The main cause of fatalities in dwelling fires is carelessness with hot substances, including smoking materials, accounting for 32% of deaths. It should be noted that 82% of households in the UK are equipped with smoke detection and that only 13% of the dwelling fires were discovered by smoke alarms.
In recent years residential sprinkler systems have been seen as one way to safeguard the vulnerable members of society from fire. Copper has a well established reputation as a pipework material being easily jointed, light in weight, capable of withstanding high temperature, delivering required flow rates, durable and reliable. |
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Homes protected by copper fire sprinkler systems offer peace of mind to the occupants as, in the event of a fire breaking out, the sprinkler system will tackle the fire in its initial stages, buying valuable escape time, prior to the arrival of the Fire Brigade.
Copper is the ideal choice for pipework in domestic and residential properties for all the same reasons that it is used for the cold and hot water services:
- Copper tube has a proven ability to transport water around homes.
- Copper pipework can be quickly and neatly joined using either soldered joints or the new copper push-fit and press fittings.
- The ease with which joints of all kinds can be formed is a distinct advantage when space is limited.
- Purpose made tube bends can be used to reduce the pressure losses in the pipework.
- The lightness of copper and its rigidity make it easy to install in confined spaces and means relatively few hangers and supports for straight pipe runs.
- Copper has excellent corrosion resistance to atmosphere and water and this leads to a long maintenance-free installation life.
- Copper is 100% recyclable, ad infinitum, and so has excellent ecodesign credentials.
Publications and Software
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 download pdf
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 download software
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 webcast
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To see all publications and software for copper tube applications, click here.
For available publications and software on fire sprinkler systems, click here. |
Domestic Fire Sprinkler Systems
This presentation shows why and where sprinklers are being specified, why copper is the material of choice and how to design and install systems.
Play webcast  (18 mins)
Download zip file  (5MB)
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Pub 125 Copper Fire Sprinkler Systems for Residential and Domestic Properties  
This design and installation book gives information on water supplies, systems components and materials, hydraulic calculations, pipework installation, system commissioning, maintenance and documentation. 1997. 14pp.
Pub 147 Copper Residential Sprinkler Systems for Life Safety & Property Protection
This leaflet describes the sprinkler protection installed in 212 properties at Studley Green, a £10 million project to redevelop the pre-cast reinforced concrete former Council properties on the Studley Green estate. 2001.4pp.
UK Copper Board Website 
The UK Copper Board website provides industry news and the latest technical information on heating, plumbing and fire sprinkler system design, installation and maintenance, for plumbers, plumbing lecturers and student plumbers.
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