The LWF Blog

Fire Safety Engineering for Design – Sprinkler Installation Planning – Part 243

July 14, 2025 10:28 am

LWF’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 242, LWF looked at pipework and the components of sprinkler systems and their usability in different scenarios. In part 243, we begin to discuss installation planning for sprinkler protection.

There are some important considerations when approaching the planning of a sprinkler installation, the neglect of which could cause the fitting of an inappropriate system and the potential for additional danger and damage from a fire, among other issues.

It is essential that the sprinkler system chosen and installed meets the needs of the risk identified and is suitable for controlling an outbreak of fire in the premises.

In addition, as well as meeting the needs of the building’s current occupier and usage, it is important to consider potential future uses of the building and how the sprinkler system would meet future occupant needs.

The current owner/occupier will have their own risk profile and needs when it comes to fire suppression, but there are other perspectives that must be taken into account, for example, the local authority, fire insurers and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ). There may be local and national bylaws that must be observed too.

The sprinkler system should form an integrated part of the overall construction, fire detection and fire-fighting and means of escape strategies for the premises. The system should also be integrated as closely as possible with the fabric of the building and other building services, attention paid to this element will bear fruit in terms of aesthetics.

For every consideration to be taken into account, consultation with all relevant parties should be completed at the earliest possible stage along with the involvement of the fire engineer. This will allow for the input gained to be utilised when aspects such as building construction, space planning and space for services may still be influenced. Aspects such as water drainage after sprinkler operation, as well as the potential for damage to the system (through vandalism or accident) should be considered and mitigated at the design stage as much as possible. Contingency plans for all eventualities should be prepared.

In part 244 of LWF’s series on fire engineering we will continue looking at what is involved in sprinkler installation planning. 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.