In 2025, BSI released BS EN 14972-17:2025 which introduced a new testing regime for watermist systems. This new standard supersedes BS 8458, which has now been formally withdrawn, marking a significant change for designers, installers, manufacturers and building owners.
BS EN 14972-17 was developed as part of the wider European standard EN 14972, Fixed firefighting systems — Water mist systems, which covers test protocols across 17 different usage areas. Part 17 specifies fire testing requirements for water mist systems used for fire protection of domestic and residential occupancies up to a maximum ceiling height of 5.5m.
The standard applies to a wide range of residential occupancies, including:
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Family dwellings and houses
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Bed and breakfast accommodation
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Apartments and blocks of flats
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Care homes
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Small hotels or hostels
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Residential areas in hotel bedrooms and guest corridors
In this webinar, George Edwardes, FPA Technical Director, and Isabel Elswood, FPA Suppression Manager, will:
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Provide an overview of BS EN 14972-17 and where it applies
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Explain the fire testing process and how systems are assessed
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Explain how the classification works and how designers can interpret the data
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Highlight the key differences between BS EN 14972-17 and the withdrawn BS 8458
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Compare the differences between watermist systems and traditional sprinkler systems
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Explore the implications for existing installations, including whether a previously tested systems may need to be retested
Learning objectives
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
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Explain what BS EN 14972-17 covers, where it applies within residential occupancies, and how it differs from the outgoing BS 8458 standard.
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Understand how the fire testing methodology works, how system classifications are derived, and how designers can correctly interpret and apply the resulting data in real projects.
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Assess how BS 14972-17 compares with existing standards and traditional sprinkler approaches, and determine whether existing watermist systems may require retesting or reassessment.
CPD
Attendees who attend for the duration can claim 1 hour of FPA CPD or up to 1 CPD hour towards the CII/Personal Finance Society member CPD scheme (selection to be made during the registration process).