Sprinkler systems

Some of our buildings have sprinkler systems installed. Sprinklers are widely recognised as the most effective method for controlling the spread of fire in the early stages.

Firefighters often use significantly more water from hoses to do the same job as a sprinkler.

A valuable item sprayed with sprinkler water during a fire can usually be recovered or restored. However, one that is severely burned and washed down the drain by a fire hose is a different matter.

If there is a fire, the water from one or two sprinklers is a small price to pay for saving a complete building, its contents, or even a life.

There are some common misconceptions about sprinklers. It is important that these sprinkler myths are dispelled.

Myths vs Facts

• Myth: In a fire, all the sprinkler heads go off together.
The truth: Only the sprinkler heads that are directly impacted by the fire will go off.

• Myth: Water from the sprinkler causes more damage than the fire.
The truth: Sprinklers attack the fire quickly and directly, so less water is needed. As they also activate the fire alarm, the flow can be quickly turned off when the fire is out.

• Myth: A smoke detector will always provide enough protection.
The truth: Working smoke detectors save lives, but they do nothing to put out a growing fire.

• Myth: Sprinklers go off by themselves.
The truth: It’s very unlikely for a sprinkler to fail, with chances of it happening at about 16 million to one.

• Myth: Sprinklers are ugly.
The truth: Modern sprinklers are compact, and, in most buildings, the public are usually unaware
that sprinklers are fitted.

• Myth: Sprinklers cause water damage
The truth: Claims about water damage from fires in buildings with sprinklers are usually exaggerated. Only the sprinklers directly over a fire will activate, while the others remain closed. It’s very rare for a sprinkler to open by accident.