2118.1-1999

AS 2118.1—1999(Incorporating Amendment No. 1)

Australian Standard™

Automatic fire sprinkler systems

Part 1: General requirements

AS

2118.1

Building C

ode of Australia

Prim

ary referenced Standard

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This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee FP/4, Automatic SprinklerInstallations. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on15 October 1999 and published on 5 December 1999.

The following interests are represented on Committee FP/4:

Association of Consulting Engineers Australia

Australasian Fire Authorities Council

Australian Building Codes Board

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Australian Industry Group

Department of Defence (Australia)

FPA Australia

Institution of Engineers Australia

Insurance Council of Australia

Property Council of Australia

Additional interests participating in preparation of Standard:

Testing interests (Australia)

Keeping Standards up-to-dateStandards are living documents which reflect progress in science, technology andsystems. To maintain their currency, all Standards are periodically reviewed, andnew editions are published. Between editions, amendments may be issued.Standards may also be withdrawn. It is important that readers assure themselvesthey are using a current Standard, which should include any amendments whichmay have been published since the Standard was purchased.Detailed information about Standards can be found by visiting the StandardsAustralia web site at www.standards.com.au and looking up the relevant Standardin the on-line catalogue.Alternatively, the printed Catalogue provides information current at 1 January eachyear, and the monthly magazine, The Australian Standard, has a full listing ofrevisions and amendments published each month.We also welcome suggestions for the improvement in our Standards, and especiallyencourage readers to notify us immediately of any apparent inaccuracies orambiguities. Contact us via email at [email protected], or write to the ChiefExecutive, Standards Australia International Ltd, PO Box 1055, Strathfield,NSW 2135.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 98555.

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AS 2118.1—1999(Incorporating Amendment No. 1)

Australian Standard™



Originated as AS CA16—1939.Previous edition AS 2118—1982.Revised and redesignated in part as AS 2118.1—1999.Reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1 (June 2000).

COPYRIGHT

© Standards Australia International

All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by anymeans, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written permission of thepublisher.

Published by Standards Australia International LtdPO Box 1055, Strathfield, NSW 2135, Australia

ISBN 0 7337 3021 3

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AS 2118.1—1999 2

PREFACE

This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee FP/4, AutomaticSprinkler Installations, to supersede AS 2118.1 — 1995, Automatic fire sprinkler systems,Part 1: Standard.

This Standard incorporates Amendment No. 1 (June 2000). The changes required by theAmendment are indicated in the text by a marginal bar and amendment number against theclause, note, table, figure, or part thereof affected.

The objective of this edition is to include changes that reflect recent advances in technologyand to refine the content for clarity and conciseness.

Significant changes have been made to Section 3 concerning exposure protection, and toSection 5 relating to protection of concealed spaces. Sections 10, 11 and 12, in respect tohydraulic calculation methods, have also received attention. Section 9, Light hazard classsystems, has been entirely rewritten to include more useable and up-to-date parameters forthe design of this class of system. The definitions clauses have been enlarged and theinformative text for occupancy classification is set out in an appendix.

The revision to the AS 2118 suite of Standards has included Standards Australia’srequirements to keep product and installation Standards separate. The series comprises thefollowing:

AS2118 Automatic fire sprinkler systems2118.1 Part 1: General requirements2118.2 Part 2: Wall wetting sprinklers (Drenchers)2118.3 Part 3: Deluge2118.4 Part 4: Residential2118.5 Part 5: Domestic2118.6 Part 6: Combined sprinkler and hydrant2118.8 Part 8: Minor modifications2118.9 Part 9: Piping support and installation2118.10 Part 10: Approval documentation

4118 Fire sprinkler systems4118.1.1 Part 1.1: Components — Sprinklers and sprayers4118.1.2 Part 1.2: Components—Alarm valves (wet)4118.1.3 Part 1.3: Components—Water motor alarms4118.1.4 Part 1.4: Components—Valve monitors4118.1.5 Part 1.5: Components—Deluge and pre-action valves4118.1.6 Part 1.6: Components—Stop valves and non-return valves4118.1.7 Part 1.7: Components—Alarm valves (dry)4118.1.8 Part 1.8: Components—Pressure reducing valves4118.1.9 Part 1.9: Components—Accelerators and exhausters4118.2.1 Part 2.1: Piping—General

The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define theapplication of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral partof a Standard, whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance.

This Standard incorporates commentary on some of the clauses. The commentary directlyfollows the relevant clause, is designated by ‘C’ preceding the clause number and isprinted in italics in a box. The commentary is for information only and does not need tobe followed for compliance with the Standard.

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AS 2118.1—19993

CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD...................................................................................................................6

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL1.1 SCOPE.......................................................................................................................71.2 OBJECTIVE..............................................................................................................71.3 APPLICATION..........................................................................................................71.4 NEW DESIGNS AND INNOVATIONS....................................................................71.5 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS.................................................................................71.6 DEFINITIONS...........................................................................................................7

SECTION 2 CLASSES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS AND DESIGN DATA2.1 CLASSIFICATION OF SYSTEMS..........................................................................132.2 CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCIES.................................................................132.3 TYPES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS........................................................................132.4 DESIGN DATA........................................................................................................20

SECTION 3 INSTALLATION3.1 SPRINKLER-PROTECTED BUILDINGS...............................................................213.2 TRANSMISSION OF ALARM SIGNAL TO FIRE BRIGADE................................243.3 LOCAL ALARM ......................................................................................................243.4 SYSTEM COMPONENT FAULT MONITORING..................................................25

SECTION 4 WATER SUPPLIES4.1 GENERAL................................................................................................................274.2 ACCEPTABLE SOURCES OF SUPPLY.................................................................274.3 WATER SUPPLY GRADES....................................................................................284.4 CONNECTIONS TO OTHER SERVICES...............................................................394.5 PRESSURE AND FLOW REQUIREMENTS...........................................................414.6 PRESSURE CONSIDERATIONS............................................................................414.7 MINIMUM CAPACITY OF STORED WATER SUPPLIES....................................414.8 PUMP SUCTION TANKS........................................................................................414.9 PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES.................................................................................484.10 TOWN MAINS.........................................................................................................484.11 PUMP INSTALLATIONS........................................................................................504.12 PUMPSETS..............................................................................................................514.13 PRESSURE TANKS.................................................................................................564.14 PROVING OF WATER SUPPLIES..........................................................................58

SECTION 5 SPACING AND LOCATION OF SPRINKLERS5.1 STANDARD SPACING...........................................................................................605.2 STAGGERED SPACING..........................................................................................605.3 MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN SPRINKLERS................................................605.4 LOCATION OF SPRINKLERS (OTHER THAN SIDEWALL SPRINKLERS).......605.5 SPACING AND LOCATION OF SIDEWALL SPRINKLERS................................655.6 LOCATIONS OR CONDITIONS INVOLVING SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

(SUPPLEMENTARY PROTECTION).....................................................................665.7 OBSTRUCTIONS BELOW SPRINKLERS..............................................................735.8 FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIOS.............................................75

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5.9 THEATRES AND MUSIC HALLS (PROTECTION ON THE STAGE SIDEOF THE PROSCENIUM WALL).............................................................................75

5.10 COLD STORAGE WAREHOUSE...........................................................................75

SECTION 6 SPRINKLERS, SPRAYERS AND MULTIPLE CONTROLS6.1 GENERAL................................................................................................................786.2 TYPES OF SPRINKLERS, SPRAYERS AND MULTIPLE CONTROLS................786.3 STANDARD SPRINKLER K FACTORS, ORIFICE AND THREAD SIZES..........796.4 APPLICATION OF SPRINKLER TYPES................................................................796.5 TEMPERATURE RATINGS....................................................................................796.6 COLOUR CODING..................................................................................................806.7 STOCK OF REPLACEMENT SPRINKLERS..........................................................806.8 ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT OF SPRINKLERS...........................................806.9 SPRINKLER GUARDS............................................................................................806.10 ESCUTCHEON PLATE ASSEMBLIES...................................................................816.11 PROTECTION AGAINST FROST...........................................................................81

SECTION 7 PIPING7.1 PIPE AND PIPE FITTINGS......................................................................................827.2 HYDRAULIC TEST PRESSURE.............................................................................827.3 PIPING IN NON-SPRINKLER-PROTECTED BUILDINGS...................................827.4 HAZARDOUS PROCESSES AND EXPLOSION HAZARD—SPECIAL

PRECAUTIONS CONCERNING PIPING AND VALVES......................................827.5 SLOPE OF PIPES FOR DRAINAGE.......................................................................827.6 LOW LEVEL DRAINAGE.......................................................................................837.7 PIPE SIZES...............................................................................................................837.8 ORIFICE PLATES....................................................................................................837.9 SUPPORT OF SPRINKLER PIPING........................................................................83

SECTION 8 VALVES AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT8.1 CONTROL ASSEMBLIES.......................................................................................848.2 STOP VALVES........................................................................................................848.3 BLOCK PLAN..........................................................................................................858.4 LOCATION PLATE.................................................................................................858.5 EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS.............................................................................868.6 NON-RETURN (BACK PRESSURE) VALVES......................................................868.7 ALARM VALVES....................................................................................................868.8 PRESSURE-REDUCING VALVES.........................................................................878.9 DELUGE AND PRE-ACTION VALVES.................................................................878.10 ALARM DEVICES...................................................................................................888.11 REMOTE TEST VALVES........................................................................................898.12 PRESSURE GAUGES..............................................................................................90

SECTION 9 LIGHT HAZARD CLASS SYSTEMS9.1 SCOPE......................................................................................................................929.2 DESIGN DATA........................................................................................................929.3 WATER SUPPLY.....................................................................................................929.4 SPRINKLERS...........................................................................................................939.5 PIPING......................................................................................................................94A

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SECTION 10 ORDINARY HAZARD CLASS SYSTEMS10.1 DESIGN DATA........................................................................................................9510.2 WATER SUPPLIES..................................................................................................9510.3 SPACING OF STANDARD SPRINKLERS.............................................................9810.4 SYSTEM COMPONENTS........................................................................................9910.5 SYSTEM DRAINAGE............................................................................................104

SECTION 11 HIGH HAZARD CLASS SYSTEMS11.1 DESIGN DATA......................................................................................................10511.2 WATER SUPPLIES................................................................................................11511.3 SPACING OF STANDARD SPRINKLERS...........................................................11911.4 SYSTEM COMPONENTS......................................................................................12011.5 SYSTEM DRAINAGE............................................................................................122

SECTION 12 FULL HYDRAULIC CALCULATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS12.1 GENERAL..............................................................................................................13012.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR DENSITY OF DISCHARGE............................13012.3 ASSUMED AREA OF OPERATION.....................................................................13112.4 SPRINKLERS IN OPERATION.............................................................................13112.5 POSITION OF ASSUMED AREA OF OPERATION.............................................13112.6 SHAPE OF ASSUMED AREA OF OPERATION..................................................13212.7 WATER SUPPLIES................................................................................................13312.8 PUMPSETS............................................................................................................13312.9 CALCULATION OF PRESSURE LOSS IN PIPES................................................13412.10 PRESSURE LOSSES..............................................................................................13712.11 ACCURACY OF CALCULATIONS......................................................................13712.12 MINIMUM SPRINKLER DISCHARGE PRESSURE............................................13812.13 MINIMUM PIPE SIZES.........................................................................................13812.14 VELOCITY LIMITATION.....................................................................................13812.15 VELOCITY PRESSURE.........................................................................................13812.16 IDENTIFICATION OF FULLY HYDRAULICALLY CALCULATED

SYSTEMS...............................................................................................................138

APPENDICESA OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS.........................................................................146B REFERENCED DOCUMENTS.................................................................................154C ORIFICE PLATES.....................................................................................................156D PIPING INTERPRETATIONS...................................................................................159

INDEX....................................................................................................................................162

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AS 2118.1—1999 6

FOREWORD

Automatic fire sprinkler systems provide an important level of fire protection to a buildingstructure. Additionally, automatic fire sprinklers provide an important level of protectionfor the occupants of a building together with protection to the environment by minimizingthe effects that a major structural fire could have. Sprinklers also safeguard against loss ofplant, machinery, equipment and building contents generally as well as protecting abusiness by providing against loss of continuity of business operations. Sprinklers alsoconserve water during fire-fighting operations.

In modern buildings and indeed with older buildings that are being upgraded to meet thelatest requirements in fire safety, there is need to consider other systems that impact on thefunction and operation of a sprinkler system. Other systems that can either interface withthe sprinkler system, or be integrated in it, are automatic heat and smoke detectors,emergency warning and intercommunication systems and smoke control and air-handlingsystems. Hence, when designing sprinkler systems, it will be necessary to consider theinteraction of sprinkler systems with other building fire safety systems in order to maximizeprotection and provide an optimal approach for the overall objectives of fire safety.

