration but it must be done correctly and that may mean paying a little more. Domestic sprinkler systems are designed to allow for property escape but they also by their nature protect your valuables and more importantly the family memories.  Fire alarms will form part of the fire sprinkler system, it is good to make a plan for escape and teach children what they should do if they hear the alarm.