Frequently Asked Questions

How do sprinklers operate?

Fire sprinklers are individually heat-activated and connected to a network of water pipes. When the heat from a fire raises the sprinkler to its operating temperature (usually about 170 deg. F), only that sprinkler activates delivering water directly to the source of the heat.

Why are sprinklers so effective?

All fires start small. If detected and tackled early enough a fire can be controlled with very little water. Fire sprinklers operate automatically, even if you are not home, releasing water directly over the source of the fire and sounding an alarm.

How reliable are sprinklers?

Records from Australia and New Zealand (where all fire must be reported) between 1986 and 1996 show that sprinklers controlled 99.7% of all fires where they were fitted.

Do sprinklers go off accidentally?

Records in service show that sprinklers are very dependable. The chance of a defective head is less than 16,000,000:1 - less than your chance of winning the Lottery! The chance of an accidental discharge is considerably less.

What about water damage?

Typically a sprinkler discharges 10gal/min. A fireman's hose on the other hand discharges 200+ gallons a minute. In general a sprinkler system will use between 1/100th and 1/1000th of the water used by the Fire Brigade

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Contact Information

Telephone 01635 827910

FAX 01635 827910

Postal address: 3 Grindle Close, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3PD

Electronic mail

General Information:malcolm.nimbus@ntlworld.com

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