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AS 2118.1—1999

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STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard



S E C T I O N 1 SC O P E A N D G E N E R A L

1.1 SCOPE

This Standard specifies requirements for the design and installation of automatic firesprinkler systems in buildings. It also provides for occupancy classification.

NOTE: See Appendix A for details of occupancy classification.

1.2 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this Standard is to provide designers and installers with minimumrequirements for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems.

1.3 APPLICATION

This Standard is referenced in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) by way of BCAAmendment No. 6 published on 1 January 2000, and supersedes the previous edition ofAS 2118.1—1995, which will be withdrawn 12 months from the date of publication of thisedition.

1.4 NEW DESIGNS AND INNOVATIONS

Any alternative materials, designs, methods of assembly, procedures, and similar, that donot comply with the specific requirements of this Standard, or are not mentioned in it, butthat give equivalent results to those specified, are not necessarily prohibited.

1.5 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The documents referred to in this Standard are listed in Appendix B.

1.6 DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Standard the definitions given in AS 2484.1, AS 2484.2,AS/NZ 3500.0 and those below apply.

1.6.1 Alarm signalling equipment (ASE)

Equipment complying with AS 4428.6.

1.6.2 Alarm valve

A non-return valve which allows the water to enter the installation and operate the alarmswhen the installation pressure falls below the water supply pressure.

1.6.3 Assumed area of operation

An area containing the maximum number of sprinklers considered likely to operate wheninvolved in a fire. The assumed area of operation is different in each hazard class.

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1.6.4 Building owner

The owner of a building or the authorized representative of the owner.

1.6.5 Compartment

A space that is completely enclosed by walls and a ceiling. The walls of the compartmentenclosure may have openings to an adjoining space, provided there is a minimum depth of200 mm from the ceiling to the top of the opening.

1.6.6 Effective height

The height of the floor of the topmost storey (excluding the topmost storey if it containsonly heating, ventilating, lift or other equipment, water tanks or similar service units) fromthe floor of the lowest storey providing egress to a road or open space.

1.6.7 Encapsulated

Completely enclosed by a plastic sheet on the sides and top as applicable to pallet loads ofgoods or packages. Individual cartons enclosed on the top and sides with plastic and cartonswaterproofed by coatings on the exterior surface are also considered to be encapsulated.

1.6.8 Fire and draught stop

A partition or bulkhead, extending from end to end and top to bottom of a concealed space,installed to delay the spread of fire and constructed from imperforate materials which arenon-shatterable under fire conditions.

NOTES:

1 Examples of acceptable fire and draught stops include the following:

(a) Structural features such as a reinforced beam or steel joist extending to or through theceiling, and a brick wall extended up through the ceiling to the floor above.

(b) A purpose-built partition mounted on wood or steel framework, constructed of 10 mmgypsum board, 0.6 mm sheet steel or 7 mm high-density tempered hardboard.

2 Only the following apertures are permitted:

(a) Openings for the passage of individual pipes, conduits and airconditioning ducts,provided that such openings are reasonably close fitting.

(b) Openings not exceeding 2 m in width for the passage of groups of pipes, conduits andairconditioning ducts, protected by a ‘cut-off’ sprinkler or sprinklers as required toprovide full protection to such openings.

1.6.9 Installation

The portion of a sprinkler system downstream from and inclusive of a control assembly.

1.6.10 Listed

Sprinkler equipment or materials demonstrated to meet appropriate standards or which havebeen tested in a specified manner and found suitable for use.

NOTE: Various organizations produce lists of equipment suitable for use in fire sprinklersystems. The means for identifying listed equipment may vary with each organization concernedwith product evaluation. Some organizations do not recognize equipment as listed unless it is alsolabelled. For identifying and nominating a product as listed, reference should be made to themethod used by the organization that has listed the equipment

1.6.11 Monitoring service

A constantly attended remote controlling station which receives fire alarm signals andtransfers the signals to a firefighting service via a permanently connectedtelecommunications link.

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1.6.12 Multiple controls

Heat-sensitive sealed valves that control single or multiple outlets using either glass bulbs,or soldered links or levers, as the heat-sensitive device.

1.6.13 Net positive suction head (NPSH)

The total inlet head, plus the head corresponding to the atmospheric pressure, minus thehead corresponding to the vapour pressure. NPSH, as well as inlet total head, is referred tothe reference plane. It is necessary to make a distinction between—

(a) required net positive suction head (NPSHR)—a function of pump design, which maybe obtained from the pump manufacturer; and

(b) available net positive suction head (NPSHA)—a function of the system in which thepump operates, which can be calculated for any installation.

1.6.14 Open joists and exposed common rafters

A series of members (including purlins) spaced not more than 600 mm apart, measuredfrom centre to centre of members.

1.6.15 Post or box pallet

Solid or mesh box with the open face uppermost, designed to be stacked one upon the otherin a self-supporting manner.

1.6.16 Relevant authority

An independent agency authorized by legislation or regulation to issue determinations,orders, or other instructions in respect of any subject covered by this Standard.

NOTE: Where adoption of this Standard is not a requirement of a relevant authority but is arequirement of a body such as an insurance company or association, then that body, or itsnominees, may perform the functions of the relevant authority for the purposes of this Standard.

1.6.17 Special sprinkler

A listed sprinkler other than those specified in AS 4118.1.1 (see also Clause 6.2.2).

Special sprinklers are as follows:

(a) Extended coverage sprinkler (EC) A type of spray sprinkler with a higher pressurerequirement and a modified deflector specifically developed to achieve an extendedmaximum protected area.

(b) Large drop sprinkler (LD) A type of sprinkler that is capable of producing largewater droplets, enabling better penetration of the fire plume and improved ability tocontrol fires in specific high challenge risks.

(c) Early suppression fast response sprinkler (ESFR) A type of fast response sprinklerdeveloped to provide fire suppression in high challenge fire risks which, in manyinstances, eliminates the need for in-rack protection. This sprinkler has special designrequirements and limitations in respect to the building structure and the systemapplication.

(d) Residential sprinkler (RES) A type of fast response sprinkler, developed for the typeof fire hazards found in dwellings, with spray patterns and discharge rates specificallydesigned for life safety applications.

(e) Extra large orifice sprinkler (ELO) A type of spray sprinkler used for high densityapplications such as the protection of high-piled storage where greater flows areachieved than with the standard 20 mm sprinkler at the same pressure.

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(f) Enlarged orifice sprinkler (EO) A sprinkler having a nominal 20 mm diameterorifice and a nominal 15 mm shank fitted with a metal rod extension (pintle), which isused for upgrading the density requirements of existing ordinary hazard installations,(see Clause 3.2 in AS 4118.1.1).

1.6.18 Special sprinkler system

A system utilizing either in total, or in part, sprinkler types other than those listed inAS 4118.1.1 (see also Clauses 2.3.3 and 6.2.2).

1.6.19 Sprayers

Special purpose nozzles for use in water spray systems with capabilities of extinguishment,containment or control of fires involving hazards such as flammable liquids.

C1.6.19 Sprayers generally are of two basic types, medium velocity and high velocity.Medium velocity sprayers are either open or sealed with a heat responsive element,producing a fine droplet spray with a limited distance of direct impingement. They aredesigned for the extinguishment, containment or control of fires involving low flashpointliquids as well as for cooling protected (adjacent) areas exposed to fire. High velocitysprayers are open type producing a large droplet with high momentum and have a directimpingement distance of up to 5 m. High velocity sprayers are designed forextinguishment, containment and control of fires involving high flashpoint liquids,principally by the emulsification of the burning fuel surface.

1.6.20 Sprinkler-protected area

An area of a building equipped with a sprinkler system installed in accordance with thisStandard, and separated from non-sprinkler protected areas in accordance with thisStandard.

1.6.21 Sprinkler-protected building

A building equipped throughout with a sprinkler system installed in accordance with thisStandard.

1.6.22 Sprinkler system

A system comprising components such as valves, alarms, pipework, sprinklers and watersupplies designed to control a developing fire. Sprinkler systems may be either standardsystems or special systems, and may be arranged to operate as one or a combination of thefollowing:

(a) Wet system A system permanently charged with water both above and below theinstallation alarm valve (wet) (see Clause 8.7.1).

(b) Alternate wet and dry system A system that incorporates either a composite alarmvalve, or a combination valve set comprising an alarm valve (wet) and an alarm valve(dry).

(c) Dry system A system permanently charged with air or inert gas under pressure,above the alarm valve (dry) and with water below.

(d) Pre-action system A combination of a sprinkler system and an independent systemof heat or smoke detectors installed in the same area as the sprinklers. A heat orsmoke detector operates prior to the sprinklers, allowing the pre-action valve to openand water to flow into the sprinkler piping, before the first sprinkler starts to operate.

(e) Recycling pre-action system A system with heat detectors and incorporating apre-action flow control valve capable of repeated on/off cycles appropriate to thepossible redevelopment of fire in the protected area. The cycling occurs as a result ofheat detector operation which, as an electric interlock, causes the pre-action flowcontrol valve to open and close.

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(f) Deluge system A system of open sprinklers controlled by a quick-opening valve(deluge valve) which is operated by a system of listed heat detectors or sprinklersinstalled in the same areas as the open sprinklers (see AS 2118.3).

(g) Tail-end system A system essentially similar to dry, alternate wet and dry, pre-actionand deluge systems, with the limitation that it only forms an extension to the sprinklersystem.

1.6.23 Standard sprinkler system

A system utilizing sprinkler types as listed in AS 4118.1 (see also Clause 6.2.1).

1.6.24 Standard sprinkler

A sprinkler conforming to the thread sizes, deflector type and K factors specified inAS 4118.1 (see also Clause 6.2.1).

Standard sprinklers are as follows:

(a) Conventional sprinkler A sprinkler designed to produce a spherical type ofdischarge with a proportion of water being thrown upwards to the ceiling. Aconventional sprinkler is usually designed with a universal type deflector enabling thesprinkler to be used in either the upright or pendent position. Some conventionalsprinklers are, however, made in two types: one suitable for use in the uprightposition and the other for use in the pendent position.

(b) Spray sprinkler A sprinkler designed to produce a parabolic discharge below theplane of the deflector with little or no water being discharged upwards to wet theceiling. A spray sprinkler is made in two types: one suitable for use in the uprightposition and the other for use in the pendent position.

(c) Flush sprinkler A sprinkler designed for use with concealed piping where it isrequired, for reasons of appearance, to make the sprinklers inconspicuous. A flushsprinkler is installed pendent, with the base flush to the ceiling, but has an exposedheat responsive element and retracted deflectors which drop down to the normalposition on actuation. Flush sprinklers are normally used in hotel lobbies, diningrooms, offices, boardrooms and parts of retail stores. Flush sprinklers are not suitablefor use in atmospheres that are corrosive or subject to a high dust content. Flushsprinklers utilizing chains to locate the deflector are only suitable for use with levelceilings unless specifically listed otherwise.

(d) Recessed sprinkler A sprinkler comprising a spray sprinkler provided with aseparate escutcheon housing, usually two-piece adjustable, where part of the sprinkleryoke and heat responsive element are mounted within the recessed housing.NOTE: Escutcheon housings are used with the spray sprinkler to ensure that the responsetime of the heat responsive element is not unduly impeded and that the discharge spraypattern is not obstructed.

(e) Concealed sprinkler A sprinkler comprising a spray sprinkler that is fully recessedin a concealed housing and fitted with a cover plate assembly designed to release at orbefore the operating temperature of the sprinkler. Concealed sprinklers provide thesame unobtrusive appearance as flush sprinklers.

(f) Sidewall sprinkler A sprinkler designed for installation along the walls of a roomclose to the ceiling. A sidewall sprinkler provides a one-sided (half-paraboloid)discharge pattern directed outwards with a small proportion discharging on the wallbehind the sprinkler. Sidewall pattern sprinklers are not normally a substitute forconventional or spray pattern sprinklers and their use is limited to such locations asoffices, entrance halls, lobbies and corridors.

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A sidewall sprinkler may be used with advantage in drying tunnels and hoods overpapermaking machines where condensate dripping from sprinklers and pipework atthe ceiling could be troublesome and also in certain other locations such as shopwindows and under platforms having low headroom where sprinklers would besubject to damage.

