Sprinkler Head Testing
Market leading sprinkler head testing
When it comes to fire control, commercial sprinkler systems are the most effective solution and form part of many buildings’ fire safety strategy. These sprinkler systems have a long lifespan, and so need to be maintained and tested in accordance with the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinklers 2015 incorporating BS EN 12845, Clause 20, Annex K and LPC Technical Bulletin TB203.
The Fire Protection Association (FPA) is the market leader for sprinkler head testing and has conducted thousands of tests in our purpose-built sprinkler head laboratory. We also provide an inspection service for sprinkler pipework.
Why do sprinkler heads need to be tested?
- Over time sprinkler heads can develop defects such as damaged parts, build-up or corrosion known as loading, which can impact the effectiveness of the system in the event of a fire
- Getting your sprinkler heads tested is recommended as best practice in the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinklers
- Improves the upkeep of systems
- May help to reduce insurance premiums or cover (depending on the insurer), if cared for in accordance with LPC Technical Bulletin TB203
Benefits of using the Fire Protection Association:
Detailed reports and excellent turnaround times
Our in-depth reports provide customers with all the necessary information to share with clients including sprinkler system test data and critical photographs. This is especially beneficial if further funding is required to replace sprinkler systems. We aim to turnaround reports within 6-8 weeks.
Competitive prices
As the FPA is a not-for-profit business, we can price our service very competitively. We believe all commercial buildings should be fitted with fire sprinkler systems and that’s why we make it affordable to test that your sprinkler heads are working as they should. We even provide prepaid boxes for customers to send the sprinkler heads to us.
As a result of the changes to the requirements set out in TB203, from 1 January 2025 the way we charge for our sprinkler head testing service is as follows:
| Number of sprinklers to be inspected |
Price |
| A minimum of 10 sprinkler heads of each different type/location |
£790.00 + VAT |
| A minimum of 50 sprinkler heads of each different type/location |
£3,950.00 + VAT |
TB203 requirements
From January 2025, TB203 specifies that the minimum number of sprinkler heads that need to be tested will vary depending on the site and the differing environmental conditions across the premises through which the sprinkler system is installed. However, the number and location of installed sprinklers to be removed and tested should be agreed with an insurer in advance of any works being undertaken.
Light/Ordinary Hazard occupancies (offices, schools, retail etc):
- Where there are different types of sprinkler heads installed on the system (or different environments) which have been in service for 25 years, a minimum of 10 sprinkler heads of each different type/location shall be removed from the installed system and tested.
- Sprinklers from the spares cabinet that are 25 years or more from the date of manufacture shall be replaced with new.
- Where there are less than 10 sprinklers of a single type that are over 25 years, these shall be replaced with new.
High Hazard Storage and Process occupancies:
- Where there are different types of sprinkler heads installed on the system (or different environments) which have been in service for 25 years, a minimum of 50 sprinkler heads of each different type/location shall be removed and tested.
- Sprinklers from the spares cabinet that are 25 years or more from the date of manufacture shall be replaced with new.
- Where there are less than 10 sprinklers of a single type that are over 25 years, these shall be replaced with new.
Download our fire research and testing brochure.
Download our sprinkler head testing information form.