Cost-benefit analysis

Brigades will need to be aware that justification for installing residential sprinklers may be required through a cost-benefit analysis. Issues to be considered may include highlighting the benefits to society of reducing the cost of 'after care' to fire victims provided by health authorities; reducing re-housing costs to local authorities for fire victims; reducing cost to the environment, etc.

Additional information can be obtained from the Residential Sprinkler Association.
Sir George Pigot Bt
Secretary General
Residential Sprinkler Association
Mill House
Mill Lane
Padworth
Reading
RG7 4JX
Tel: 0118 971 2322

Frequently asked questions

There are many misconceptions relating to sprinkler systems. Although no specific research has been done into the general public's view of residential sprinklers, we know anecdotally that people are concerned about installing sprinklers in their homes.
Concerns range from sprinklers being an ugly addition to the home, to sprinklers malfunctioning and activating when there is not a fire. This section provides answers commonly asked questions on the use of sprinklers in a domestic environment.

Do sprinklers go off accidentally?
It is possible for a sprinkler to discharge accidentally but it rarely happens. In fact, if a sprinkler is not subjected to freezing, overheating, or mechanical damage, statistics from the USA suggest only 1 in 16,000,000 sprinklers per year will open accidentally.

What about water damage?
Concerns over water damage due to fires in sprinklered buildings are often exaggerated. The amount of water which is put on a fire by fire brigade hoses in an unsprinklered building is nearly always 10 times more than that which sprinklers would have discharged. It is also true that if the fire is not controlled in its early stages, then greater damage will be done by the fire and the extinguishing of the fire by the fire brigade. During a fire, only sprinkler(s) closest to the fire activate, limiting the total amount of water needed to suppress a fire.

Aren't sprinklers ugly?
Owing to advances in sprinkler technology, sprinklers generally blend into the décor of a room. As with central heating, the pipes can be concealed behind ceilings, out of sight until needed to extinguish a fire. Sprinkler heads are also available in a range of colours and sizes.

Will special tanks and pumps be required?
Sprinklers are increasingly less demanding in terms of water flow. In most instances they operate from the domestic water supply and do not require any special water supplies or pumps. However, where water supplies are particularly poor, additional features such as water tanks and pumps may be necessary. (Continues on Page 5)  
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