Base Fire Sprinklers design, supply, install and maintain Category 3 fire sprinkler systems.
Category 3 properties include residential care homes with more than ten residents, student accommodation, dormitories, hostels and more.
We work with hotel owners and managers to install suitable fire protection systems. This often requires Category 3 fire sprinklers and we can help you to determine if this is the case.
As the highest level for properties under 18 metres tall, it's crucial to ensure that you have an adequate number of sprinkler heads installed, along with the required storage tank size to comply with Category 3 fire sprinkler regulations.
By working with a reputable fire safety consultant like Base Fire Sprinklers, you can trust us to determine whether your property falls under Category 1, 2, 3 or 4, and to design an appropriate sprinkler system with the necessary capacity.
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
Category 3 Fire Sprinkler Rules
The Category 3 fire sprinkler rules are designed to protect larger premises with multiple occupants, such as student halls of residence, private apartment buildings, and residential care homes with more than ten inhabitants.
Under the current legislation, you are likely to need:
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Calculations based on 2-4 sprinkler heads operating
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Flow rate of approx. 150-300 litres of water per minute
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Storage tank capable of holding at least 30 minutes' supply
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Tank size of approx. 8.0-12.0 cubic metres
These mandatory requirements are a significant increase from the 1-2 sprinkler heads expected to be operating in Categories 1 and 2, as well as a 100% increase in the required flow rate of water per minute.
As a result, the size of the storage tank that should be installed is double that of Category 2. With these larger and more complex installations, we can carry out detailed calculations and use computer modelling to ensure your sprinklers are placed in optimum position.
Optimised Category 3 Sprinkler Designs
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Our Category 3 sprinkler system designs benefit from our use of AutoCAD, computer-aided design software that allows us to plan out your sprinklers, pipes, valves and storage tank in a virtual space.
We then use Canute FHC to perform detailed fire hydraulic calculations, which allows us to confirm that the storage tank, valves and chosen pipe diameters will be capable of supplying the required water pressure to the sprinkler heads during operation.
The design stage also allows us to make sure we include the mandatory number of sprinkler heads in each room, with additional sprinklers as needed in L-shaped areas, corridors, large cupboards and bathrooms over 5m².
Installing Category 3 Sprinklers
If you build, convert, extend or refurbish a large residential property under 18m in height, there is a good chance that you will need to install Category 3 sprinklers, especially in Scotland and Wales where fire safety legislation is more stringent.
We would recommend meeting the criteria of Category 3 in any large property, including hostels and other residential guest accommodation, as the legislation in all parts of the UK is likely to continue to become even stricter in the years ahead.
By installing Category 3 sprinklers, you protect your guests and tenants, while also increasing the likelihood that your fire safety measures will comply with future legislation, even if you extend your habitable space.
Base Fire Sprinklers can work with you to determine the criteria you want your sprinkler system to meet, and our engineers have the expertise to design, supply and install sprinklers that go beyond the mandatory requirements for even better protection.
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
If you own or operate a large property, or you are a developer keen to 'design in' Category 3 fire sprinklers to meet the current building standards, please contact Base Fire Sprinklers immediately and we can get to work on your behalf.
We welcome all enquiries. Even if your property does not fall within the mandatory remit of Category 3 sprinkler systems, it's likely that you will need at least a Category 2 sprinkler installation, and may wish to meet the Category 3 criteria voluntarily.
To find out more about the fire sprinkler categories, to determine which category applies to your property, or to ask us anything about Category 3 sprinkler systems, contact Base Fire Sprinklers today and our engineers will be happy to help.