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# External water spray system
An external water spray system (EWSS) is a domestic external fire sprinkler system designed to protect homes from bushfires and wildfires. While external spray systems have long been used in fire protection for buildings and facilities, EWSS refers to domestic bushfire/wildfire systems.
== Usage ==
The types of systems vary greatly from a single impact sprinkler placed on a roof, systems installed during construction with sprays on all windows and doors, and small sprays damping gutters. Some are installed using copper piping and sprays while others use common PVC piping.
Usage depends on type of risk and belief of effectiveness. Copper piping is used to withstand high temperatures that may be experienced during a fire front or for higher reliability for in ceiling installations. External PVC piping is used where failure with exposure to high radiant heat is acceptable, as at the time the system is considered have "done its job". This is a matter of personal judgment.
== Issues ==
There is a lack of scientific research regarding EWSS. Other issues that may affect the effectiveness of an EWSS:
Sprinkler performance in high wind conditions typical in a bushfire
Home design
High vulnerability areas. e.g. decking
Garden beds near walls
Window sills
Large windows (heat radiation)
Internal furnishings (e.g. curtains)
Home location
Slope
Surrounding vegetation
If defended by occupiers
Preparation (if prepared for defense)
If intended for remote (unattended) defense
Available water supply
Ember attack
Fire front (radiant heat)
Adjacent building or vegetation fire
== Types ==
Roof impact sprinkler
Gutter sprays
Window spray / deluge
Commercial sprays designed for EWSS are available, but most systems use commonly available irrigation sprinklers/sprays.
== Research ==
External spray systems for buildings are well documented for protection from fires in adjacent buildings. However, up there is little published scientific research on scientific information pertaining to the effectiveness of EWSS under varying wildfire conditions.
== See also ==
Active fire protection
Passive fire protection
Fire protection
Fire protection engineering
Architectural engineering
== References ==
- [[Professional Practice/Codes & Standards/National Building Code of India/Part 06 - Structural Design/Section 7B - Systems Building]]
- [[Professional Practice/Codes & Standards/National Building Code of India/Part 09 - Plumbing Services/Section 1 - Water Supply]]
- [[Building Construction/Specifications and Detailing/Waterproofing Details]]
- [[Building Construction/Structural Systems/Foundation Systems]]
- [[Building Construction/Structural Systems]]
- [[Building Services/Building Systems]]
- [[Building Services/Electrical Systems]]
- [[Building Services/Fire Protection Systems]]
- [[Building Services/HVAC Systems]]
- [[Environmental Design/Green Building Rating Systems]]
== External links ==
National Fire Sprinkler Association
British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association