Sprinklers the facts

• sprinklers are unreliable – every sprinkler head is individually tested: world records show that out of 16 million sprinklers installed every year, only 1 will fail

• sprinklers may go off accidentally –  the sprinkler discharge due to manufacturing defect is very unlikely at around 1 in 16 million – you have more chance of winning the national lottery jackpot
• sprinkler heads are intrusive – modern heads lie flush with the ceiling, beneath a barely visible cover plate, coloured to blend in with surrounding décor
• sprinklers are expensive – installed during new construction, sprinklers cost just 1% to 1.5% of the total build cost and residential sprinklers may be used as a compensatory feature in the absence of more traditional fire safety measures

In schools and non residential accommodation

In partnership with Hampshire County Council, we have designed an affordable, innovative and bespoke Asset Protection Sprinkler system for use in schools and other non residential premises.

In homes

Residential fire sprinklers are small. In fact, they fit in so well that you have to point them out for people to notice them. Average sized rooms may only need one sprinkler. They can be installed in ceilings or high on a wall and in some cases can be attached to the same water supply that feeds your home’s plumbing fixtures.

In historic or listed buildings

Traditionally fire protection of historic buildings has been largely based on structural fire protection, such as fire resisting walls, floors and ceilings and fire doors (with self closing devices).

Alternative protection, which could see the reduction of traditional fire protection, may be achieved by adopting a sprinkler system.

Partial systems may be used to cover higher risk areas of the building. Pre-action sprinkler systems remain dry until both smoke detection and sprinkler head are activated, virtually eliminating the chance of accidental discharge of water. In all historic buildings a fire risk assessment should carried out with prevention being the primary consideration.

In Houses in Multiple Occupation

Around 600 lives are lost each year to fire. The majority of these are likely to happen in rented accommodation and in particular Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO). A fire risk assessment should be carried out for all HMOs and prevention should be the primary consideration.

A suitably certificated residential sprinkler system, could allow design freedoms to the property, whether modifying or building a new property.

Given the design freedoms and a typical sprinkler installation cost of £2,500, a sprinklered system could be an innovative and cost-effective solution to all your fire safety needs.