Automatic fire sprinkler systems: A good practice guide
BRE is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries. Its activities include; consultancy, research and innovation, testing, certification, approvals, training, events and accreditation.
Automatic fire sprinkler systems: A good practice guide was published by BRE on 10 June 2009. It was written by C Williams.
Sprinkler systems distribute water to sprinklers which spray water into spaces, providing active fire protection. They are a well-established technology and have demonstrated their reliability and effectiveness in protecting life and property. Traditionally they have mainly been used in commercial and industrial properties, but they are now available for a wide range of applications, including domestic buildings.
They are designed and installed:
- To meet building control or other statutory requirements.
- To meet insurers’ requirements.
- To meet the risk management requirements of a business or property.
The 48 page guide provides good practice guidance on designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining sprinkler systems so they fulfil their purpose in the event of a fire.
It covers a range of issues related to automatic sprinkler systems, including; UK standards, design, installation and maintenance of existing and novel products. Appendices provide statistics about the incidence of real fires and the role of sprinklers in controlling them.
The contents of the guide include:
- 1 Introduction.
- 2 Background.
- 3 What is an automatic sprinkler system?
- 4 Benefits of automatic sprinkler systems.
- 5 Standards.
- 6 Stages in the lifecycle of automatic sprinkler systems.
- 7 Limitations of automatic sprinkler systems.
- 8 Potential problems with automatic sprinkler systems.
- 9 How to avoid potential problems with automatic sprinkler systems.
- 10 Conclusions and recommendations.
See also: Sprinkler systems explained: A guide to sprinkler installation standards and rules.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Access control.
- Approved document Q.
- Automatic fire sprinkler.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Case study A for offices to show where automatic sprinklers have the greatest impact.
- Costs of water automatic sprinkler systems.
- Design benefits of automatic sprinkler systems granted under approved document B.
- Embedded security: Procuring an effective facility protective security system.
- Fire in buildings.
- Fire detection and alarm systems.
- Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multistorey buildings, third edition (BR 135).
- Making the case for sprinklers and dispelling myths.
- Overview of automatic sprinkler system design and operation.
- PAS 1192-5:2015 Specification for security-minded building information modelling, digital built environments and smart asset management
- Sprinkler.
- Sprinkler systems explained: A guide to sprinkler installation standards and rules.
- The cost efficiency of different combinations of fire protection measures.
- The impact of automatic sprinklers on building design.
- Understanding the factors affecting flashover of a fire in modern buildings.
Featured articles and news
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.