F.A.Q:
Domestic Fire Sprinklers
The different issues surrounding the use of Domestic Fire Sprinkler systems.
1.
I don't have very good water pressure will I still be able to run a sprinkler system?
2.
What rooms should be protected by sprinklers in a domestic property?
3.
Can I run a sprinkler system straight from the mains?
4.
What does the term domestic occupancy cover?
5.
What do I get with a domestic sprinkler system?s
6.
What is covered in BS9251:2005?
7.
What standards do you work to?
8.
Will I need a smoke alarm aswell?
1. I don't have very good water pressure will I still be able to run a sprinkler system? - Top
We can design systems with a range of different water supplies where mains supply is not option.
* pressure tank or vessel
* water pump from stored water facility
* water pump from mains supply
* water pump from elevated cistern
* gravity fed from elevated custern
We can also offer a range eco-designed water harvesting options.
- Updated: October 9, 2009
2. What rooms should be protected by sprinklers in a domestic property? - Top
Sprinkler protection should be provided in all parts of the dwelling, although certian rooms are not required to be sprinklered:
* A bathroom less than 5m sq
* Cupboards and pantries less than 2 m sq.
* garages and out houses which are seperated from the main building by 30 minutes fire protection
* crawl spaces
It is also accepted by building regulations that a partial sprinkler system can be used to offer 30 min fire resistance, where more more traditional methods are not desired or inpractical.
- Updated: October 9, 2009
3. Can I run a sprinkler system straight from the mains? - Top
One of the first things we will do is to find out what the minimum mains pressure and cpapacity of the supply is in conjunction with the water undertaker.
In many 1 and 2 storey buildings mains pressure is sufficient to run a sprinkler system.
If it is not then our designers can incorporate a pump or tank or combination of the two into the design which will give the required pressure to operate the sprinkler system.
These are usually hidden away in cupboards or roof voids out of sight. - Updated: October 9, 2009
4. What does the term domestic occupancy cover? - Top
An individual dwelling for occupation as a single family unit used or constructed or adapted to be used wholly or principally for human habitation, such as individual dwelling houses, individual flats, maisonettes and transportable homes, with a maximum individual room size of 40m sq. - Updated: October 9, 2009
5. What do I get with a domestic sprinkler system?s - Top
* a water supply
* backflow prevention valve (check valve)
* stop valve
* priority demand valve (where required)
* automatic alarm system, internal & external
* pipework to quick response sprinklers
* sprinklers fitted in specified locations - Updated: October 9, 2009
6. What is covered in BS9251:2005? - Top
BS9251:2005 gives recommendations for the design, installation, components, water supplies, commissioning and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems in domestic & residential occupancies.
BS9251 supersedes DD 251:2000 which is withdrawn. - Updated: October 10, 2009
7. What standards do you work to? - Top
As a FIRAS member all NWFS Ltd work undertaken in domestic properties is carried out to BS 9251 with any deviation being fully authorised by building control.
We hold ISO9001 reg 182002
We are members of the industries regulatory bodys RSA & BAFSA.
We are pround of our active involvement in setting industry standards and government legislation, as members of The Residential Sprinkler Association and The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association. - Updated: October 10, 2009
8. Will I need a smoke alarm aswell? - Top
All of our sprinkler systems are fitted with audible alarms but YES you also need smoke detectors in place.
Sprinkler alarms are not activated by smoke only heat from an actual fire. They will only sound if there is sufficient heat to activate a sprinkler head. i.e. once a fire has started.
Smoke alarms sound when they detect smoke and give advance warning of an impending fire. e.g. an unattended chip pan, faulty electric equipment and also smouldering fires e.g. a carelessly disgarded cigarette end.
They give the oppertunity for additional escape time or intervention to prevent a fire from igniting - but only if the building is occupied.
- Updated: October 9, 2009
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