MYTH: Firecat Fire Sprinklers put out Bushfires

FACT: It is important to know that the Firecat Home Fire Sprinkler System is an internal fire sprinkler system. This means that the sprinklers are installed in the home and will protect where they are installed. Recently there has been a wave of bushfires throughout Australia. This has made people more aware of the dangers of fires. However, we must remeber that as this is an internal system, it does not protect against external fires such as a bushfire.

MYTH: Fire sprinklers are designed to protect property, not save lives

FACT: Residential fire sprinkler are classified as 'life-safety' devices. In the United States, during the first fifteen years after passing the first home fire sprinkler ordinance, the city of Scottsdale, Arizona experienced no deaths in home fires where sprinklers were installed - but 13 deaths occurred in home fires where there were no sprinklers. Statistically, home fire sprinkler systems limit property damage as well.

MYTH: Fire sprinklers could ruin my house if they go off accidentally

FACT: The chances that a sprinkler will accidentally discharge due to a manufacturing defect are extremely rare - 1 in 16 million. Overall, sprinkler accidents are generally less likely and less severe than accidents involving plumbing systems.

MYTH: When a fire occurs every sprinkler in the house will activate

FACT: By design, only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate. Contrary to Hollywood movie scenes, all the sprinkler in a sprinkler system do not activate at once. When a fire sprinkler system activates, only the sprinkler that is closest to the fire discharges - and in 90% of cases, one sprinkler is sufficient to suppress a fire.

MYTH: A little fire or smoke damage is better than to have my whole house ruined my water damage if the sprinklers go off

FACT: A home fire sprinkler uses only 50-100 litres of water per minute and operates early in a fire. A house used by firemen flows about ten times that amount, 500-1,000 litres a minute. If sprinklers are not present, fires can burn for an additional 5-15 minutes until the fire brigade arrive. Two things happen to cause more damage than sprinklers. First, more of your possessions have been exposed to fire and smoke before the fire brigade intervene, and when the brigade attempt to supporess the fire, you have 10 times more water being applied to what possessions are remaining.

MYTH: Fire sprinklers are needed in a hotel or office building, but not in my home

FACT: Actually, you are at a much greater risk of being injured or killed in a home fire than in a hotel fire. In fact, on average, in the United States, 80% of all fire deaths occur where most people feel the safest, in their own home.

MYTH: Installing smoke detectors in my house should be enough to protect my home

FACT: Smoke alarms are excellent at detecting and alerting home owners, and they should be installed in every home. But they are limited in their fire safety effectiveness as they provide only a warning of a potential fire, what they cannot do is suppress a fire. That's where sprinkler systems excel, they immediately and effectively suppress a fire in its early stages, before it can become larger and more dangerous.

MYTH: Small things like buring a piece of toast could trigger my sprinkler system and ruin my home

FACT: Fire sprinklers are activated by high temperatures, not by smoke. Only a threatening fire can generate enough heat to operate a sprinkler. Buring toast and smoking cigarettes will not trigger a fire sprinkler, only the smoke detector.

MYTH: Fire sprinklers won't look nice in my beautiful home

FACT: Actually, most fire sprinklers are so small and unobtrusive, that you won;t notice them unless you are looking hard for them. Home sprinklers come in a wide range of colours and styles, ensuring that they will blend aesthically with any home decor. Feel free to call Firecat for more details or view sprinkler heads.

MYTH: Fire sprinklers are expensive

FACT: The cost of installing a fire sprinkler system can be from as little as $2,500. For less than the cost of other popular new home upgrades, a potentially life-saving sprinkler system can offer peace-of-mind and protect your family for many years to come.