Base Fire Sprinklers are specialists in Category 1 fire sprinkler systems for domestic dwellings.
Our work includes individual homes, individual flats, houses of multiple occupation, boarding houses and bed and breakfast accommodation.
Category 1 is specified under BS 9251:2021, the recently updated British Standard that also lists the requirements for Categories 2, 3 and 4.
We can design, install and maintain fire sprinkler systems that meet and exceed the minimum standards required for Category 1, taking into account all the systems full hydraulic calculations (FHC).
I would like to compliment the engineers that we have met on site who have completed the servicing and repair works on the systems....I cannot find one area where I would be unhappy with the service we have received.
Jack Newell, Weaver Vale Housing Trust
What are category 1 fire sprinklers?
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Category 1 fire sprinklers work as part of an overall sprinkler system with enough capacity to protect domestic properties and similar, including HMOs, boarding houses and B&Bs.
The Category 1 sprinkler specifications require your system to include:
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1-2 operating sprinkler heads (or more, depending on the size of the building)
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Flow rate of 84-100 litres per minute of water
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Stored supply sufficient for at least 10 minutes
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1.0-1.5 cubic metres water storage tank
Remember that in many fires, no more than 1-2 sprinkler heads will be activated at any one time, as sprinkler systems are designed to operate only in the immediate vicinity of the fire.
As such, FHC calculations can be based on the expected number of sprinkler heads operating at any given time, and should serve as an estimated minimum of how much water is needed.
Category 1 sprinkler system design
Designing a Category 1 sprinkler system requires expertise, as the number and position of sprinkler heads can have a direct impact on whether the system meets the necessary criteria.
Our in-depth Category 1 sprinkler design process means you can rest assured that your fire protection will be up to the required standard, including:
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Consideration of the existing building and utilities (where relevant)
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Sprinkler head positions planned out in AutoCAD 3D modelling software
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Tank, pipes and valves calculated and positioned as appropriate
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Flow and pressure calculated using Canute FHC specialist software
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Pipes adjusted as required to maintain flow rates throughout property
Base Fire Sprinklers' designs are rigorous and proven through CAD 3D modelling and detailed calculations, giving you a Category 1 sprinkler system that is compliant with British Standards and the paperwork you need to prove this.
How many sprinkler heads will I need?
The number of sprinkler heads for Category 1 compliance depends on the size and shape of your property. In general, you need 'enough' sprinklers to protect the living spaces of the building.
As a rule of thumb, this approximates to:
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One sprinkler covers approximately 25m2 floor area
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Additional sprinklers in larger rooms
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Additional sprinklers in L-shaped rooms
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One or more sprinklers in cupboards over 2m²
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One or more sprinklers in bathrooms/wetrooms over 5m²
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Any cupboards or bathrooms with electrical equipment may require a sprinkler
The total number of sprinkler heads needed can be minimised using optimised positioning, so that each sprinkler gives the maximum area of coverage.
Base Fire Sprinklers' use of sophisticated computer-aided design (CAD) software means we can visualise this in advance and make minor adjustments until we find the most efficient and effective design for your Category 1 sprinkler system.
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We are Accredited and Experienced
It is vital that your fire suppression system is designed and installed by an accredited sprinkler company to ensure you have complied with the frequently evolving regulations, insurance requirement and technical .
Contact Base Fire Sprinklers Today
Fire safety in domestic properties has quite rightfully been under greater scrutiny since the Grenfell Tower disaster, and it's important to work with a fire sprinkler specialist who is fully up to date with the most recent standards.
Sprinkler systems are now mandatory in many dwellings in some parts of the UK, most notably in Wales, but also in new-builds and converted properties in Scotland. We believe it is likely that England will follow suit in the coming years.
Even if sprinklers are not mandatory for your current property or development, they offer proven, reliable protection against fire risks and damage, making them a worthy investment in domestic residences of all sizes.
To find out more about our Category 1 sprinkler services, or to check what legislation applies to you under the current rules, contact Base Fire Sprinklers today.