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 the fire plumes hot gases reach the sprinkler and at a specific temperature (usually about 68 deg. C) that sprinkler activates delivering water directly to the source of the heat.

Why are sprinklers so effective?
A fire starts 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 at home releasing water directly over the source of the fire and sounding the alarm.

How reliable are sprinklers?
Records from Australia and New Zealand (where all fires must be reported) between 1886 and 1986 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 an accidental discharge is 16000000:1 - less than your chance of winning the lottery!