Automatic sprinkling systems are now coming to homes. A system developed by Uponor is unique because it can be attached to the residential plumbing system.

Residential sprinkling, which brings additional time for rescuing, is aimed at making an impact on the grim statistics for fire fatalities. Most at risk in a fire are people who cannot themselves get out of the burning building. The reaction time is only three minutes.

“It has been estimated that almost all fire deaths could be avoided, if the residence were equipped with a fire alarm and sprinker,” says Kati Perttilä, the product manager.

Demand growing quickly

Perttilä says that Europe is only just waking up to the idea that sprinkling can be used primarily for protecting people. Traditionally it has been used for protecting property and even then mainly in office and industrial premises.

“In the United States and Canada residential sprinkling is in some cities compulsory,” Perttilä states.

The Uponor sprinkling system has been available in Finland for a couple of years. Demand is growing constantly in both the low-rise and special-residence sectors. The product has been patented in the United States under the name Aqua Safe.

Controlled by air temperature

In a low-rise building Uponor’s sprinkling system can be attached to the plumbing system. One nozzle covers some 24 square metres, so only a few are needed.

The sprinkler heads are protected by protective hoods that melt aesthetically into the ceiling. The pipework is invisible above the ceiling and quick to install. The equipment does not need a great deal of maintenance.

Installation is easiest in a new building or building where ceiling repairs are being carried out. The system is suited to low-rise and terraced housing and to special residential buildings such as service buildings, small care-institutions and accommodation facilities, and blocks of flats less than eight floors high.

Automatic extinguishing starts during a fire when the temperature rises above 68 degrees. The system reacts only to heat, so the sprinkler will not be triggered by tobacco smoke or the smoky smell coming from food.

>> www.uponor.fi

The automatic sprinkling system for homes reduces fire fatalities.
(Photo: Uponor)