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The Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service believes that the installation of sprinklers
in our homes could save lives, prevent injuries and reduce damage
to property should a fire occur.
Along with well-positioned and maintained smoke alarms, fire actions
plans and fire prevention awareness, installing sprinklers in the
home is another effective way of reducing the risk of death or injury
by fire.
What is a domestic sprinkler system?
Sprinkler systems work on the principle that the most efficient
way of fighting a fire is to discharge water onto the seat of the
fire at the earliest moment possible. This system can be best described
as a small network of water pipes connected to a water supply with
sprinkler heads activated in the event of fire. Each sprinkler head
is a heat-sensing device, during a fire only the heads affected
by the heat operate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do sprinklers go off accidentally?
Although it is possible it happens very rarely. As long as a sprinkler
is not exposed to freezing, overheating or mechanical damage there
should not be any problems.
What damage could the water do?
The amount of water used by the Fire & Rescue Service is 10 times more than
that delivered by the sprinklers. This system delivers the water
when the fire is in its early stages. Without the early action of
the sprinklers the fire spreading and the extinguishing of the fire
by the Fire Service may cause greater damage. During a fire only
the sprinkler(s) closest to the fire activate, limiting the amount
of water needed to suppress it.
Will special tanks and pumps be needed?
Sprinkler systems are increasingly less demanding in terms of water
flow. In most cases they operate from the household water supply
and there is no need for special tanks or pumps. Additional water
tanks and pumps may be needed in areas where the water supply is
poor.
Will I have unsightly pipes around my home?
Advances in technology mean that sprinklers now blend into your
decor. The pipes are
hidden out of sight behind ceilings. Sprinkler heads are available
in a range of colours
and styles.
What about maintenance?
Like the plumbing and heating system in your home, a sprinkler system
will need looking after. If the pipes are allowed to freeze there
is a risk they may burst. However, if your sprinklers have been
properly installed to a recognised standard, with a built in maintenance
programme, it will be protected from freezing. No system is foolproof
and you may accept this slight risk against improved fire safety.
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