(g) Dry pendent and dry sidewall sprinkler A sprinkler designed for use in portions ofpremises protected by a dry or an alternate wet and dry system where it is notpracticable to install sprinklers in the upright position, or on a wet system where thesprinklers may be subject to frost. Dry pendent and dry sidewall sprinklers aredesigned having either conventional or pendent spray type deflectors. Dry pendentand dry sidewall sprinklers are manufactured integral with drop pipes of varyinglengths, the valve being so placed that there is no pocket or depression where watercan be trapped.

(h) Dry upright sprinkler A sprinkler essentially the same as the dry pendent typesexcept that an upright type deflector is incorporated. A dry upright sprinkler isdesigned for use in wet systems for the protection of concealed spaces subject tofreezing.

(i) Fast response sprinkler A sprinkler that has a high level of thermal sensitivity whichenables it to respond at an early stage of fire development. See AS 4118.1.1 for thethermal characteristics of fast response sprinklers.

C1.6.24(i) The life safety aspects of a sprinkler system are improved by using fastresponse sprinklers. Fast response and quick response are synonymous terms.

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S E C T I O N 2 C L A S S I F I C A T I O N O FS P R I N K L E R S Y S T E M S A N D D E S I G N D A T A

2.1 CLASSIFICATION OF SYSTEMS

Sprinkler systems shall be classified on the basis of the hazard classes of occupancy andshall be designated accordingly; namely, Light Hazard, Ordinary Hazard and High Hazard.

2.2 CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCIES

Occupancy classifications for sprinklers system design shall be determined having regard tothe expected rate of heat release within a building compartment together with the fuelloading and burning characteristics of materials within that compartment. The quantity andcombustibility of contents, the total potential for energy release, the height of stockpilesand the presence of flammable and combustible liquids shall also be taken intoconsideration.

NOTE: A guide to typical occupancy classifications is included in Appendix A.

Occupancy classifications are as follows:

(a) Light Hazard occupancies.

(b) Ordinary Hazard occupancies —

(i) Ordinary Hazard 1;

(ii) Ordinary Hazard 2;

(iii) Ordinary Hazard 3; and

(iv) Ordinary Hazard special.

(c) High Hazard occupancies:

(i) High Hazard—process risks;

(ii) High Hazard—High-piled storage risks —

(A) High Hazard—High-piled storage risks—Category 1.

(B) High Hazard—High-piled storage risks—Category 2.

(C) High Hazard—High-piled storage risks—Category 3.

(D) High Hazard—High-piled storage risks—Category 4.

(iii) Storage risks requiring special consideration.

2.3 TYPES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

2.3.1 General

Sprinkler systems are either—

(a) standard sprinkler systems (see Clause 1.6.23); or

(b) special sprinkler systems (see Clause 1.6.18).

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2.3.2 Standard sprinkler system

2.3.2.1 General requirements

A standard sprinkler system as defined in Clause 1.6.23 shall be arranged to operate as oneor a combination of the following:

(a) wet system.

(b) alternate wet and dry system.

(c) dry system.

(d) pre-action system.

(e) recycling pre-action system.

(f) deluge system.

(g) tail-end system.

Standard sprinklers systems shall comply with the requirements set out in Clauses 2.3.2.2to 2.3.2.10, as applicable.

2.3.2.2 Wet systems (see Clause 1.6.22)

Wet systems shall not be installed in premises where there is danger, at any time, of thewater in the pipes freezing.

Wet systems shall be so designed that the maximum floor area, excluding concealed spacesbut including mezzanine floor areas, controlled by one control, including tail-endextensions (see Clause 2.3.2.8) does not exceed the following:

(a) 9000 m2 for light and Ordinary Hazard installations.

(b) 8000 m2 for High Hazard installations. However, where roof protection only isprovided in accordance with Table 11.1.3.2(B), the area of storage, including aisles,protected by one installation shall not exceed 6000 m2.

(c) Where single installations protect High Hazard areas, with roof protection onlyprovided in accordance with Table 11.1.3.2(B), and the area of pallet rackingincluding aisles is less than 1000 m2, the total installation area may be extended to8000 m2.

(d) Where single installations protect both High Hazard areas and Ordinary or LightHazard areas, the High Hazard area shall not exceed the floor area limitationsspecified for that hazard and the total area shall not exceed 9000 m2.

(e) Where single installations control intermediate level sprinklers in storage racks, thefloor area occupied by the racks (including aisles) shall not exceed 4000 m2.

2.3.2.3 Alternate wet and dry systems (see Clause 1.6.22)

An alternate wet and dry sprinkler system shall incorporate either a composite alarm valve(see Clause 8.7.3) or a combination set comprising an alarm valve (wet) and an alarm valve(dry) (see Clauses 8.7.1 and 8.7.2). During winter months, the installation piping above thecomposite alarm valve, or alarm valve (dry) shall be charged with air and the remainder ofthe system, below the valve, shall be charged with water and, at other times, the systemshall operate as a wet system as described in Clause 2.3.2.2.

Sprinklers in alternate wet and dry systems shall be installed in the upright position, abovethe line of pipe. An exception is allowed where listed dry pendent sprinklers(see Clause 1.6.24(g)) are installed or where sprinklers have an anti-freezing deviceincorporated therein.

Piping shall be arranged with slope for drainage (see Clause 7.5).

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Alternate wet and dry systems shall be so designed that the maximum floor area, includingmezzanine floor areas, controlled by one control assembly, including tail-end extensions(see Clauses 2.3.2.8 and 2.3.2.9), does not exceed the following:

(a) Where an accelerator or exhauster is used —

(i) 37002 for Ordinary and Light Hazard systems; and

(ii) 2100 m2 for High Hazard systems.

(b) Where an accelerator or exhauster is not used —

(i) 2500 m2 for Ordinary and Light Hazard systems; and

(ii) 1400 m2 for High Hazard systems.

2.3.2.4 Dry systems (see Clause 1.6.22)

A dry sprinkler system shall be permanently charged with air or inert gas under pressureabove the alarm valve (dry) and with water below the valve.

Dry systems shall only be installed in buildings where the temperature conditions aremaintained close to or below freezing, such as in cool stores, or fur vaults, or where thetemperature is maintained above 70°C such as in drying ovens (see Clause 5.16.4).

The floor area controlled by one control assembly in a dry system shall not exceed thatprescribed in Clause 2.3.2.3 for alternate wet and dry systems.

In dry systems, piping shall be arranged with slope for drainage (see Clause 7.5). Standardsprinklers shall only be installed in the upright position above the line of the pipe.

2.3.2.5 Pre-action systems (see Clause 1.6.22)

The sprinkler system piping shall be charged with air or inert gas under pressure and shallbe monitored so that an alarm is given on reduction of pressure. The pre-action alarm valvecontrolling the water supply shall be operated—

(a) solely by the system of detectors to allow the sprinkler piping to become charged withwater;

(b) by the system of detectors, or independently by the operation of a sprinkler releasingthe air from the sprinkler piping, whereby the operation of the sprinkler system shallnot be affected by any failure in the detector system; or

(c) by both the system of detectors and the operation of a sprinkler releasing the air fromthe sprinkler piping.

In each case the detection system shall automatically initiate an alarm.

The heat or smoke detection system shall operate a continuously energized valve or tripmechanism to release the pre-action alarm valve when the valve or trip mechanism becomesde-energized.

The floor area controlled by one control assembly in a pre-action system shall not exceedthat prescribed in Clause 2.3.2.2 for wet systems.

Where the piping could be subject to freezing, it shall be arranged with slope for drainage(see Clause 7.5) and standard sprinklers shall be installed in the upright position above theline of pipe.

The installation spacing and location of heat or smoke detectors shall comply with therequirements of AS 1670.1.

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C2.3.2.5

(a) The system only becomes a wet system, following the operation of the detectorsystem, the objective being to prevent a discharge of water from piping orsprinklers that may have suffered mechanical damage.

(b) The object of this configuration being to facilitate an earlier discharge of waterfrom sprinklers on an otherwise dry system.

(c) This configuration offers the greatest safeguard against inadvertent waterdischarge by requiring that both the system of detectors and the sprinklerinstallation are activated before water is admitted to the installation piping.

2.3.2.6 Recycling pre-action systems

Re-closing the flow control valve shall be delayed for a period of 5 min, by means of anautomatic timer, as a safety measure. Should the fire rekindle and re-actuate the heatdetectors, the flow control valve shall reopen immediately and water shall again flow fromthe open sprinklers.

The floor area controlled by one control assembly in a recycling pre-action system shall notexceed that prescribed in Clause 2.3.2.2 for wet systems.

Where the piping is subject to freezing, it shall be arranged with slope for drainage(see Clause 7.5) and standard sprinklers shall be installed in the upright position above theline of pipe.

The installation and spacing of heat or smoke detectors in recycling pre-action systemsshall comply with the requirements of AS 1670.1.

2.3.2.7 Deluge systems (see Clause 1.6.22)

Deluge systems shall be in accordance with AS 2118.3.

C2.3.2.7 Deluge systems are designed primarily for Special Hazards such as thoselisted as High Hazard in Clause 2.2, where any fire could be anticipated to be intenseand with a fast rate of propagation. In these circumstances, it is desirable to apply watersimultaneously over a complete zone in which a fire may originate by admitting water toopen sprinklers or to medium or high velocity sprayers.

2.3.2.8 Tail-end systems (see Clause 1.6.22)

Tail-end systems shall be comparatively small in extent and shall form extensions tosprinkler systems. Tail-end systems are subject to limitations and variations set out inClauses 2.3.2.9 and 2.3.2.10.

2.3.2.9 Limitations and specific requirements for tail-end systems

The following limitations and specific requirements shall apply for tail-end installations:

(a) The total area of tail-end systems on one wet installation shall not exceed 2500 m2.Any one tail-end system shall not exceed 1000 m2.

(b) The subsidiary stop valve shall be monitored in accordance with Clause 3.4.

(c) Suitable drainage shall be provided.

(d) Tail-end systems connected to dry and alternate wet and dry installation shall belimited to dry systems.

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2.3.2.10 Tail-end anti-freezing solution systems

The following requirements shall apply for tail-end systems incorporating anti-freezingsolutions:

(a) Piping within the area subject to freezing shall be filled with anti-freezing solutionand shall be arranged so as to prevent diffusion of water into that area.

(b) Anti-freezing solutions shall have a freezing point of not less than 10°C below theminimum temperature possible in the area subject to freezing.

(c) The area covered by any tail-end anti-freezing solution system shall not exceed250 m2.

(d) The piping shall be arranged so that the interface between the anti-freezing solutionand the water in the wet system is lower than the point of connection to the wetsystem.

(e) The following valves and fittings shall be incorporated in the piping(see Figure 2.3.2.10 and Figure 4.3.1 for symbols):

(i) A subsidiary stop valve monitored in accordance with Clause 3.4.

(ii) A drain valve.

(iii) An upper test valve, not more than 350 mm nor less than 250 mm below thefilling connection in the wet system.

(iv) A lower test valve, not less than 1.2 m below the upper test valve.

(v) A filling connection.

(vi) A non-return valve. The disc of the non-return valve shall have a 1 mm hole toallow for expansion of the solution during a temperature rise and thus preventdamage to sprinklers. All valves in the system piping shall be metal-faced.

NOTE: These systems are suitable for use in small coolrooms and freezing chambers and otherareas such as loading docks and outhouses in localities subject to freezing conditions.

DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES

FIGURE 2.3.2.10 ARRANGEMENT OF SUPPLY PIPING AND VALVES, TAIL-END ANTI-FREEZING SOLUTION SYSTEM

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2.3.3 Special sprinkler systems

2.3.3.1 General requirements

A special sprinkler system, as defined in Clause 1.6.18, shall be arranged to operate as oneor a combination of the following:

(a) Wet system.

(b) Alternate wet and dry system.

(c) Dry system.

(d) Pre-action system.

(e) Recycling pre-action system.

(f) Tail-end system.

A special sprinkler system shall comply with the requirements set out in Clauses 2.3.2.2to 2.3.2.10 and Clauses 2.3.3.2 to 2.3.3.4.

2.3.3.2 Specific requirements

Special sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with the spacing, location,maximum and minimum pressure limitations, and other requirements set out in—

(a) the listing for the specific component;

(b) the manufacturer’s published data sheets, and

(c) the codes and Standards referenced therein.

The critical design and installation requirements for special sprinkler systems are those thatdirectly affect the performance of the sprinklers and shall apply only to that part of eachsystem downstream of the control assembly. Other issues, such as the maximum floor areacontrolled by one control assembly, alarm and monitoring systems, valving, pipe materials,hangers, bracing, and the like, shall conform to the requirements of this Standard.

