Sprinkler systems are designed and installed to prevent the unexpected. This report is intended as an aid to understanding fire sprinkler installations and the LPC Rules to which they are designed. It explains the engineering behind the rules and regulations and some common misunderstandings about sprinkler systems. The exacting standards for designing and installing sprinkers are sometimes seen as excessive and inflexible, but the history of real fire events upon which the standards are based should never be ignored.

Illustrations
13 line drawings, 15 photos

Pages: 48

Contents

• Foreword
• 1 Introduction
• 2 How a sprinkler system works and what it is expected to do
• 3 Why sprinklers are installed (To meet building control or other authority requirements. To meet insurers’ requirements. To meet the risk management requirements of the business/ property. Property protection versus life safety. Domestic and residential sprinklers. Sprinkler protection of schools)
• 4 Extent of sprinkler protection
• 5 Hazard classification
• 6 Special classes of sprinkler system (Early suppression fast response. Enhanced protection extended coverage sprinkler protection)
• 7 Types of sprinkler system and controls (Wet installations. Alternate wet and dry installations. Dry installations. Tail-end alternate systems. Pre-action installations. Deluge installations. System zones)
• 8 Water supplies
• 9 Sprinkler types (Conventional and spray type sprinklers. Ceiling, recessed and concealed type sprinklers. Side wall type sprinklers. ESFR sprinklers. EPEC sprinklers)
• 10 Pipework arrangements (Configurations. Pipework. Pipe sizing. Flexible pipework connections. Pipe supports. Pipework life expectancy. Microbiological issues)
• 11 Interaction with detection and alarm systems (Detection and actuation. Electrical supervision)
• 12 Other design standards (Recognised international standards. Comparison between LPC and NFPA)
• 13 Installers and installation (Installers and selection. Reliable installation of sprinkler systems. Testing and commissioning
• Certification)
• 14 Service and maintenance (Operation and servicing. Hazard verification. Records. Record drawings and documentation. Operating and maintenance manuals)
• 15 Changes of use (Change in risk. Change in hazard classification. Notification of changes)
• 16 Approvals (Listing of sprinkler products. Listed products. Listed installers. Variance in standards, listings and approvals)
• References