NCC 2016 Volume One
Search the National Construction Code editions
Specification E1.5 Fire Sprinkler Systems
This Specification sets out requirements for the design and installation of fire sprinkler systems.
To state that gives the design and installation details for sprinkler systems required by the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.
deals with the intent.
A number of the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions require the installation of sprinklers in accordance with . These include:
Subject to this Specification, a sprinkler system must comply with—
AS 2118.1; or
for a Class 2 or 3 building: AS 2118.4 as applicable; or
for a combined sprinkler and fire hydrant system: AS 2118.6; or
for a Class 9a health care building used as a residential aged care building: AS 2118.4 as applicable; or
for a Class 9c building: AS 2118.4 as applicable.
To adopt the appropriate Australian Standard for the design and installation of sprinkler systems.
adopts three Parts of AS 2118:
Part 1 of AS 2118 applies to all Classes of building.
AS 2118.4— andThese clauses allow the use of Part 4 of AS 2118 for Class 2, 3, 9a and 9c buildings as appropriate. The reason for using the term “as appropriate” is that AS 2118.4 applies to low-rise Class 2, 3, 9a and 9c buildings. The scope of AS 2118.4 states that it only applies to those buildings containing no more than four storeys. If the building exceeds this height, it must comply with AS 2118.1. While the scope of AS 2118.4 may not mention Class 9a buildings, this is a case where A1.4 applies and the BCA requirement overrules the limited scope in AS 2118.4.
The sprinkler system specified under AS 2118.4 has been designed for use in low-rise residential buildings. AS 2118.4 also takes into consideration the economic aspects of a sprinkler system.
AS 2118.4 provides the requirements for sprinklers in residential buildings.
A sprinkler system installed in accordance with AS 2118.4 is designed to prevent the fire reaching the stage at which “flashover” occurs (i.e. total involvement of a room’s contents in a fire), thus reducing the risks to occupants.
Smoke detection matters are dealt with in Part E2.
Combined sprinkler and hydrant systems—Clause 2(c)allows the installation of a combined sprinkler and hydrant system provided it complies with AS 2118.6.
Where a part of a building is not protected with sprinklers, the sprinklered and non-sprinklered parts must be fire-separated with a wall or floor which must—
comply with any specific requirement of the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of the BCA; or
where there is no specific requirement, comply with the relevant part of AS 2118.
To require the fire separation of sprinklered parts of a building from non-sprinklered parts of the building.
The design of a sprinkler system is based on the size and intensity of an assumed fire in the building. The BCA assumes that fire size is controlled by the sprinkler system.
A fire in a non-sprinklered part of a buildingIf a fire starts in a non-sprinklered part of the building, its development will be uncontrolled. It can even reach a size which could over-ride the sprinkler system if it spreads to the sprinklered part of the building (i.e. it could be beyond the design capacity of the system).
Separation between sprinklered and non-sprinklered partsapplies wherever there is a specific Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision.
The fire separation required by AS 2118.1 may differ from that required by the BCA.
Clause 3(b) clarifies that if a difference exists between AS 2118.1 and the BCA, the BCA takes precedence.
AS 2118.1 generally requires a 120/120/120 FRL separation between the sprinklered and non-sprinklered parts of a building to minimise the risk of fire spread from non-sprinklered parts (where a fire’s development is substantially uncontrolled) to a sprinklered part (where the sprinkler system is designed on the basis of a likely fire in that part of the building).
Any openings, including those for service penetrations, in construction separating sprinklered and non-sprinklered parts of a building, including the construction separating the areas nominated as permitted exceptions in AS 2118.1, must be protected in accordance with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of Part C3.
To require the fire separation of sprinklered parts of a building from non-sprinklered parts of the building.
The aim of is similar to , but it particularly deals with the protection of openings, in the construction, between sprinklered and non-sprinklered parts of a building.
Fast response sprinklers may be installed only if they are suitable for the type of application proposed and it is demonstrated that the sprinkler system is designed to accommodate their use.
To allow the use of fast response sprinkler heads.
Where “fast response” sprinkler heads register a specific external temperature, their reaction time is much shorter than for a “normal” sprinkler head. They also have different discharge characteristics. Where “fast response” sprinkler heads are used, the sprinkler system must be designed specifically for their use.
Sprinkler alarm valves must be located in a secure room or enclosure which has direct egress to a road or open space.
All sprinkler valve rooms and enclosures must be secured with a system suitable for use by the fire brigade.
To require the location of sprinkler valves in a secure, easily accessible area.
Sprinkler control valves must be located in a secure area to prevent unauthorised tampering or vandalism.
“Direct egress to a road or open space”requires that sprinkler alarm valves be in a room having “direct egress to a road or open space”. The intent is to help fire brigade personnel gain quick access to valves, and, if the need arises, to exit quickly.
When interpreting the expression “direct egress to a road or open space”, it should be noted that requires that if an exit discharges to open space which is at a different level from the public road to which it is connected, the path of travel to the road must be by a ramp or stairway complying with the BCA.
The aim is to provide quick egress, if the need arises. For this purpose it would be reasonable to limit the stairway to one flight. The landing and stairway must not expose a user to fire or smoke generated by a fire in the building. Care must therefore be taken to make sure windows and other openings are correctly located, and that the external walls of the building have an appropriate FRL.