All aspects relating to the design and installation of water supplies shall be in accordancewith this Standard, with the following exceptions:

(i) For ESFR sprinkler systems, a duration of not less than 60 min shall apply.

(ii) Where a water supply duration in excess of 90 min is a requirement of themanufacturer’s data sheets or the codes and Standards referenced therein, thatduration shall apply.

(iii) Where a water supply duration in excess of 90 min is a requirement of FactoryMutual Data Sheets nominated in this Standard as the basis for compliance, thatduration shall apply.

The maximum area covered by a special sprinkler installation shall be in accordance withClauses 2.3.2.2 and 2.3.2.10.

C2.3.3.2 The design principles and operating characteristics of special sprinklersystems are often significantly different from those applicable to standard sprinklersystems. The special sprinkler may be unable to cope with some of the building features,occupancies, storage arrangements, and the like, which are commonly acceptable forstandard sprinkler systems. Therefore, it is essential that the limitations of specialsprinklers and special sprinkler systems be thoroughly understood and applied withoutexception.

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2.3.3.3 ESFR sprinkler system

ESFR sprinkler systems (see Clause 1.6.17(c)) shall be wet systems, and shall be designedin accordance with this Section, and shall only be used for nominated high-piled storagerisks.

Occupancy classification and the commodities to be protected by ESFR sprinkler systemsshall be in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 13 — 1999, and restricted to those inthe current Factory Mutual Loss Prevention Data (Data Sheets 2–2 and 8–9) or the ULlisting for the particular sprinkler, as appropriate.

C2.3.3.3 ESFR sprinkler systems are designed exclusively to suppress high-challenge,high-piled storage risk warehouse fires. In many instances, in-rack sprinklers can bereduced or eliminated. The system is expected to discharge a large volume of water at ahigh speed, directly onto a fire to suppress the fire before it develops. ESFR sprinklersare quick-acting high-performance sprinklers which have the capability of extinguishingfires within designated risks. There is no room for error in the design and installation ofESFR sprinkler systems; the design principles and the operating characteristics aresignificantly different from standard sprinkler protection. ESFR sprinkler systems may beunable to cope with adverse design features which may be acceptable when installingstandard sprinkler protection.

2.3.3.4 Special systems incorporating residential sprinklers

Residential sprinklers are permitted to be installed in wet pipe sprinkler systemsconforming to this Standard, subject to the following:

(a) They shall be installed in sole occupancy units and their adjoining corridors inresidential portions of buildings.

(b) They shall be installed in strict accordance with their specified approval listing andpositioning requirements.

(c) Sprinkler performance shall be in accordance with minimum and maximum pressureand flow rate limitations indicated in individual residential sprinkler listings. Thedesign number of sprinklers assumed to be in operation shall include the hydraulicallymost unfavourable four sprinklers.

(d) Special sprinkler systems incorporating residential sprinklers shall be designed suchthat the maximum floor area, excluding concealed spaces but including mezzaninefloor areas, controlled by one control assembly, does not exceed 9000 m2.

(e) Permitted exceptions shall be in accordance with Clause 3.1.3.

C2.3.3.4 Standard sprinkler systems that permit the inclusion of residential sprinklersare designated as special sprinkler systems. Where residential occupancies occur, smokealarms complying with AS 3786, should be installed in accordance with AS 1670.6, inaddition to sprinkler protection.

2.3.3.5 Hydraulic calculation

Special sprinkler system designs shall utilize hydraulic calculation procedures.

All sprinklers installed in a compartment shall be of the same category of heat response;that is, either fast, special or standard response.

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2.4 DESIGN DATA

Each standard sprinkler system shall be hydraulically designed in accordance with therelevant hazard class to provide an appropriate density of discharge over an assumed area ofoperation.

The design densities of discharge and the assumed area of operation for Ordinary and HighHazard class systems shall be as specified in Table 2.4. For Light Hazard performancerequirements see Section 9. For specific details of High Hazard design data seeClauses 11.1.2 and 11.1.3.

TABLE 2.4

DESIGN DENSITIES OF DISCHARGE AND ASSUMED AREASOF OPERATION OF STANDARD SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Hazard classDesign density of

discharge, mm/min*

Assumed area of

operation, m2

Light See Section 9 See Section 9

Ordinary —

123Special

5†5†5†5†

72144216360

High —

Process risksHigh pile storage risks

7.5 to 12.57.5 to 30

260260 or 300

* Where systems are installed using special sprinklers, density of discharge is notalways a criterion

† Provision is made for the density to be increased for certain areas by specifyingcloser spacing of sprinklers (see Clause 10.3.1).

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S E C T I O N 3 I N S T A L L A T I O N

3.1 SPRINKLER-PROTECTED BUILDINGS

3.1.1 Extent of sprinkler protection

3.1.1.1 General

For the purpose of this Standard, sprinkler-protected buildings and sprinkler-protected areasshall be classified in accordance with Clauses 3.1.1.2 and 3.1.1.3.

3.1.1.2 Classification as sprinkler-protected building

To be classified as a sprinkler-protected building, a building shall be sprinkler-protectedthroughout, other than where exceptions are permitted in Clause 3.1.3 (see Clause 5.6.10).

3.1.1.3 Classification as sprinkler-protected area

Where it is proposed to protect a portion of a building only, for that portion to be classifiedas a sprinkler-protected area, it shall be sprinkler-protected throughout and shall beseparated from non-sprinkler-protected areas by a construction having an FRL of not lessthan –/120/120 with the exception of those areas contained in Clause 3.1.3.

Where the sprinkler-protected building is linked to a non-sprinkler-protected area by aroofed connection (e.g. roofed passageway, roofed ramp or tunnel), protection shall extendto a wall having an FRL of not less than –/120/120. The wall shall extend from top tobottom and side to side of the passageway, ramp or tunnel, with any door or shutter in thewall being a listed fire door or fire shutter. Where the wall is located at the junction withthe non-sprinkler-protected building, the link shall be sprinkler-protected.

3.1.2 Protection against exposure hazards

3.1.2.1 Extent of application

Any part of an external wall, of the sprinkler-protected building, including glazed openingsand roof overhangs with an FRL less than –/30/30 within 10 m of an Exposure Hazard, shallbe protected with external sprinklers.

For the purpose of this Clause ‘external wall’ shall include the façade of raised sections ofthe building, such as roof lanterns, set back from the perimeter of the sprinkler-protectedbuilding; and ‘Exposure Hazard’ shall mean a source of radiant heat such as a non-sprinkler-protected building with an FRL less than –/30/30 or areas used for storage orhandling of flammable or combustible materials.

C3.1.2.1 When installed as an integral part of an internal sprinkler system designed tothis Standard, external protection of this type is considered the first line of defence inprotecting the building from an external fire source. The use of sprinklers to modify theFRL of the wall element is outside the scope of this Standard.

3.1.2.2 Sprinklers

All sealed sprinklers used for exposure protection shall be rated as fast response as definedin AS 4118.1.1 and shall have a temperature rating of 93°C.

Sprinklers shall be any of the following types and orientation:

(a) Pendent Spray (SP)—mounted horizontally with the deflector towards the window orwall.

(b) Upright Spray (SU)—mounted horizontally with the deflector away from the windowor wall.

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(c) Pendent Sidewall—(WP) mounted pendent and oriented to direct the spray towardsthe window or wall.

(d) Sprinklers specifically designed for the purpose and located and spaced in accordancewith their listing.

Conventional sprinklers (CU/P) shall not be used, except in the case of protection beneathroof overhangs. Sprinklers beneath roof overhangs shall not be considered a substitute forprotection of walls.

3.1.2.3 Shielding

Where building features do not shield sprinklers to prevent cooling from sprinklersoperating above, such sprinklers shall be fitted with metal shields not less than 80 mm dia.

3.1.2.4 Sprinkler spacing and location

Unless specifically listed otherwise, sprinklers shall be located in accordance withTable 3.1.2.4.

In addition to the requirements contained in Table 3.1.2.4, a sprinkler shall be positionednot more than 1.25 m horizontally from —

(a) the vertical extremities of the protected surface;

(b) the vertical extremities of each glazed opening, with the sprinkler located within theopening; and

(c) the centre of any building feature such as downpipes and glazing bars or mullions,which project more than 40 mm from the protected surface.

Where vertical glazing bars or mullions project more than 40 mm from the glazed surfaceand are spaced not more than 1660 mm centre to centre, every alternate sprinkler may bepositioned on the centre-line of a mullion or glazing bar, except that sprinklers shall bepositioned within 1.25 m of each side of any vertical glazing bar or mullion that exceeds40 mm in width.

TABLE 3.1.2.4

SPRINKLER SPACING AND LOCATION

Distance Position Maximum MinimumPoint of

measurement

Distance between sprinklers Horizontally 2.5 m 1.8 m Centre of sprinkler

(see Note)

Vertically 4.0 m N/A Deflector to deflector

Horizontal distance from wall Horizontal sprinkler 100 mm 20 mm Sprinkler deflector

Pendent sprinkler 300 mm 10 mm Centre of sprinkler

Vertical distance below tope of protected surface

Horizontal sprinkler 100 mm 50 mm Centre of sprinkler

Pendent sprinkler 100 mm 50 mm Sprinkler deflector

NOTE: The 1.8 m minimum distance may be reduced where sprinklers are separated by a baffle or buildingfeature which will prevent cooling from an adjacent operating sprinkler.

3.1.2.5 Piping

External sprinklers shall be fed either individually by range pipes or as groups by dedicateddistribution pipes connected to a distribution pipe of the internal sprinkler system.

Pipe sizes shall be determined by full hydraulic calculation methods.

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C3.1.2.5 In cases where excessive sprinkler system downtime may be occasioned by thepost-fire replacement of external sprinklers, groups of external sprinklers should beconnected by dedicated distribution pipes fitted with locked-open isolation valves. Thefitting of locked open sectional stop valves on connections to external protection cangreatly decrease the time taken to recommission a system following an operation of theexternal sprinklers and should be considered for all such installations.

3.1.2.6 Performance

Sprinkler systems that incorporate exposure protection shall be fully hydraulically designedso that the flow from any external sprinkler shall be not less than 75 L/min when therequired maximum number of external sprinklers are operating.

Where the area to be protected by an individual sprinkler is less than 2.5 m wide, the flowrate may be reduced proportionally subject to a minimum end head pressure of 70 kPa.

The required number of sprinklers assumed to be in simultaneous operation shall be thenumber of sprinklers opposed to each Exposure Hazard, up to a maximum of 18.

Hydraulic calculation methods shall conform to the requirements of Section 12, asappropriate.

3.1.2.7 Water supply

If the maximum calculated demand of the exposure protection is in excess of that requiredfor the internal sprinklers alone, the water supply shall be increased to cover the excess.

3.1.3 Permitted exceptions

Sprinklers may be omitted from certain areas of sprinkler-protected buildings or sprinkler-protected areas as follows:

(a) Fire-isolated stairways, fire-isolated passageways and fire-isolated ramps constructedin accordance with the Building Code of Australia.

(b) Toilets and washrooms, but not cloakrooms, with an FRL of not less than –/60/60,with all openings to the sprinkler-protected area fitted with fire doors or fire shuttersin accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS 1905.1 and AS 1905.2, having aminimum FRL of –/60/30.

(c) Rooms used for no purposes other than containing dry electric equipment (non-oilfilled), enclosed by walls, floors and ceilings with a minimum FRL of –/120/120, andwith all openings to the sprinkler-protected area fitted with fire doors or fire shuttersin accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS 1905.1 and AS 1905.2, having aminimum FRL of –/120/30. Such room or compartment shall be fitted with—

(i) multiple controls for alarm purposes only with the drain discharging to an opentundish or fitted with a sight-glass; or

(ii) a detection and alarm system installed in accordance with AS 1670.1.

(d) Silos or bins for the storage of grain, inside buildings forming part of corn mill,distillery, maltings or oil mill premises.

(e) Ovens, hovels and kilns in potteries, including earthenware, brick, tile andglassworks.

(f) The undersides of screens or shields erected over the wet ends of papermakingmachines.

(g) Over salt baths and metal melt pans where the application of water would endangerpersonnel. Piping and sprinklers may be located over such places if a suitable canopyis fitted.A

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(h) Over uncovered potable water storage wherever there is a danger of contamination ofthat water.

(i) Unroofed docks or loading platforms, subject to the requirements of Clause 5.6.12.

(j) Balconies other than those requiring protection under Clause 5.6.13.

