Planning, building and the environment

Residential sprinkler installation practice to maximise functionality and to prevent possible fire penetration: BD 2551

Published	30 November 2009
Type(s)	Research
Site	Planning, building and the environment
Product code	07HP05157
ISBN	9781409819820
Price	Free

Summary

This report describes a project commissioned by Communities and Local Government and undertaken by BRE. Evidence from a fire investigation conducted by BRE has shown that some installers, at the request of the relevant enforcers, 'box-in' sprinklers. Whilst this 'boxing-in' is provided to ensure that the integrity of fire compartmentation is not undermined, there was concern that such detailing could detrimentally affect the operational
performance of installed sprinkler heads.

This project was commissioned to address a lack of information concerning the installation practices adopted for residential sprinkler systems (in terms of any possible boxing-in arrangements) and a lack of guidance for installers, building control bodies and fire and rescue services on what might constitute unsafe practice in the context of fire growth and penetration.

The overall aim of this project is to provide new guidance on safe installation practices of residential sprinklers for installers, building control bodies and fire and rescue services, which maximises sprinkler functionality (operation and performance) and eliminates possible fire penetration.

Due to the file size of the main report. It has been split into two Adobe PDF documents. The first PDF covers the Executive Summary up to Appendix B (water distribution test results). The second report covers Appendix C (compartment integrity test results).

A guidance report can be found in the related publications section below.This guidance provides advice on the some of the more common situations and solutions that may need to be considered when considering the effect of services that penetrate ceilings, such as downlighters, ceiling speakers and sprinklers.

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Chapter 1 - Appendix B: Residential sprinkler installation practice to maximise functionality and to prevent possible fire penetration
PDF , 2192 kb , 102 pages
Appendix C: Residential sprinkler installation practice to maximise functionality and to prevent possible fire penetration
PDF , 7344 kb , 52 pages

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