BS 9251 is the main British Standard covering fire sprinklers in this country. BS 9251 gives guidance for the design, installation, components, water supplies and back flow protection, commissioning, maintenance and testing of fire sprinkler systems installed for life safety purposes with additional benefits for property protection in residential and domestic occupancies.
The actual conception of a fire sprinkler system was considered by an English inventor, Sir William Congreve, back in 1812. However the world would have to wait until 1874 until the first automatic fire sprinkler system was fitted by American Henry S. Parmalee. Since then fire sprinkler systems have developed, evolved and become more standardised especially in terms of their design, installation and commission.
Taking many aspects from the long established American NFPA fire design codes significant inroads were made in the UK fire sprinkler market with the publication of a full set of British Standards for fire sprinklers in 2004 and 2005. After some 18 months of deliberation these were updated to become BS9251 : 2014. Which came into force on the 31/10/14. There were noticeable changes throughout with a greater emphasis on consultation with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ’s) to asses risk, run times and design/ discharge density. Previously there were 2 categories of Domestic, and Residential. This became 3 categories numbered 1-3 (see below). Each system is bespoke to the risks including building design or intended inhabitants.
Specifically for domestic and residential fire sprinkler installations. This standard sets the minimum requirements for the design, installation and commission of a fire sprinkler system.
BS 9251 specifies the design, installation, components, water supplies and backflow protection, commissioning, maintenance, and testing of fire sprinkler systems installed in residential and domestic premises. BS 9251 is applicable for sprinkler protection of domestic and residential premises and contains specific recommendations for sprinkler systems in those premises of more than four stories or above 18 m in height, whichever is the lower.
Note: In buildings where there is a mix of both residential, non-residential and commercial use, it is generally appropriate to protect the residential parts using BS 9251 and the non-residential parts using BS EN 12845.
Covers: Single family dwelling such as individual dwelling house, individual flat / maisonette / transportable home. Houses of multiple occupation (HMO’s). Bed and breakfast accommodation / boarding house. Blocks of flats 18m or less in height and maximum total floor area of less than 2400m2.
Covers: Blocks of flats less than18m in height, small residential care premises with 10 or less residents and sheltered and extra care housing.
Covers: Residential care with more than 10 residents, dormitories (educational) and hostels.
Covers: Blocks of flats 18m and above.
BS 9251 is the only design standard which Ultrasafe apply for domestic and residential properties which have a pump and tank fire sprinkler system or town mains water fed sprinkler system.
16-10-2023
High Rise = High Risk While there is currently no mandate to retrofit sprinkler systems in existing high-rise buildings, the fire risk remains significant, potentially even greater than in new constructions. High-rise fires pose unique challenges, often being more intricate for responding firefighters compared to fires in typical residential properties....
Read More17-08-2023
In light of recent tragic fire incidents that have claimed lives and wrought havoc in communities, a mounting collective voice is urging for alterations in building safety regulations. Fire safety experts, policymakers, and community leaders are rallying behind the demand to enforce the installation of fire sprinklers more widely in...
Read More15-03-2023
Fire Sprinkler Servicing Requirements Fire Sprinkler systems installed in accordance with BS9251:2021 are designed and installed as a measure for the protection of life in the event of a fire. Ensuring that the sprinkler system is maintained and fit for purpose when needed to detect and protect against fire 24...
Read More29-06-2021
Re-fit of Water Mist System at Grosvenor Gardens, London When installing a fire sprinkler system in an office space, Ultrasafe give consideration to the material the building is made from, the layout of the building and to the occupants. This helps determine how many fire sprinkler heads will be needed...
Read More10-10-2020
There are two British Standards for sprinkler systems in operation: BS 9251:2021 – Sprinkler Systems for Residential and Domestic Occupancies. (formerly BS 9251: 2014) BS EN 12845:2004 – Fixed Fire Fighting Systems. Automatic Sprinkler Systems. Design, Installation and Maintenance. If you would like to read more about BS 9251 or read more about the product requirements for...
Read More07-09-2020
Domestic or Residential Property? A domestic property in BS 9251:2005 is defined as dwelling that has no more than one family unit. This could be a house, individual flats and maisonettes. BS 9251:2005 requires that a sprinkler system must be designed to ensure that two sprinkler heads can be fed by...
Read MoreUltrasafe, Unit 1 Bowlings Corner, Marley Lane, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0RE
U2 Farriers Court, Horsefair Green, Thorne, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK, DN8 5EE
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