How fire sprinklers work

A fire sprinkler system is a heat-activated method of fire protection that extinguishes fires quickly and effectively.

Both fire suppression systems and fire sprinklers work to detect, control and extinguish fires. The main difference, however, is that fire suppression systems don’t use water to put out fires.

Unlike smoke detectors, fire sprinklers are activated by heat. Rather than acting as an alarm to alert people to evacuate the building, a fire sprinkler system acts to extinguish the fire.

Sprinkler system k-factors are numbers used to calculate the flow and pressure of the water discharged from sprinkler heads.

Fire sprinkler risers are where the plumbing outside a building ends and a fire sprinkler system begins. They are essential to normal sprinkler system operations, such as shutting off and draining the system for repairs, testing and measuring flow and pressure in a sprinkler system, and preventing contamination of local water supplies by dirty sprinkler water.

Fire sprinkler water shouldn’t be black. Discoloured or malodorous water is a sign of corrosion in your sprinkler system pipes.

No, fire sprinkler systems will never be set off by smoke. They are heat-activated to a specific temperature.

Yes, the water in a fire sprinkler system can freeze. Even dry systems can accumulate condensation, which can freeze in colder temperatures. That said, fire sprinkler systems don’t freeze easily or often. We can advise on cold weather maintenance options to keep your system running smoothly.

Fire sprinkler heads should never be painted, as this could affect their efficacy. Pipes, as a general rule also shouldn’t be painted. However, if looks are a concern, we can install your fire sprinkler system with concealed pipes.

The distinctive orange pipes used in fire sprinkler systems are made of a material called CPVC (Schedule 80), and are designed to be easily identifiable as part of a fire safety system.

Fire sprinklers are an essential component of fire protection systems. They’re designed to automatically discharge water when they detect a fire, helping to control and extinguish fires quickly. This reduces property damage and loss of life.

Fire sprinklers are activated by heat. Each sprinkler head contains a glass bulb or fusible link that melts at a certain temperature. When the bulb or link melts, it releases a locking mechanism, allowing water to flow from the sprinkler head.

Dry fire sprinkler systems are used in buildings where there’s a risk of the water supply freezing. They use pressurised air or nitrogen instead of water. When the sprinkler head is triggered, the pressure decreases, allowing water to enter the system. On the other hand, wet fire sprinkler systems are always filled with water and are employed in buildings where freezing isn’t a concern.

A deluge fire sprinkler system is used in high-rise buildings and other occupancies with a high risk of fire. It discharges water from all sprinkler heads simultaneously, providing a rapid and effective response to a fire.

A pre-action fire sprinkler system is a type of fire sprinkler system that requires a signal from a fire detection system before the sprinkler heads will discharge water. This helps to prevent accidental activation of the system.

According to a study by the National Fire Sprinkler Network, fire sprinklers are 99% effective at controlling and extinguishing fires. The same study also revealed that in homes fitted with sprinklers, fires result in only about a quarter of the damage compared to properties without sprinkler systems.

The installation of fire sprinklers in the UK is not mandatory by law for all buildings. However, there are certain circumstances where sprinklers are required or recommended:

• All new or converted blocks of flats that are 11 metres or higher must be fitted with fire sprinklers that conform to BS 9251:2021. This requirement applies to both residential and commercial flats.
• Businesses spanning 20,000 square metres or more (which are uncompartmented) are legally obligated to install a fire sprinkler system under UK Building Regulations Part B.
• Any UK business that employs more than five people (or that is open to the public) must complete a fire risk assessment by law. The assessment may recommend the installation of fire sprinklers, even if there are no legal or regulatory grounds for doing so.
• While not mandatory, fire sprinklers are often recommended for high-rise buildings, particularly those over 30 metres tall. This is due to the increased risk of fire spread in taller structures.
• Sprinklers may also be recommended for buildings with specific fire hazards, such as those with hazardous materials or high-occupancy spaces.

Some sprinkler systems are very well concealed. If you’re not sure whether your building has a fire sprinkler system, you can check the building’s fire protection plan or contact your building’s management company.

If you see a fire sprinkler discharging water, evacuate the building immediately and call the fire department. Don’t attempt to extinguish the fire yourself.

You can help maintain your fire sprinkler system by:

• Keeping the area around the sprinkler heads clear of obstructions
• Not painting or otherwise covering the sprinkler heads
• Reporting any leaks or damage to the sprinkler system immediately
• To get the fire sprinkler system serviced annually

In addition to having a fire sprinkler system, you can protect against fire by:

• Having a working fire alarm system
• Having a fire extinguisher in your home or office
• Practising fire drills with your family or employees
• Keeping flammable materials away from heat sources
• Being aware of the fire hazards in your home or office

By taking these steps, you can help to reduce your risk of fire and protect the people around you.

Absolutely. We’ll install the sprinkler pipework in the ceiling cavity, keeping the entire system discreet and out of mind until it’s needed. We’ll also make sure to use cover plates on the sprinkler heads that match the colour of your ceiling, so they seamlessly blend in and won’t take away from the aesthetic you’ve carefully crafted.

Our fire sprinkler specialists go through extensive training to make sure we maintain high safety and quality standards in all our installations. We’ve also received accreditations from several trusted third parties, like IFC, CHAS, and RSA, underscoring our dedication to excellence.

The cost of installing fire sprinklers varies depending on the size and complexity of the system. However, it’s typically less expensive than the cost of replacing the contents of a building after a fire. We can provide a more accurate quote once you get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.