The LWF Blog
Fire Safety Engineering for Design – Sprinkler Systems – Part 241
June 30, 2025 9:40 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 240, LWF talked about recycling installations and deluge installations. In part 241, we will look at the various components that make up a sprinkler system.
A sprinkler system is comprised of many different parts and components. Standard items like pipes, stop valves, fittings etc. are usually referred to in the codes by a recognised national or international standard so the customer can be sure of an adequate quality standard.
Other components are often tested and approved by a recognised third-party testing facility, these are likely to be items such as (as per BS EN 12845) :
- Alarm valves
- Accelerators and exhausters
- Deluge valves
- Adjustable drop pipes
- Direct-reading flow meters
- Multiple controls
- Pipe couplings and fittings
- Pre-action systems
- Electrical alarm pressure switches
- Sprinkler heads
- Suction tanks
- Vortex inhibitors
- Water flow alarm switches
- Water sprayers and systems
- Fire pumps
The components of a sprinkler system should be fit for purpose and of a substantial quality to ensure the system will achieve suitable longevity and operate correctly in fire conditions.
The intended use of a building and its anticipated lifespan will have an impact on the components used for a sprinkler system. For example, the pipework of a sprinkler system permanently charged with water will corrode more slowly than an alternate wet and dry system. The use of unprotected steel pipe may limit the life of alternate wet and dry systems to 20 years or less. In such circumstances, galvanised pipe may be considered appropriate and would extend the life of the pipework.
Some modern systems are now using plastic pipes and fittings (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, CPVC). CPVC is designed to withstand high heat and flames without melting easily. The formulation allows the pipework to char on the outer surface when exposed to fire which forms a thermal barrier protecting the pipe interior and enabling water flow to be maintained. CPVC pipework is especially useful when retrofitting domestic and residential buildings as it is lightweight and easy to install.
In part 242 of LWF’s series on fire engineering we will continue to discuss pipework and components of sprinkler systems and their suitability for use in different scenarios. 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.