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Sprinkler Categories

There are a range of different types of sprinkler systems, so it's important that you know which category your property falls under.
Sprinkler valves
Living Room
Category 1 Sprinklers

Category 1 fire sprinklers are integral to a comprehensive sprinkler system designed to protect domestic properties, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), boarding houses, and bed and breakfasts (B&Bs).

The following should be considered before installing Category 1 sprinklers

  • Number of Operating Heads: 1-2 sprinkler heads (or more, depending on the size of the building)

  • Flow Rate: 84-100 liters per minute.

  • Stored Water Supply: Sufficient for a minimum duration of 10 minutes.

  • Water Storage Tank: Capacity of 1m³ to 1.5m³.

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Category 2 Sprinklers

Category 2 sprinkler systems are appropriate for use in small care homes (housing up to ten residents), sheltered accommodation, and larger residential buildings with a maximum height of 18 meters. For buildings exceeding this height, the design criteria for Category 4 systems should be followed.

The following should be considered before installing Category 2 sprinklers

  • Activation of a minimum of 1-2 sprinkler heads

  • Water flow rate of 84-150 litres per minute

  • Stored water supply sufficient for a minimum of 30 minutes

  • Minimum tank capacity of approximately 3m³ to 4.5m³.

Building
Person
Category 3 Sprinklers

The guidelines for Category 3 fire sprinkler systems are intended to safeguard larger premises with multiple occupants, such as student accommodation, private apartment complexes, and residential care homes accommodating more than ten residents.

The following should be considered before installing Category 3 sprinklers

  • ​​Calculations based on the activation of 2-4 sprinkler heads

  • Water flow rate of approximately 150-300 litres per minute

  • Storage tank capable of sustaining at least 30 minutes of supply

  • Tank capacity ranging from approximately 6m³ to 9m³.

Building
Building
Category 4 Sprinklers

Category 4 fire sprinkler standards apply to tall buildings (exceeding 18 meters in height) and were developed in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy

The following should be considered before installing Category 4 sprinklers

  • ​Enhance resilience and reduce risks in high-rise buildings similar to Grenfell Tower

  • Align building standards with Fire and Rescue Service access and response time guidelines

  • Ensure adherence to BS9251:2021 standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of automatic residential sprinkler systems

Building
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