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. This is in accordance with the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinklers 2015 (the UK’s most significant sprinkler installation standard) incorporating BS EN 12845, Clause 20, Annex K and LPC Technical Bulletin TB203.
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.
The number of sprinkler heads to be removed for testing is detailed in TB203.3.9.3:
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.
Following an update in December 2024, TB203 incorporates the following commentary:
The number and locations of installed sprinklers to be removed and tested should be agreed with the insurers in advance of any works being undertaken. Sprinkler heads that are observed by visual inspection to have been leaking through the waterway shall be considered unfit for service. All heads showing signs of leakage should be replaced.
Function test failures shall be considered serious failures. In such cases, all heads in an installation representative of those which failed should be replaced. Until this replacement programme has been completed the system shall be considered impaired. The parties (i.e. insurers) and authorities concerned shall be notified and appropriate interim fire safety precautions may need to be taken.
The significance of all other failures varies dependent upon many factors, for example: the original design of the sprinkler heads, the magnitude of the failure, and the nature of the risk to be protected. The appropriate remedial action shall be agreed in consultation with the building owner, occupier(s) and the authorities.
Failures observed in approved products should always be brought to the attention of the approving bodies. The FPA is also interested in monitoring such occurrences in support of continuous improvement. As such we would appreciate receiving notifications of product failures, with as much detail as possible, by email to sprinklers@thefpa.co.uk.
How can the FPA help
To find out more about how we can assist you with ensuring your sprinkler system is working as it should, please complete the form below, email sprinklers@thefpa.co.uk, or call 01608 812 508.