These can be an expensive addition to your home but will add considerable protection to a
well prepared property. Whilst computerised sprinkler systems are available, the majority
rely on manual operation.
Effective sprinkler systems must meet the following criteria:
The ideal sprinkler is a metal butterfly type which overlaps and covers the total
roof area plus 10m from the walls of the house. Ground or fence mounted
impact drive sprinklers may be needed to cover the 10m around the house.
Place sprinklers approximately 10m apart.
Use metal pipes and sprinkler heads. Plastic pipe should be 40cm below the
ground if used as it may melt in a fire.
Place sprinkler heads along gutters, walls and ridge capping and under eaves,
decks and flooring. Using only ridge cap sprinklers may not be effective in the
high winds associated with bad fire days.
To ensure sufficient water pressure, roof mounted sprinklers need a 38mm
output centrifugal pump, close coupled to a 2.6 kilowatt petrol or diesel motor
which will run up to 10 sprinklers. For more sprinklers, use a 3.7 kilowatt motor
with the same pump.
Protect pump from aerial ignition with a screen.
Each sprinkler puts out approximately 15 litres of water per minute. A reserve
water supply of 22000 - 25000 litres is needed to run a system for an average
house for three hours. As mains water supply could be lost during a fire this
must be an independent supply. This should protect the home from the
beginning of ember attack until the fire has passed.
Supplementary water supply
A supplementary water supply is needed not only for sprinkler systems, but for hoses
when connected to petrol or diesel pumps.
During a fire, water pressure is likely to be lost and an independent water supply will be
necessary to extinguish spot fires. Water tanks, dams or swimming pools are ideal for this
purpose.
You can find more information on bushfire protection at
BushFire Safety
