- Author
- Duncan, C. R. | Wade, C. A. | Saunders, N. M.
- Title
- Cost Effective Domestic Fire Sprinkler Systems.
- Coporate
- Building Research Association of New Zealand, Judgeford
- Report
- Fire Research Report Number 1, August 2000, 134 p.
- Distribution
- FOR MORE INFORMATION on PDF file CONTACT: Website: http://www.fire.org.nz/more_ info/reports/fund/reports/Report_1.htm
- Keywords
- sprinkler systems | cost effectiveness | design applications | statistics | codes | standards | case hsitories | risk assessment | computer models | cost benefit analysis
- Identifiers
- experimental data from residential sprinkler tests; low-cost domestic sprinkler system
- Abstract
- The objective of this project was to propose an inexpensive domestic fire sprinkler system design, with supporting information about its effectiveness in reducing loss of life, injury and property damage due to fires in houses. This report outlines a low-cost, multi-purpose sprinkler system that fulfils these objectives in a more cost-effective manner than the systems presently available. The proposed sprinkler system varies from the requirements of the current New Zealand Standard, NZS 4515:1995 Fire Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies (including Private Dwellings) in that it is not a stand-alone system, rather it is integrated with the domestic plumbing. The system omits sprinkler heads from the bathroom, toilet, wardrobe/cupboard spaces and ceiling cavity. Almost 90% of fatal fires originate in bedrooms, lounge/dining and kitchens. Installation is by approved plumbers or sprinkler contractors and the system requires no control valveset or backflow prevention. The system does not have a sprinkler operating alarm, but does recommend the installation of smoke alarms to provide early warning of the fire and no specifications for annual maintenance. The objective of this project was to propose an inexpensive domestic fire sprinkler system design, with supporting information about its effectiveness in reducing loss of life, injury and property damage due to fires in houses. This report outlines a low-cost, multi-purpose sprinkler system that fulfils these objectives in a more cost-effective manner than the systems presently available. The proposed sprinkler system varies from the requirements of the current New Zealand Standard, NZS 4515:1995 Fire Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies (including Private Dwellings) in that it is not a stand-alone system, rather it is integrated with the domestic plumbing. The system omits sprinkler heads from the bathroom, toilet, wardrobe/cupboard spaces and ceiling cavity. Almost 90% of fatal fires originate in bedrooms, lounge/dining and kitchens. Installation is by approved plumbers or sprinkler contractors and the system requires no control valveset or backflow prevention. The system does not have a sprinkler operating alarm, but does recommend the installation of smoke alarms to provide early warning of the fire and no specifications for annual maintenance. The total cost of installing this system into a simple, single-level three-bedroom new house was found to be approximately $1000. Cost-benefit analysis showed the proposed system achieves a cost per life saved competitive with that of domestic smoke alarms, however it would be more effective in saving lives and property. The cost per life saved was found to be less than $900,000.