Sprinkler Issue?

[Psuedonym]

Just an observation really this one;

I recently carried out some extinguisher/signage work within a "top" hotel chain and upon leaving one site noted that the Reception was undergoing a refurb. All well and good except I noted a sprinkler head fitted above and pointed directly at a huge chandalier situated above the main entry/ exit door. The head was a 180 degree type. If there was a fire situation and the sprinkler activated what would be the outcome re electricity flow through the water down to earth directly over the main entrance and natural exit for staff/guests?
Are the FA panels programmed to automatically shut off electricity to aviod this issue i.e linked with the flood systems and power supplies?
The maintenance staff thought not in this instance and are to look into it, but I wondered: is this a common issue overlooked by designers etc or me just ignorant of these systems?

[Chris Houston]

By the time the sprinkler system has activated, the conditions within most rooms will be untenable anyway.  For the sprinkler to have activated in the lobby, there would be a fire in the lobby and the people will be exiting elsewhere.

When the fire brigade arrive, they won't hesitate to squirt lots of water into rooms, with or without electrical appliances in them.

In an ideal world, fire alarms will shut off gas supplies and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, but are very unlikely to shut down the electrics.

[kurnal]

Yes I agree with Chris, there is little risk from electricity as the protective devices - mcbs and or rcds will do their jobs if there is a significant  wetting, the water will mostly be in a spray and less likely to give a fully conductive path, even as it drips off the chandalier the force of the spray fron the sprinkler head will more than likely break iup any  continuous streams. The fitting itself should be earthed anyway.

If the sprinkler head has operated nobody is likely to go that way- they will most likely use the alternatives. Usually only the one or two heads in the immediate vicinity of the fire operate.

[Psuedonym]

Ok, cheers guys.

[Chris Houston]

Yes, it is important to remember that only the heads above the fire operate, not the whole lot in one go.

[Psuedonym]

Yes, it is important to remember that only the heads above the fire operate, not the whole lot in one go.

I appreciate not all the system is activated, just zoned or specific heads depending upon risk, etc. But my immediate concern was with a possible electrical hazard created from the fire protection system design, however I also appreciate the safety measures built in any electrical system.
It was just an odd thing to see a water supply above an electrical supply above a reception lobby.
Thanks again.