The Grade of water supply to a required sprinkler system must not be less than—
for a building greater than 25 m in effective height, Grade 1, except that a secondary water supply storage capacity of 25,000 litres may be used if—
the storage tank is located at the topmost storey of the building; and
the building occupancy is classified as no more hazardous than Ordinary Hazard 2 (OH2) under AS 2118.1; and
an operational fire brigade service is available to attend a building fire; and
for a building not greater than 25 m in effective height, at least Grade 3.
To require an adequate water supply when a sprinkler system has been installed.
A Grade 1 water supply is required for buildings greater than 25 metres in effective height (see ), and a Grade 3 supply for buildings less than this height. See .
AS 2118.1 defines a Grade 1 water supply as being a supply connected to two separate sources, each capable of providing water at the relevant hazard class. provides concessions for the secondary water supply in certain circumstances.
A Grade 3 water supply is a supply provided from a single source which does not satisfy the requirements of a Grade 2 water source (a Grade 2 water supply being one which provides a higher reliability of supply than Grade 3).
A required sprinkler system must be connected to and activate a building occupant warning system complying with Clause 6 of Specification E2.2a.
To maximise the effectiveness of a sprinkler system by alerting the occupants throughout the building of a potential emergency.
requires a sprinkler system to be connected to activate a warning system complying with Specification E2.2a, Clause 6. This is an AS 1670.1 warning system which is to operate throughout the occupied parts of the building.
Different types of warning devices permittedAS 1670.1 allows the warning system to be:
See AS 2220.
Where a smoke hazard management system is installed and is actuated by smoke detectors, the sprinkler system must, wherever practicable, be arranged to also activate the smoke hazard management system.
To allow the interconnection of a sprinkler system with other fire safety systems.
Modern fire safety designs allow for the interaction of the various safety systems during a fire. requires that where a smoke hazard management system is activated by a smoke detector, “wherever practicable” it must also be activated by the sprinkler system.
Note this provision only applies “wherever practicable”. In other words, if a building proposal includes a smoke hazard management system which is activated by smoke detectors, but it is proposed that the smoke hazard management system will not be activated by the sprinkler system, the building proponent must satisfy the appropriate authority that it is not practicable to do so.
Where a sprinkler system is installed in a theatre, public hall or the like, any valves provided to control sprinklers over any stage area must be fitted with anti-tamper devices connected to a monitoring panel at the location normally used by the stage manager.
To provide for the continued operational effectiveness of sprinkler heads located above a theatre or public hall stage.
Stages used for live performances can contain high fire loads due to the scenery and other props used in these productions, and particularly hazardous stage activities, such as pyrotechnics.
requires that sprinkler valves be fitted with anti-tamper devices connected to a monitoring panel.
The sprinkler system protecting a carpark complying with Table 3.9 of Specification C1.1 in a multi-classified building must—
be independent of the sprinkler system protecting any part of the building not used as a carpark; or
if forming part of a sprinkler system protecting a part of the building not used as a carpark, be designed such that the section protecting the non-carpark part can be isolated without interrupting the water supply or otherwise affecting the effective operation of the section protecting the carpark.
To provide for sprinkler systems in certain carparks to operate independently or be isolated from the system in other parts of the building.
of Specification C1.1 grants concessions for the FRL of structural members within carparks in buildings required to be of Type A construction. Therefore, of only applies to such buildings.
does not apply to and of Specification C1.1 for carparks in buildings required to be of Type B or Type C construction.
If a building required to be of Type A construction contains an enclosed carpark, in order to take advantage of the concession allowed by , it must contain a sprinkler system which is independent or can be separately isolated.
The reason for this requirement is so that the carpark’s protection is available at all times, and is not affected by such factors as maintenance or shutdown in other parts of the building.
In addition to the provisions of AS 2118.4, a sprinkler system in—
a Class 3 building used as a residential aged care building; or
a Class 9a health care building used as a residential aged care building; or
a Class 9c building,
must—
be provided with a monitored main stop valve in accordance with AS 2118.1; and
be permanently connected with a direct data link or other approved monitoring system to a fire station or fire station dispatch centre.
To ensure greater reliability of sprinkler systems in all buildings used for aged care.
allows a sprinkler system in a Class 2 or 3 building, a Class 9a health care building used for residential aged care, or a Class 9c building to comply with AS 2118.4 instead of AS 2118.1. requires the addition of a monitored main valve and control valve assembly in accordance with AS 2118.1. The reason for the additional requirement is to ensure greater reliability of the sprinkler system.
specifies system monitoring requirements to enable a timely and appropriate response by the local fire brigade to emergencies.
Clause 2.10.1.3 of AS 2118.4 sets out the requirements for the installation of sprinklers in roof spaces, etc. Spaces such as roof spaces, crawl spaces, spaces below floor and above ceilings, and other concealed spaces that are not intended, nor used, for living purposes, storage or the installation of equipment such as flexible ductwork, heating and refrigeration equipment, are not required to be protected by sprinklers.
Roof and ceiling spaces that contain only items such as electrical wiring for light fittings and exhaust fans, etc are not required by this provision to be provided with sprinklers.
Where sprinklers are installed in a space housing lift electrical and control equipment, including machine rooms, secondary floors and sheave rooms, they must be of the dry system type in accordance with AS 2118.1.