Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems in South Africa: From Design to Ongoing Protection

Fire sprinkler systems are an important part of fire protection in many commercial and industrial buildings. But simply having sprinklers installed doesn't necessarily tell a building owner how well the building is protected.

The sprinkler heads visible at ceiling level are only one part of a much larger system. Behind them are the water supply, pumps, valves, pipework and system design that all need to work together when they're required.

For building owners and facilities managers, the important question therefore isn't simply “Do we have sprinklers?” It is “Do we know that the sprinkler system will perform as intended when it is needed?” This article looks at what sits behind a commercial fire sprinkler system, why design and installation matter, and what owners of both new and existing buildings should be considering.

A sprinkler system is more than the sprinkler heads

An automatic fire sprinkler system is designed to respond to a developing fire and discharge water in the affected area. Each sprinkler head responds to heat and operates when its designed activation temperature is reached. Contrary to a fairly common misconception, this doesn't mean every sprinkler in the building activates at the same time. But the sprinkler head can only do its job if the system behind it can supply the water required.

Depending on the installation, that can involve water storage, pumps, control valves, pipework, monitoring equipment and the hydraulic design that brings everything together.

This is why the performance of a sprinkler system depends on the complete system working as intended, not simply on whether sprinkler heads are present.

Why sprinkler system design matters

A commercial fire sprinkler system needs to be designed around the protection required and the demands that will be placed on the system. The design determines factors such as sprinkler positioning and coverage, pipe sizing, water demand and the pressure and flow that need to be available when the system operates.

Hydraulic calculations form an important part of this process. They help establish whether the water supply and system can deliver the required performance at the areas where demand will be greatest.

For a building owner or developer, you don't need to understand the calculations behind the system. What matters is knowing that the sprinkler system has been professionally designed for the protection required rather than simply installed as a collection of components.

The water supply matters

Sprinklers need water, but having a water connection doesn't necessarily mean that the required volume and pressure will be available when a fire occurs. Depending on the system, dedicated water storage and fire pumps may be needed to provide the required supply. That makes the water supply and pumping arrangement fundamental parts of the sprinkler system. If either cannot deliver what the design requires, the performance of the entire system can be affected.

It is one of the reasons sprinkler protection needs to be considered as a complete system, from the water source through to the sprinkler head.

Good design still needs good installation

A well-designed sprinkler system still needs to be installed correctly.

On a commercial project, sprinkler pipework also has to share the building with structural elements, ceilings, electrical services, HVAC ductwork and numerous other building services.

Coordination therefore matters.

Changes made during construction can affect pipe routes or sprinkler positions, while clashes between services can lead to changes on site. These need to be properly managed rather than allowing the original fire protection intent to become compromised as the project progresses.

Once installation is complete, the system needs to be appropriately inspected, tested and commissioned. The objective isn't simply to reach the point where sprinklers are visible in the ceiling. It is to have confidence that the complete system will operate as intended.

What about an existing sprinkler system?

Fire sprinkler protection isn't only a consideration for new developments.

Many commercial and industrial buildings already have sprinkler systems that may have been installed years ago. The building around that system, however, may not have stayed the same.

Tenants change. Warehouses are reconfigured. Storage arrangements change. Buildings are extended or refurbished, and new services may be introduced. The sprinkler installation also contains mechanical components that require ongoing attention. This means the existence of a sprinkler system doesn't necessarily tell a building owner whether it remains appropriate or whether all of its components are operating as they should. Inspection, testing and maintenance are therefore important throughout the life of the system.

A few questions worth asking about an existing system

Building owners and facilities managers don't need to become sprinkler specialists. But there are some straightforward questions worth being able to answer:

- When was the system last inspected, tested or serviced?

- Are the fire pumps and water supply operating as required?

- Have any faults or maintenance issues been identified?

- Have alterations been made to the sprinkler system?

- Has the building or the way it is used changed since the system was designed?

- Are there outstanding issues that still need to be addressed?

If the answers aren't readily available, it may be worth having the system assessed.

Knowing that a building has sprinklers and knowing that its sprinkler system is ready to perform are two different things.

Fire sprinkler systems and compliance in South Africa

Commercial fire protection in South Africa operates within a regulatory and standards framework that includes the National Building Regulations and applicable South African National Standards. Automatic sprinkler installations are specialist systems, and the relevant requirements need to be considered through their design, installation and ongoing maintenance.

For building owners, developers and facilities managers, this is another reason to work with suitably experienced fire protection specialists rather than treating sprinkler protection as an isolated construction item.

It is also important to remember that compliance isn't something to think about only when a building is completed. A fire protection system needs to remain appropriately maintained and managed after handover.

ANDEC and ASIB Sprinkler Installer approval

ANDEC is an ASIB-approved Sprinkler Installer, providing independent industry recognition specifically relevant to sprinkler installations.

For clients, this provides additional assurance that sprinkler work is being undertaken by a company that has been assessed against the requirements applicable to approved sprinkler installers.

ANDEC's ASIB approval relates specifically to its sprinkler installer capability.

New system or existing building — where do you start?

If you're planning a new commercial development, the sprinkler requirement should form part of the wider fire protection planning for the building. If you own or manage an existing building, the starting point may be different. You may need to establish the condition of an existing system, investigate a fault, understand the implications of alterations to the building or determine what maintenance or upgrades are required.

In either case, you shouldn't have to work through the technical requirements alone. ANDEC can assist with understanding what is required, designing and installing new sprinkler systems, and assessing, maintaining or modifying existing installations. The focus is on the complete system. From what is required on paper through to how the installation performs in the building.

Commercial fire sprinkler systems in the Western Cape

ANDEC works with commercial and industrial clients across the Western Cape, providing fire protection solutions for new developments as well as existing buildings. If you're planning a project, considering alterations to an existing property or aren't sure whether your current sprinkler system is providing the protection it should, getting specialist input can help you understand what is required.

Need help with a commercial fire sprinkler system?

Whether you're planning a new sprinkler installation or need assistance with an existing system, ANDEC can assist with sprinkler design, installation, assessment and ongoing maintenance across the Western Cape.

Learn more about ANDEC's Fire Sprinkler Systems

Or visit www.andec.co.za to learn more about ANDEC's commercial Fire Protection, Passive Fire Protection and HVAC solutions.