3.2 TRANSMISSION OF ALARM SIGNAL TO FIRE BRIGADE

Upon actuation of the sprinkler system a distinctive alarm signal shall be automaticallytransmitted to a fire brigade receiving centre or a to a constantly attended monitoringservice with a direct data link to the fire brigade or fire brigade dispatch centre. Whereconnection to the alarm monitoring network is duplicated or uses diverse paths, theminimum cable rating shall be WSX1W in accordance with AS/NZS 3013.

Where either provision is made, the following requirements shall apply (see alsoClause 8.10):

(a) For alarm transmission purposes, the control assemblies of not more than fourinstallations may be grouped, provided that each installation is fitted with amechanical indicating device which, when actuated, remains in the ‘system operated’position until manually reset. In addition, a readily discernible sign shall be locatedadjacent to the control assemblies to indicate the zone controlled by each controlassembly.

(b) A permanent and securely affixed notice shall be located in close proximity to thecontrol assemblies to indicate that there is a direct alarm connection to the firebrigade or monitoring service.

(c) If at any time the network path between the sprinkler system and the fire brigade isinterrupted, attention shall be drawn to this fact at the fire brigade or fire brigadedispatch centre and monitoring service and again when it is re-established.

(d) Alarm signalling equipment shall comply with AS 4428.6.

(e) Wiring from alarm signalling equipment to the alarm monitoring network connectionpoint shall comply with AS/NZS 3013 with a minimum rating of WS51W.Connection to an Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) is permissible only if thecable from the IDF to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) is installed underground.NOTES:

1 The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) requires all alarm signalling equipmentconnected to a telecommunications network to be labelled indicating its compliance, orwith the relevant Standards.

2 Radio communications equipment is required to conform to the requirements of therelevant radio communications Standards made mandatory by the ACA.

(f) The alarm monitoring network shall comply with the relevant requirements for apermanently connected station as specified in AS 1670.3.NOTE: AS 4428.1 gives information where the ASE and relevant network is not available.

3.3 LOCAL ALARM

Every installation shall be fitted with an externally mounted water motor alarm, except thatwhere alarm valves are grouped one water motor alarm may serve all installations in anyone location. The water motor alarm shall be located as near as practicable to the alarmvalves (see also Clauses 8.7 and 8.10).

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C3.3 The purpose of the local alarm is to attract the attention of passers-by. It is notintended to alert occupants of the building.

Sprinkler systems required to be installed in accordance with the Building Code ofAustralia are required to be connected to and activate a building’s occupant warningsystem.

3.4 SYSTEM COMPONENT FAULT MONITORING

3.4.1 General

Fault monitoring of system components shall be provided in accordance with Clauses 3.4.2to 3.4.5.

3.4.2 Monitoring devices

3.4.2.1 General

Class A monitoring devices shall be installed in all cases except that Class B devices arepermitted where the monitored components are located within a secure area or room withaccess restricted by means of security devices or a system providing at least the same levelof security as achieved with Class A monitoring.

3.4.2.2 Class A monitoring devices

Class A monitoring shall transmit a signal upon—

(a) a change of status of the monitored component;

(b) any attempt to tamper with or bypass the monitoring device; and

(c) any attempt to tamper with or bypass the connection back to the receiving centre.

3.4.2.3 Class B monitoring devices

Class B monitoring shall transmit a signal upon—

(a) a change of status of the monitored component; and

(b) any attempt to tamper with or bypass the connection back to the receiving centre.

3.4.3 Systems to be monitored

Continuous system monitoring shall be installed—

(a) in systems containing High Hazard portions greater than 300 m2;

(b) in buildings greater than 25 m effective height; and

(c) where required by acts or regulations.

3.4.4 Components to be monitored

The following components shall be monitored:

(a) Water supply stop valves excluding underground key-operated valves.

(b) Main stop valves.

(c) Subsidiary stop valves (see Clause 8.2.4).

(d) Power supply for each electric-motor-driven pump.

(e) Controller ‘ready to start condition’ battery voltage and fuel level for eachcompression-ignition driven pump.

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3.4.5 Installation

Control and power supply equipment shall comply with the requirements of AS 4428.1 andAS/NZS 3000

Fault signals from monitored components shall be connected to—

(a) a fire brigade receiving centre (see Clause 3.2); or

(b) a Grade 2 central station complying with AS 2201.2, including a monitoring service;or

(c) a constantly attended in-house security facility.

Should the connection be severed, attention shall be drawn to this fact at the receivingstation.

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S E C T I O N 4 W A T E R S U P P L I E S

4.1 GENERAL

4.1.1 Requirements

The water supply shall have pressure and flow characteristics not less than those specifiedin Clauses 9.3, 10.2 or 11.2, as appropriate. It shall be automatic and thoroughly reliableand shall not be subject to either freezing or drought conditions that could seriously depletethe supply.

Sprinkler systems under separate ownership shall not share private water supplies, nor shallthey share connections to public water supplies.

Sprinkler system piping (with the exception of water supply connections to town mains)shall not traverse ground that is not under the control of the owner.

The water shall be fresh and free from fibrous or other matter in suspension liable to causeaccumulations in the piping system.

NOTES:

1 Water supplies, other than that part under the control of the water supply authorities, shouldbe under the control of the occupier of the building containing the installation.

2 In special circumstances where there is no suitable fresh water source available considerationmay be given to the use of salt or brackish water, provided that the installation is normallycharged with fresh water.

3 Where there is a ring main or loop within the premises it is desirable to provide isolating stopvalves, so situated as to maintain the maximum possible service in the event of fracture or, ifit is necessary, to close down part of the ring main.

4.1.2 Additives

Corrosive chemicals such as sodium silicate (or derivatives of sodium silicate) brine, orother chemicals shall not be used while hydrostatically testing systems, for stopping leaks,or for any other purpose.

4.2 ACCEPTABLE SOURCES OF SUPPLY

The following sources of supply shall be acceptable:

(a) Town mains (see Clause 4.10).NOTE: Internal water reticulation within an establishment, capable of supplying peak flowsat the required duration for domestic, fire services and sprinkler installations, designed on aring system with adequate valving, may be considered as town mains.

(b) Elevated private reservoirs (see Clause 4.9.2).

(c) Gravity tanks (see Clause 4.9.3).

(d) Automatic pumps (see Clause 4.11)—

(i) drawing from suction tanks or natural sources such as rivers, lakes orunderground water supply, subject to the conditions laid down in Clause 4.1; or

(ii) boosting supplies such as town mains or elevated private reservoirs.

(e) Pressure tanks (see Clause 4.13).

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4.3 WATER SUPPLY GRADES

4.3.1 General

Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall be divided into three grades based onascending order of reliability of supply; viz. Grades 3, 2 and 1.

NOTE: See Figure 4.3.1 for the symbols used in Figures 4.3.2, 4.3.3 and 4.3.4.

4.3.2 Grade 3 water supplies

4.3.2.1 General

The following supplies constitute Grade 3 water supplies (see Figure 4.3.2 for typicalarrangements):

(a) A direct supply from a single town main.

(b) A single automatic pump supply drawing from a single town main (booster pump),from a pump suction tank, or from a natural source. The automatic pump may bedriven by an electric motor or by a compression-ignition engine.

(c) A pressure tank (Light Hazard and Ordinary Hazard 1 classes only).

4.3.2.2 Limitations on the use of Grade3 water supply

A Grade 3 water supply shall not be used to supply sprinkler systems—

(a) protecting a building greater than 25 m effective high; or

(b) protecting a High Hazard class of risk unless the Grade 3 supply consists of—

(i) a town main that is capable of supplying not less than 2200 L/min in excess ofthe system design flow rate at all times; or

(ii) an automatic (booster) pump supply drawing from a single town maincomplying with Item (i) above (see Figure 4.10.2(f)), in which case there shallbe either—

(A) two automatic pumps, one at least of which shall have acompression-ignition engine drive and each of which shall be capable ofproviding independently the necessary pressure and flow; or

(B) three automatic pumps, two at least of which shall havecompression-ignition engine drives and any two of which shall be capableof providing in aggregate the necessary pressure and flow.

In each case the pumps shall be capable of operating in parallel, that is, theyshall have similar pressure and flow characteristics.NOTE: Where two completely independent electric power sources are available(neither linked with the other) or where automatic changeover facilities exist betweentwo completely independent electric power sources (excluding emergency standbygenerating sets), the provision of two electrically driven pumps may be permitted, onesupplied from each source in the former case, or both supplied from each source in thelatter case. In these circumstances one of the pumps may be regarded as beingcompression-ignition engine driven for the purpose of interpretating this Clause.


The following supplies constitute Grade 2 water supplies (see Figure 4.3.3 for typicalarrangement):

(a) Town main complying with the following requirements:

(i) The town main shall be fed from both ends by mains, each of which shall becapable of furnishing the relevant pressures and flows required in Clauses 9.3,10.2 or 11.2. There shall be duplicate connections from the town main carriedseparately up to the premises containing the sprinkler installation, with a stopvalve (open or closed) on the main between the two branches.

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Where it is not possible to provide the duplicate connections, a normally openstop valve on the town main immediately on each side of a single branchconnection shall be provided.

(ii) The mains at each end referred to in Item (a)(i) above shall not be directlydependent on a common trunk main anywhere in the town main system.

(iii) The town main system shall be connected to more than one source.

(b) Elevated private reservoir or gravity tank.

(c) Automatic pump supply drawing from a town main (booster pump), or a pump suctiontank. The automatic pump supply shall consist of either—

(i) two automatic pumps, one at least of which shall have a compression-ignitionengine drive and each of which shall be capable of providing independently thenecessary pressures and flows for the respective hazard class (see Clauses 9.3,10.2 or 11.2); or

(ii) three automatic pumps, two at least of which shall have compression-ignitionengine drives and any two of which shall be capable of providing in aggregatethe necessary pressures and flows for the respective hazard class (seeClauses 9.3, 10.2 or 11.2).

In each case the pumps shall be capable of operating in parallel, that is, they shallhave similar pressure and flow characteristics. Where pumps draw directly from atown main (booster pumps) or from a suction tank that requires the inflow from atown main to provide the requisite capacity, the town main shall comply with therequirements specified in Items (a)(i), (ii) and (iii) above, except where the suctiontank has a capacity not less than two thirds of the full holding capacity required forthe particular hazard class.NOTE: Where two completely independent electric power sources are available (neitherlinked with the other) or where automatic changeover facilities exist between two completelyindependent electric power sources (excluding emergency stand-by generating sets), theprovision of two electrically driven pumps may be permitted, one supplied from each sourcein the former case, or both supplied from each source in the latter case. In these circumstancesone of the pumps may be regarded as being compression-ignition engine driven for thepurpose of interpreting this Clause.

(d) Pressure tank (for Light Hazard class and Ordinary Hazard 1 only), provided that—

(i) the water capacity is not less than—

(A) for Light Hazard class as calculated in accordance with Clause 9.3.5; or

(B) for Ordinary Hazard 1........................................................46 000 L; and

(ii) there is an arrangement for maintaining automatically the required air pressureand water level in the tank under non-fire conditions (see Clause 4.13).


Grade 1 water supplies shall be connected to duplicate water sources. Each source shall becapable of providing the same pressure and rate of flow for the required time according thehazard class. For light and ordinary hazard classes only, a pressure tank is acceptable as aduplicate water supply (see Figure 4.3.4 for typical arrangements).

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The following combinations of water supplies constitute a Grade 1 water supply service:

(a) Where two town mains are used as a Grade 1 supply, the following additionalrequirements shall apply to ensure continuity of supply:

(i) The mains shall either be independent or form part of an interconnected townmains system having stop valves so arranged that in the event of a breakdownanywhere in the system, at least one of the mains to the installation shall remainoperative.

(ii) The town mains system shall be connected to more than one source.

(iii) There shall be a branch connection from each main carried separately up to thepremises containing the installation.

NOTE: Two or more installations on any premises in one ownership may have the second andsubsequent installation supplied by a single pipe taken downstream of the interconnection ofthe two branches.

(b) Town main and pressure tank (Light and Ordinary Hazard classes only).

(c) Town main and elevated private reservoir or gravity tank.

(d) Town main and automatic pump, provided that where the automatic pump draws froma suction tank of less capacity than that stated in Clause 4.8, the town main whichforms one of the supplies shall not be used to supply the balance.

(e) Automatic pump and pressure tank (Light and Ordinary Hazard classes only).

(f) Automatic pump and elevated private reservoir or gravity tank, provided the latterdoes not form the source of supply to the automatic pump.

(g) Two elevated private reservoirs or gravity tanks.

