Yes, however this does increase installation time and can require other works such as re decoration, plastering or boxings in to mention a few which would not be part of our work.
This is a common question that we have Hollywood to blame for! The heads used for domestic and residential systems are individually heat sensitive using either a bulb or fusible link which will pop or melt when reaching a temperature of 74 DC this also answers the other question of ‘will they go off if I burn the toast?’ Only if the toaster is on fire!
Yes, smoke detection should always be the first line of defence. Good smoke detection systems will go off as an early warning enabling evacuation or potential to preventing ignition.
Yes, it is recommended that sprinklers systems are checked annually. This is to ensure they still perform as designed. Anything installed to BS9251 should have a system data label which informs the person testing what the system design flow and pressures are. If these are not met it could affect the operation of the system.
Residential and domestic sprinklers systems are permanently charged with water, the sprinkler heads are made up of a plug, a bulb/ fusible link, a deflector plate and a cover plate. As the heat builds near to a sprinkler head it must reach 57oc + before the cover plate falls away revealing the sprinkler head. As the temperature increases further to 68oc + the bubble in the bulb expands breaking the glass or the solder melts on the fusible link (depending on the head type) releasing the plug and allowing the water to flow. Sprinkler for this application are mechanically heat activated only so false alarms do not happen.
The system is only as reliable as its supply, if that’s a mains fed system it relies on a mains water supply which can be interrupted. It is an accepted supply type in the British standard because we are fortunate enough in Britain to have reliable water supplies. This does not mean when commissioned the system will always work as designed as things can change. That is why it is best practice to have a system checked at least once a year. With pump and tank systems these are reliant on a power supply again the British standard recognises that we have reliable services. It is the responsibility of the designer to establish the most reliable system and look at safeguarding these with monitoring systems or backup supplies where required.
This is something that you would have to discuss with your Building Maintenance Provider or Insurer.
Domestic and Residential sprinkler systems are designed as life safety systems.
If sprinklers activate because of a fire they will cause far less damage than an uncontrolled fire and measurably less than the fire brigade. 1 sprinkler head active will use 50 litres of water a minute as a guide. 1 fire hose can use up to 1200 litres of water a minute.