FAQ

  • Sprinkler systems are under the same pressure as the plumbing system but are tested at 2-3 times higher pressure during installation.

  • A sprinkler activates during the early stages of a fire before Fire & Protective Services arrives.
  • A sprinkler keeps the fire from spreading and widespread water damage is avoided.
  • A sprinkler controls a fire with a tiny fraction of the water used Fire & Protective Services hoses.
  • Fire hoses typically discharge about 900 litres of water per minute versus a sprinkler head discharge of 50 to 60 litres of water per minute.

  • When homes are under construction or being remodeled, a home sprinkler system requires minimal extra piping and labor.

  • Modern sprinkler fixtures come in colours to match ceiling and wall colours and can be mounted flush with walls to be concealed.
  • Just like regular plumbing, pipes can be hidden behind ceilings or walls.

  • Actual cost of installing sprinklers is much lower than most people think, often only 3% or less of the cost of a typical new home.
  • Residential fire sprinklers last for the life of the house and may save your life.
  • The use of plastic pipe has decreased installation costs in new home construction as well as the cost of ret­rofit in existing dwellings.

  • The odds of accidental activation are 1 in 16 million.
  • Sprinkler mishaps are generally less likely and less severe than accidents involving home plumbing systems.

  • Each sprinkler is individually activated by heat. Smoke does not trigger the sprinklers.
  • Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire.
  • The rest of the sprinklers will not activate unless there is also a fire in that location.
  • Single sprinklers can contain the fire of 90% of all home fires in just seconds.

  • Smoke alarms warn occupants of a fire; sprinklers can extinguish it in its initial stage.
  • The age groups most susceptible to fire death, the very young and the elderly, are often unable to react even if the smoke alarm activates.
  • It is important to recognize the need for multiple approaches to fire safety.