Alternatively, one double capacity reservoir or tank shall be acceptable if it issuitably subdivided, with separate downpipes from each division. The point ofconnection of each downpipe to the sprinkler main should be as close as possible tothe protected premises and the common main shall not traverse ground not under thecontrol of the owner of the installation nor shall it cross a public roadway.

(h) Automatic pump supply drawing from a virtually inexhaustible source, such as ariver, canal, lake or underground source, or two limited capacity pump suction tanks.For pump suction tanks, the primary tank shall have a holding capacity equal to thatrequired for the particular hazard class while the secondary tank may be of smallercapacity with automatic inflow, provided that it meets the requirements of Clause 4.8.In High Hazard class systems, the primary pump suction tank may also be of smallercapacity, provided that it meets the requirements of Clause 4.8.

The automatic pump supply shall consist of either—

(i) two automatic pumps, one at least of which shall have a compression-ignitionengine drive and each of which shall be capable of providing independently thenecessary pressures and flows for the respective hazard class (see Clauses 9.3,10.2 or 11.2); or

(ii) three automatic pumps, two at least of which shall have compression-ignitionengine drives and any two of which shall be capable of providing in aggregatethe necessary pressures and flows in the respective hazard class (seeClauses 9.3, 10.2 or 11.2).

In each case the pumps shall be capable of operating in parallel, that is, they shallhave similar pressure and flow characteristics. Where pumps draw from suction tanksprovision shall be made for the pumps to draw from either tank so that when one tankis rendered inoperative the other tank is available for all pumps.A

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NOTES:

1 If the holding capacity of suction tanks is reduced as permitted above, it will not benecessary to provide separate automatic inflow facilities for either suction tank if the rateof inflow for either suction tank meets the requirements of Clause 4.8.1.

2 Where two completely independent electric power sources are available (neither linkedwith the other) or where automatic changeover facilities exist between two completelyindependent electric power sources (excluding emergency stand-by generating sets), theprovision of two electrically driven pumps may be permitted, one supplied from eachsource in the former case or both supplied from each source in the latter case. In thesecircumstances, one of the pumps may be regarded as being compression-ignition enginedriven for the purpose of interpreting this Clause.

(i) Elevated private reservoir and pressure tank (Light and Ordinary Hazard classesonly).

FIGURE 4.3.1 LEGEND OF SYMBOLS USED IN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

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FIGURE 4.3.2 TYPICAL GRADE 3 WATER SUPPLIES

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FIGURE 4.3.3 (in part) TYPICAL GRADE 2 WATER SUPPLIES

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4.4 CONNECTIONS TO OTHER SERVICES

4.4.1 General

The water supply to a sprinkler system shall be separate with no other connections exceptwhere it can be demonstrated to the relevant authority that such connection would notdecrease the performance or reliability of the sprinkler system.

Where a connection is to a town main or the supply is from a private source, the provisionsof Clause 4.4.2 shall apply. Where other connections are necessary for compliance withwater supply authority requirements, any such connection shall be made upstream of thesprinkler system main stop valve and shall be fitted with separate isolating valves.

NOTE: See AS 2118.6 for combined sprinkler and hydrant systems for installation in multistoreybuildings.

Within an establishment, water supply for both automatic sprinkler and fire hydrant services(see AS 2419 (all parts)) may be combined subject to the following conditions:

(a) The provision of a water supply of sufficient capacity to provide the combined flowrequirements for both sprinklers and hydrants.

(b) The employment of ring mains incorporating isolating valves complying withAS 2419 (all parts) for all combined sprinkler/hydrant systems which have hydrantsin the open or hydrants which may be subject to damage. Such ring mains aregenerally recommended to preserve the integrity of the sprinkler system in allcombined systems. Where ring mains are not employed, an isolating valve shall beinstalled at the point of connection of any branch serving more than one hydrant.

(c) Piping shall be sized on the basis of the aggregate flow at any point in the systemwith a velocity not exceeding 4 m/s. For ring mains, the flow shall be taken in onedirection only for velocity calculations.

(d) Where a reservoir is provided, it shall be compartmented to permit retention of atleast half the supply when it is necessary to shut down for cleaning or repairs and itshall—

(i) be of sufficient capacity to comply with the requirements of Item (a) above; or

(ii) have a capacity not less than two thirds of the quantity of water required inItem (a) above, provided that the remainder is made up from a reliable sourceby an automatic inflow for the operational period required for sprinklers orhydrants, whichever is the more stringent.

(e) Where pumps are provided they shall comply with Clauses 4.11 and 4.12 and—

(i) they shall be of sufficient capacity to supply the requirements of sprinklers andhydrants simultaneously except that pumps shall be capable of delivering notless than 150 percent of the combined flow at not less than 65 percent of therequired pressure and need not comply with the nominal ratings specifiedelsewhere in this Standard;

(ii) the number and arrangement of pumps shall comply with the relevantrequirements for the class of hazard and grade of water supply; and

(iii) they shall have automatic starting in accordance with AS 2941; where remotemanual start is required for fire hydrant operation, the manual start stationsshall be sealed in a manner that will ensure that any operation of the startingdevice is readily discernible; for example, lead and wire seals, break-glassfacilities or similar.

(f) The pressure limitations applicable to both the sprinkler system and hydrant systemshall be complied with.

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4.4.2 Fire hose reel connections

4.4.2.1 General

Connections to sprinkler system water supplies are permitted for fire hose reels, providedthat the appropriate requirements of Clauses 4.4.2.2 to 4.4.2.4 are complied with. Suchconnections shall not exceed DN 50 and shall be provided with a stop valve suitablylabelled and in close proximity to the point of connection with the supply pipe.

4.4.2.2 Town mains

Provided that the town main and the sprinkler supply pipe are not less than DN 100 —

(a) a single pipe may be taken from the sprinkler supply pipe for fire hose reels; and

(b) where the water supply comprises connections taken from more than one town main,connections for fire hose reels may be made from the sprinkler supply pipe. Suchconnection shall be made between the point where the supplies are joined to thesprinkler system main stop valves.

4.4.2.3 Elevated private reservoirs, gravity tanks and automatic pumps

Any required connections to supply fire hose reels shall be made on the supply side of thesprinkler system main stop valve. In installations supplied from more than one of thesesources, connections for fire hose reels may be made from the sprinkler supply pipe(see Clause 4.4.2.2(b)).

4.4.2.4 Pressure tanks

Where a pressure tank forms the sole supply to an installation, no fire hose reel connectionshall be made. Where a pressure tank forms a secondary supply to the installation, a firehose reel connection may be made similarly from the sprinkler supply pipe(Clause 4.4.2.2(b)), provided that the pressure tank is replenished automatically inaccordance with Clause 4.13.2(b).

4.4.3 Fire brigade booster connection

Sprinkler systems shall be fitted with a fire brigade booster connection to enable the firebrigade to pressurize or pump water into the system.

NOTE: The relevant authority may waive this requirement. An example could be where the watersupply is considered to be sufficient for a small system without the assistance of an automaticpump.

Fire brigade booster connections shall be adequately supported and shall be located outsidethe building in a position that is readily accessible to fire brigade personnel. Connectionsshall be fitted with a full way non-return valve, and any other fittings required by the watersupply authority. Hose connections shall be equipped with standard caps.

The pipe between the non-return valve and the outside hose connection shall be fitted with aplug-cock which shall drain to a suitable place.

The enclosure in which the fire brigade booster connection is housed shall be marked withthe words ‘SPRINKLER BOOSTER CONNECTION’ in letters not less than 50 mm high, in acolour contrasting with that of the background, and shall be marked with the maximumallowable inlet pressure at the connection. If the connection does not serve the completesprinkler system, it shall be clearly marked to indicate that part of the system which itserves.

NOTE: Attention is drawn to the need to ensure that a suction point is available in closeproximity to the fire brigade booster connection.

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4.5 PRESSURE AND FLOW REQUIREMENTS

The running pressure and flow requirements shall be as specified for the appropriate hazardclass in Clauses 9.3, 10.2 or 11.2. The running pressure shall be measured on theinstallation gauge immediately above the alarm valve.

The static pressure equivalent (in kilopascals) of the height of the highest sprinkler abovethe level of the installation gauge shall be taken as—

9.79 × height of sprinkler above gauge (in metres).

4.6 PRESSURE CONSIDERATIONS

Where the water pressures applied to any system are excessive, as in the case of storeyedbuildings in excess of 75 m in height, the system shall be divided into ‘stages’ so that thepressure on any sprinkler does not exceed 1 MPa.

Care shall be taken to ensure that all piping, pumps, valves and fittings are suitable for thepressures that are applied. For the purpose of this Clause, pressure calculations shallinclude allowance for anticipated maximum water supply pressures, such as pressurefluctuation in town mains and pumps operating in a closed system condition (see alsoClause 8.8).

4.7 MINIMUM CAPACITY OF STORED WATER SUPPLIES

The minimum capacities specified in the relevant clauses relate to stored water sourcesreserved for the sprinkler system, including fire hose reels if permitted.

Clauses relating to minimum capacity of stored water supplies are as follows:

(a) Pressure tanks .................................................................Clauses 9.3.5 and 10.2.2.5.

(b) Pump suction tanks .....................................Clauses 4.8, 9.3.2, 10.2.2.3 and 11.2.2.2.

(c) Other ................................................................Clauses 9.3.2, 10.2.2.2 and 11.2.2.2.

4.8 PUMP SUCTION TANKS

4.8.1 General

Pump suction tanks shall have an effective capacity not less than that specified inClause 9.3.2, 10.2.2.3 or 11.2.2.2. If there is an automatic inflow that can be relied upon atall times, a smaller capacity shall be permitted, provided that the rate of inflow enables thepump to operate at full capacity for not less than the period necessary to comply with therelevant requirements of Clause 9.3.2 and Table 10.2.2.3, or 11.2.2.2.

Tanks shall be constructed from concrete, steel or fibreglass. Any internal membrane orliner incorporated in the tank design shall be permanently bonded to the tank to preventseparation and shall be listed for the purpose.

The water supply to suction tanks shall be capable of completely refilling the tank withinthe following times:

(a) Single tanks , as follows:

(i) capacity less than 500 000 L ..............................................to be refilled in 6 h.

(ii) larger capacities ..............................................................to be refilled in 24 h.

(b) Duplicate tanks ..........................................................one tank to be refilled in 24 h.

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If the rate of input to a tank of less than 500 000 L capacity is such that it will take longerthan 6 h to refill, the capacity of the tank shall be increased beyond the relevantrequirements of Clause 9.3.2, Table 10.2.2.3, or 11.2.2.2. Such increase in capacity shall besufficient to ensure that the required minimum capacity shall be available 6 h after thevolume equal to the required minimum capacity has been drained.

Provision shall be made to minimize the entrainment of air where the supply water entersthe tank or where test water returns to the tank.

4.8.2 Effective capacity

When calculating the effective capacity of a pump suction tank, the depth shall be taken asthe measurement between the normal water level in the tank and the low water level Xshown in Figure 4.8.2. Low water level X is calculated to be the lowest level before a vortexis created causing the pump to draw air (see Figure 4.8.2).

Where the suction pipe is taken from the side of the tank as shown in Figure 4.8.2(b), theclearance between the base of the tank and the lowest level of the pump suction pipe shallbe not less than dimension B in the Figure (see Figure 4.8.2).

Where a sump is formed in the base of a suction tank from which the suction pipe drawswater, the sump shall not be smaller than indicated in Figure 4.8.2 in which the position ofthe sump is shown with broken lines. In addition, the sump width shall be not less than3.6 d, where d is the nominal diameter of the suction pipe. The point of entry of water to thesuction pipe shall be located centrally across the width of the sump (see Figure 4.8.2).

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NOTES: Where a vortex plate is installed, the following may be applied:

(a) Dimension A may be disregarded and low water level X may be taken as the level at which vortexing commences.

(b) Dimension B may be taken from the base of the tank to the level at which vortexing commences in the case ofexample (a). Example (b) is unlikely to be appropriate to arrangements employing a vortex inhibitor.

millimetres

Nominal diameter of suction pipe Dimension A Dimension B

65

80

100

250

310

370

80

80

100

150

200

250

500

620

750

100

150

150

300

350

400

900

1 050

1 200

200

250

300

DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES

FIGURE 4.8.2 EFFECTIVE CAPACITY OF PUMP SUCTION TANKS

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4.8.3 Vortex inhibitor

Where a vortex inhibitor, in the form of a flat circular plate at the suction inlet, is used, itshall be designed as shown in Figure 4.8.3 and to the following formulae:

Hm = 0.5d where d > DN 150 . . . 4.8.3(1)

or 0.75d where d ≤ DN 150

D =Ha

Q 68.17×. . . 4.8.3(2)

where

Hm = minimum clearance under plate, in millimetres

Ha = actual clearance under plate, in millimetres

d = nominal diameter of suction pipe

D = minimum diameter of plate, in millimetres

Q = maximum flow rate (intersection of square law curve and effective pumpcurve) L/min

The plate shall not be less than 10 mm thick and shall be effectively protected fromcorrosion.

