The LWF Blog
Fire Safety Engineering for Design – Sprinkler Certification & Contractors – Part 265
December 15, 2025 11:43 amLWF’s Fire Safety Engineering blog series is written for Architects, building designers and others in the construction industry to highlight and promote discussion on all topics around fire engineering. In part 264, LWF discussed domestic/residential sprinkler systems and also touched on the installation of sprinkler systems in schools. In part 265, we talk about third-party certification and approved contractors for sprinkler system installations.
The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) runs a voluntary scheme for the registration of new sprinkler systems, constructed and installed to a recognised standard. The scheme is LPS 1048 and the loss prevention standard can be accessed online (PDF)
Any companies listed under the LPS 1048 scheme will be assessed to ISO 9001: Quality management systems. The contractors working within the scheme are listed according to four different approval levels which indicates the level of LPCB supervision necessary and the contractor’s ability to issue certificates. Further, there are five different categories of work type.
Third party accreditation and certification schemes are an industry accepted method of demonstrating the appropriateness of systems, materials and specifications. Where accreditation is required or desired, this should be discussed thoroughly with the relevant stakeholders and with the agreed accreditation body/scheme, so the details can be laid out fully and agreed upon.
It may be that a sprinkler system design and installation contains ‘non-standard’ elements which make the system more suitable for the premises in which it will operate. The facility to be able to recognise and schedule these areas is an important part of the service. A schedule of non-conformities may be provided in the certification details.
A sprinkler system may not have a certificate of conformity from any of the above-mentioned organisations, however, that does not necessarily mean it is not appropriate for use. Providing the AHJ (authorities having jurisdiction) are in agreement with the features of the sprinkler protection, it is safe to proceed.
Third-party accreditation is not obligatory, but is a desirable situation and one which, in the future, may become standardised.
In part 266 of LWF’s series on fire engineering we will begin to talk about a different kind of fire suppression system – foam systems. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this blog, or wish to discuss your own project with one of our fire engineers, please contact us.
Lawrence Webster Forrest has been working with their clients since 1986 to produce innovative and exciting building projects. If you would like further information on how LWF and fire strategies could assist you, please contact the LWF office on 0800 410 1130.
While care has been taken to ensure that information contained in LWF’s publications is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of this information.