FIGURE 4.8.3 VORTEX INHIBITORSAcc

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4.8.4 Supply from inexhaustible source

4.8.4.1 General

Where the suction pipe draws from a suction chamber fed from a virtually inexhaustiblesource such as a river, channel, lake, or the like, the design and dimensions specified inFigure 4.8.4 shall apply.

4.8.4.2 Slope of inlet

Pipes, conduits and beds of open-topped channels shall have a continuous downward slopetowards the jackwell or suction pit of at least 1:125.

4.8.4.3 Diameters of pipes

The diameters of feed pipes or conduit shall be determined from the following formula:

d = 21.68Q0.357 . . . 4.8.4.3

where

D = internal diameter, in millimetres

Q = maximum flow rate of pump (see Clause 12.8.2)

4.8.4.4 Depth of inlet

The top of the pipe or conduit inlet shall be not less than one diameter below the lowestknown water level.

4.8.4.5 Depth of water

The depth d of water in open channels or weirs, and above the weir between the settlingchamber and suction chamber shall be not less than that shown in Table 4.8.4.5 for thecorresponding width W and maximum flow rate of the pump Q. Each suction inlet shall beprovided with a separate suction and settling chamber.

The total depth of open channels and weirs shall be sufficient to accommodate the highestknown water level of the water source.

4.8.4.6 Dimensions of suction and settling chambers

The dimension of the suction chamber and the location of suction pipes from the walls ofthe chamber, their depth below the lowest known water level and clearance from the bottomshall comply with the requirements of Clause 4.8.2.

The settling chamber shall have the same width and depth as the suction chamber and alength not less than 4.4√H where H is the depth of the settling chamber in metres.

4.8.4.7 Inlet screens

Conditions required for inlet screens are as follows:

(a) Pipe or conduit The inlet to a pipe or conduit feeding the settling chamber shall befitted with a strainer with an aggregate clear opening not less than five times thecross-sectional area of the pipe or conduit. Individual openings in the strainer shallnot allow a 25 mm diameter sphere to pass through. Provision shall be made forremoval of the strainer for cleaning.

(b) Weir or open-top channels Weirs and open-top channels feeding the settlingchamber shall be fitted with a removable screen of wire mesh or perforated metalplate with an aggregate clear opening below water level of 150 mm2 for each litre perminute of the maximum flow output of the pump Q. Two screens shall be provided,one in use with the other in a raised position, ready for interchange when cleaning isnecessary. The screens shall be of sufficient strength to withstand the force applied bythe water should it become obstructed.NOTE: Consideration should be given to the method of isolation of the settling chamber forperiodical cleaning and maintenance.

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(c) Suction inlet drawing direct from source Where the suction inlet draws direct fromthe source, a walled area not smaller than that required for suction chambers(Clause 4.8.4.6) shall be provided. Where the wall extends above the surface of thewater, apertures shall be provided and fitted with screens complying with therequirements of Clause 4.8.4.7(b). Where the top of the wall is below the surface ofthe water level, a screen shall be fitted between the top of the wall and the highestknown water level. Such screens shall provide an area not less than that required inClause 4.8.4.7(b) at the lowest known water level.

Provision shall be made for access to the screens for cleaning.

TABLE 4.8.4.5

MINIMUM DEPTH OF WATER AND WIDTH OFOPEN CHANNELS AND WEIRS FOR

CORRESPONDING INFLOWS

millimetres

Depth (d)

250 500 1 000

WidthW

Q max.Width

WQ max.

WidthW

Q max.

88125167

280497807

82112143

522891

1 383

78106134

9931 6872 593

215307334

1 1972 0642 342

176235250

1 9603 1593 506

163210223

3 6315 6476 255

410500564

3 1574 1854 953

291334361

4 4825 5926 340

254286306

7 8259 577

10 749

7501 1131 167

7 26112 05412 792

429527539

8 37011 41511 816

353417425

13 67018 06618 635

1 5002 0004 500

17 37924 39560 302

600667819

13 90316 27121 949

462500581

21 41124 39531 142

1 000 29 173 6672 000

38 916203 320

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NOTE: For clarity, horizontal dimensions of chambers are shown longer than acceptable minimum.

FIGURE 4.8.4 MINIMUM DIMENSIONS FOR SUPPLIES FROM INEXHAUSTIBLE SOURCE

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4.9 PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES

4.9.1 General

Elevated private reservoirs, gravity tanks, and pump suction tanks, together with their inletand outlet pipes, shall be adequately protected against freezing and, where the supply is notwholly enclosed within a tower, shall be covered in at the top in such a manner as toexclude daylight and solid matter.

Each storage tank shall be provided with an overflow pipe of not less than 100 mmdiameter, or such larger diameter related to the size and capacity of the inlet pipe as isnecessary to provide the required air gap below the discharge point of the input pipe.

Each storage tank shall be fitted with a device to indicate the depth of water.

A permanent ladder or stairway, complying with AS 1657, shall be provided to permitaccess to the top of the tank.

The water in the tank shall be clean and free from sediment.

4.9.2 Elevated private reservoirs

Where an elevated private reservoir serves other than the sprinkler installation, for example,for trade and domestic purposes, the constant capacity shall be as follows:

(a) for Light Hazard class ..............................................................................500 000 L.

(b) for Ordinary Hazard class ................................................................................1 ML.

(c) for High Hazard class .........1 ML plus the stored capacity specified in Clause 11.2.2.

Pressure and flow tests to establish the adequacy of the water supply to the sprinkler systemshall be carried out when the demand for other purposes is at its peak.

NOTE: A reservoir of smaller capacity may be accepted if the conditions are considered to beexceptionally favourable.

4.9.3 Gravity tanks

A gravity tank shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) The gravity tank shall have a capacity in accordance with Clause 4.7.NOTE: Should the capacity of the tank exceed the requirements of Clause 4.7, it ispermissible to draw upon the surplus for other purposes by means of an outlet pipe on the sideof the tank above the level of the quantity to be reserved for the sprinkler installation.

(b) The quantity of water required for the sprinkler installation shall be automaticallymaintained. If the tank forms the sole supply to the sprinkler system, the supply to thetank shall be capable of refilling the tank to the capacity required under Clause 4.7within 6 h. If the rate of input of the supply to the tank is less than that required torefill it within 6 h, the capacity of the tank shall be increased by the amount of theshortfall.

4.10 TOWN MAINS

4.10.1 Direct supply from town mains

Town mains directly supplying a sprinkler system shall comply with the followingrequirements:

(a) The main shall be capable of furnishing, under normal conditions, at all times of theday and night, the minimum pressure and flow requirements laid down in Clauses 9.3,10.2 or 11.2, as appropriate.

(b) Terminal mains or branch dead-end mains of less than DN 150 diameter shall not beused to supply Ordinary Hazard 3 and Ordinary Hazard Special or High Hazard classsystems.

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(c) The town mains system shall be fed from a source of at least 1 ML capacity plus forthe High Hazard class, the stored capacity given in Clause 11.2.2.2.

(d) Any stop valves, apart from those under the control of the water supply authority, onthe branch connection from the town main shall be secured open and under thecontrol of the occupier of the building containing the installation.

4.10.2 Pump drawing from town mains

4.10.2.1 General

A pump may draw directly from a town main, subject to the following:

(a) compliance with the requirements of the water supply authority; and

(b) provided that the town main is capable of providing water at all times at themaximum flow rate of the pump; and

(c) the combined output of the town main and pump meets the pressure and flowrequirements for the system in accordance with Clause 4.5

There shall be a bypass around the pump with a back-pressure valve on the bypass. Thebypass shall be at least the same diameter as the water supply connection to the pump.

The diameter of the water supply connection to the pump shall be such that a velocity of3.7 m/s is not exceeded when the pump is operating at maximum flow rate. Any branchtaken off this supply connection for the purpose of tank filling shall be fitted with aback-pressure valve to prevent the entrainment of air (see Figure 4.10.2 for typical pressureand flow curves).

4.10.2.2 Fully hydraulically calculated systems

For Ordinary Hazard and High Hazard systems the maximum flow rate of the pump shall beassumed to occur at the point of intersection of the pressure-flow demand characteristic ofthe most favourable area of operation and the water supply pressure-flow characteristic(combined output of pump and town main, with the town main at maximum pressure). ForLight Hazard systems the maximum flow rate of the pump shall be taken to be 130% of theduty flow rate (see Clauses 9.3.6, 12.8.2.3 and AS 2941).

4.10.2.3 High Hazard partly pre-calculated systems

For systems designed in accordance with Tables 11.4.2.2(A) to (C), the maximum flow rateof the pump shall be 150 percent of the flow rate given in Column 2 of Table 11.2.1 for theappropriate design density discharge.

4.10.2.4 Ordinary hazard partly pre-calculated systems

For systems designed in accordance with Table 10.4.2.2, the maximum flow rate of thepump shall be taken as the flow rate that is necessary for the combined output of pump andtown main to satisfy the following formula:

Q = h)(PK − . . . 4.10

where

Q = rate of flow, in litres per minute

P = pressure at pump discharge, in kPa with the town main at maximum pressure

h = pressure equivalent of the height above the pump of the hydraulically mostfavourable area of operation, in kPa

K = constant applicable to the appropriate hazard class as follows: OH1: 83, OH2:145, OH3: 190, OH Special: 195

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NOTE: Figure 4.10.2 illustrates typical acceptable and unacceptable curves for pumps drawingfrom town mains. The curve marked ‘Pump characteristic at valves’ is the performance curvesupplied by the pump manufacturer. The performance of a pump cannot be certified beyond thesecurves. Curves relate to pressure and flow only. Power requirements have not been considered.

4.11 PUMP INSTALLATIONS

4.11.1 General requirements

Pumpsets shall be installed in accordance with AS 2941 and the following:

(a) Compression-ignition engine driven pumps shall be housed in a sprinkler-protectedarea.

Electric motor driven pumps shall be housed in either—

(i) a sprinkler-protected area; or

(ii) a separate building of non-combustible construction that shall be used for noother purpose than for the housing of fire protection water supplies.

NOTE: The installation of pump motors and electrical controls in pits, tunnels or the like maybe permitted only in special cases.

(b) Pumpsets shall be adequately protected against mechanical damage. The temperatureof the room shall be maintained above 4°C and above 10°C where thecompression-ignition type engines are used.

(c) Where a pump house, which is required to be sprinkler-protected, is situated remotefrom the sprinkler-protected premises such that it is impracticable to supply the pumphouse sprinklers from the installation control assembly, the pump house sprinklersmay be supplied from a point on the downstream side of the non-return valve on thesupply pipe from the pump. The sprinkler supply connection shall be provided with acontrolling stop valve locked in the open position fitted on the supply pipe to thesprinklers together with an alarm device with visible and audible indication of theoperation of sprinklers provided at some suitable location, e.g. in the gatehouse or atthe installation control assembly. A DN 15 drain valve shall be provided downstreamof the flow alarm to permit a practical test of the alarm.NOTE: Where practicable, this alarm should also be connected to a fire brigade receivingcentre or to a constantly attended monitoring service (see Clause 3.2).

Where operation of a pump is necessary to provide the pressure/flow requirements ofthe pumphouse sprinklers, pump starting shall be initiated by pressure sensors locatedon the pump discharge pipe.NOTE: Pump starting may be initiated if sensors are located downstream of remoteinstallation control assemblies.

(d) A stop valve, padlocked in the open position, shall be fitted in the suction pipe topermit removal of the pump without draining water from the supply.

(e) Piping between the supply and the pump shall be arranged to prevent airlocks.

4.11.2 Pump operating conditions

Because of the difficulties encountered in the automatic priming of pumps installed undersuction lift conditions, sprinkler pumps shall be supplied with intake water under positivehead. Pumps shall be considered to be under positive head when not more than 2 m depth orone third of the effective capacity of the stored water supply, whichever is the lesserquantity of water, is contained between the centre-line of the pump and the low waterlevel X (see Clause 4.8.2).

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Where pumps draw from a natural unlimited water supply, such as a river, canal or lake, itshall be considered to be under positive head when the centre-line of the pump is locatednot less than 850 mm below the lowest known water level.

4.11.3 Suction piping

Suction pipe diameter shall comply with AS 2941 and be not less than the suction inlet sizeof the pump. The position of the entry point to the suction piping shall conform to thedimensions given in Figures 4.8.2 and 4.8.3.

Where more than one pump is provided, the suction pipes may be interconnected onlywhere each individual pump suction inlet and each such pipe connection to the tank or tanksis fitted with a stop valve. The cross-connection pipe shall be at least equal in diameter tothe individual pump suction pipes.

NOTE: Any interconnected pump which is out of commission should be isolated from the systemby closing the inlet suction valve, pressure relief valve and anti-overheating circulating pipevalve. Provision should be made to automatically prevent any operating pump from drawing airfrom any non-operating interconnected pump through—(a) the pump air vent pipes;

(b) the pressure relief valve piping; and(c) the pump anti-overheating circulating pipe.

4.11.4 Performance requirements for pumps

Pumpsets shall be capable of satisfying the flow and pressure requirements of any assumedareas of operation in the system under consideration, calculated at the lowest availablesuction pressure.

NOTE: When selecting a pump, margin should be allowed for deterioration of at least 50 kPa inpump performance at system design flow.

Each pump driver shall be capable of meeting the power requirements of AS 2941.

4.12 PUMPSETS

In addition to the requirements of AS 2941, pump sets shall comply with the following:

(a) Each pump shall be provided with a plate containing the following information:

(i) The pump impeller diameter.

(ii) The output pressure at zero suction lift at the nominal flow rate of the pump,i.e. the maximum flow rate of the system.

Where the performance characteristic is achieved with an orifice plate not integral with thepump delivery, the pump name plate shall carry a reference to the fact that the performancegiven is that of the pump and orifice plate combination and reference shall be made to theorifice K factor, as follows:

P

QK = . . . 4.12

where

Q = rate of flow, in litres per minute P = net pressure drop across the orifice, inkilopascals

(b) Where provided, the orifice plate shall comply with the requirements of Clause 7.8.

(c) Each pump controller shall be actuated by a separate pressure sensor located in theinstallation or trunk main and set to operate when the pressure in the installation hasfallen to a value of not less than the highest design pressure requirement for thesystem. Where pressure sensors serve more than one installation, they shall beduplicated (wired in parallel) for each pump. Where more than one pump is provided,the pumps shall be arranged to start sequentially at a pressure not less than that statedabove.

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(d) A fall in water pressure in the sprinkler system, which is intended to initiate theautomatic starting of the pump, shall at the same time provide a visible and audiblealarm at some suitable location, e.g. in the gatehouse or at the installation controlvalves. The starting of the pump(s) shall not cause the cancellation of the alarm.NOTE: Where the pump is situated remote from the protected premises, visible and audibleindication of the pump operation should be provided at some similar suitable location. Thismay share a common indicator with the demand alarm.

(e) Facilities shall be provided to reduce the applied water pressure to each startingdevice to simulate the condition of automatic starting at the required pressure. Aseparate hydraulic circuit shall be provided for each starting device. This can take theform of a drain valve on the hydraulic connection to the pump-start pressure switchwith the provision of suitable permanent drainage facilities. To enable the cut-inpressure to be judged accurately, the drain valve shall be fitted with an orifice plate toreduce the rate of pressure drop.

To facilitate testing and servicing, an isolating valve with a bypass shall be fitted on thehydraulic connection. The bypass shall incorporate a 3 mm orifice and a non-return valveallowing flow towards the main. A pressure gauge to indicate the pressure at which thepump starts shall be located between the isolating and drain valves so that it can be readduring the pump starting test (see Figure 4.12.1).

NOTE: Broken lines indicate ‘where required’.

FIGURE 4.12.1 TYPICAL PRESSURE SWITCH TEST ARRANGEMENT

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FIGURE 4.10.2 (in part) TYPICAL PRESSURE AND FLOW CURVES FOR PUMPSDRAWING FROM TOWN MAINS

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4.13 PRESSURE TANKS

4.13.1 General

Pressure tanks are acceptable as a sole supply only for Light Hazard and Ordinary Hazard 1classes, subject to the requirements of Clause 4.3.2 for Grade 3 water supplies andClause 4.3.3(d) for Grade 2 water supplies.

For Ordinary Hazard 2, 3 and Special, pressure tanks are acceptable only as one source of aGrade 1 water supply.

Pressure tanks are not permitted in High Hazard class.

4.13.2 Special requirements

Pressure tanks shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) Pressure tanks shall be housed in a readily accessible position in a sprinkler-protectedbuilding of non-combustible construction used for no purpose other than for thehousing of fire protection water supplies. The tank shall be adequately protectedagainst mechanical damage. The temperature of the room shall be maintainedabove 4°C.

Where the pressure tank enclosure is required to be sprinkler-protected and is situated remotefrom the sprinkler-protected premises such that it is impracticable to supply the pressure tankenclosure sprinklers from the installation control assembly, the sprinklers may be suppliedfrom a point on the downstream side of the non-return valve on the supply pipe from thepressure tank.

The sprinkler supply connection shall be provided with a controlling stop valve locked in theopen position and fitted on the supply pipe to the sprinklers, together with an alarm devicewith visible and audible indication of the operation of sprinklers provided at some suitablelocation, e.g. in the gatehouse or at the installation control assembly. A 15 mm drain valveshall be provided downstream of the flow alarm to permit a practical test of the alarm.

(b) Where used as a Grade 3 water supply, the pressure tank shall be provided with anarrangement for maintaining automatically the required air pressure and water level inthe tank under non-fire conditions. The arrangement shall include an automaticwarning system that indicates failure of the devices to restore the correct air pressureand water level within a reasonable period, the indication being given both visiblyand audibly at some suitable location, e.g. in the gatehouse or at the installationcontrol assembly. Power for this warning system shall be independent of the powersupply to that feeding the air compressor and water pump supplying the tank.

(c) Where a pressure tank is used as part of a Grade 1 supply, the same arrangementsspecified in (b) above shall apply, or daily inspections shall be carried out to verifywater level and air pressure, and any deficiencies found shall be immediatelyrectified.

(d) The pressure tank shall be fitted with air pressure gauges in duplicate and a gaugeglass to show the level of the water. The second air pressure gauge may be omittedwhere the air pressure is automatically maintained. Normally-closed stop valves shallbe fitted on both connections to the gauge glass. Stop valves and back-pressure valvesshall be provided on both the water and air supply connections to the tank and shallbe fixed as close to the tank as practicable.

(e) Safety valves fitted to pressure tanks shall be fixed in such a position that the valveseating is water-sealed. A connection to the valve from the air space above thewaterline shall be provided to permit the rapid escape of air in the event of the valveopening. The setting of the safety valve for the correct working pressure shall becarried out by the installing engineers and the valve shall be so constructed that it canbe tested without the setting being interfered with. The setting mechanism shall beprotected against alteration by unauthorized persons. The outlet from the relief valveshall be an open end so that any leakage will be readily detected.

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(f) The minimum quantity of water to be maintained in the tank shall be as follows:

(i) When a Grade 2 supply—

(A) Light Hazard .....................................................................23 000 L; and

(B) Ordinary Hazard .......................................................................46 000 L.

(ii) When one source of a Grade 1 supply—

(A) Light Hazard ..............................................................................15 000 L; and

(B) Ordinary Hazard all groups ...............................................................30 000 L.

Where a number of installation control assemblies are sited together, and all areassociated with installations of the same hazard class, this testing facility is onlynecessary on one installation control assembly, provided that it is fitted to the valvewhich has the highest demand.

Where more than one hazard class is involved, whether on the same or separateinstallation, control assemblies testing facilities shall be provided to enable the fullrange of flows to be measured, except this requirement may be waived where it isdemonstrated that the lower pressure and flow requirements are satisfied.NOTE: Care should be taken, when water supplies are marginal, to ensure that pressure lossesin the drainpipe are not so high as to restrict the flow across the testing facility below therequired test pressure and flow. This applies particularly where the required flow rate is high,or where the highest sprinklers are below the installation gauge or only slightly above it.

(g) The proportion of air in the tank shall be not less than one-third (see Table 4.13.2).The air pressure (gauge) to be maintained in the tank shall be determined from thefollowing formulas, as appropriate:

(i) Where the tank is above the highest sprinkler—

121 P

R

)P+P(=P −

. . . 4.13(1)

(ii) Where the tank is below the highest sprinkler—

121 PR

9.79H)+P+P(=P −

. . . 4.13(2)where

P =gauge pressure to be maintained in tank, in kilopascals

P1 =atmospheric pressure (assume 100 kPa)

P2 =minimum pressure required at the highest sprinklers when all the wateris expelled from the tank, i.e.

Light Hazard:..........................................................................190 kPa

Ordinary Hazard:

OH 1.........................................................................................70 kPa

OH 2.......................................................................................110 kPa

OH 3.......................................................................................140 kPa

OH Special.............................................................................170 kPa

Plus, in each case, the pressure loss (at the maximum rate of flow for theappropriate hazard class specified in Clauses 9.3 and 10.2) in the piping,including all valves, between the outlet from the pressure tank and theinstallation gauge, or 30 kPa, whichever is the greater.

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H =height between the highest sprinkler and the tank base, in metres

tankofvolumetotal

tankinairofvolume=R

NOTE: Table 4.13.2 indicates the required working air pressure for tanks having proportions ofair in the tank of one-third, one-half and two-thirds, and where, under the maximum rate of flowfor the appropriate hazard class specified in Clauses 9.3 and 10.2, the loss of pressure in thepiping, including all valves, between the outlet from the pressure tank and the installation gauge,does not exceed 30 kPa.

C4.13.2 Pressure tanks need to be examined thoroughly every three years for cleaningand painting on both internal and external surfaces (see AS 1851 series for fireprotection maintenance). Pressure tanks are subject to inspections by the relevantauthority.

TABLE 4.13.2

MINIMUM AIR PRESSURE IN PRESSURE TANKS

Hazard

class

Proportion of air

in tank

Minimum air pressureto be maintained in tank

when base is level withhighest sprinkler, kPa

Add for each metreof part thereof

where tank is belowhighest sprinkler,

kPa

Light One-thirdOne-halfTwo-thirds

860540380

302015

Ordinary 1 One-thirdOne-halfTwo-thirds

500300200

302015


620380260

302015


710440330

302015

Ordinary Special One-thirdOne-halfTwo-thirds

800500350

302015

4.14 PROVING OF WATER SUPPLIES

Facilities shall be provided on each sprinkler system to test the water supplies to verify thatthey satisfy the calculated pressure and flow requirements of the installed system.

The flow measuring device shall be either a proprietary device installed in accordance withthe manufacturers instructions or a differential device manufactured and installed inaccordance with the requirements of BS 1042.

The flow measuring device shall be installed at any point on the system downstream of thedatum point to which the hydraulic calculations are referenced.

The test pressure gauge shall be installed at or immediately adjacent to the system hydrauliccalculation datum point.

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C4.14 On systems with town main water supplies only and without booster pumps it isusually convenient to locate the flow measuring device immediately downstream of thealarm valve and use the installation gauge as the pressure test gauge and the hydrauliccalculation datum.

Where pumps are installed the hydraulic calculation datum is usually at the pumpdischarge and it is usually more convenient to install the flow measuring devicesomewhere on the pumped supply upstream of any installation control assemblies. Thishas the advantage of preventing back flow from the installation inflating the flowreadings during testing.

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S E C T I O N 5 SP A C I N G A N D L O C A T I O N O FS P R I N K L E R S

5.1 STANDARD SPACING

The maximum area coverage per sprinkler and maximum distance between sprinklers onrange pipes and between adjacent rows of sprinklers shall be as specified for the class ofhazard (see Clauses 9.4, 10.3 and 11.3, and Figure 5.1).

5.2 STAGGERED SPACING

Where sprinklers are required to be staggered (see Clause 5.4.4), the arrangements shall beuniform. The distance from the end sprinkler to the wall or partition in each alternate rowshall be one-fourth of the design sprinkler spacing down the row; the spacing of the nextsprinkler in the same row shall be three-fourths of the design spacing (see Figure 5.2).

5.3 MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN SPRINKLERS

Sprinklers shall not be spaced closer than 2 m, except where intervening constructionalfeatures provide a satisfactory baffle or where special baffles are installed in order toprevent the first operating sprinkler from wetting adjacent sprinklers.

Baffles shall be 200 mm wide × 150 mm high and preferably of sheet metal. They shall belocated approximately midway between sprinklers and arranged to baffle the actuatingelements. The top of the baffles shall extend above the sprinkler deflectors by 50 mm to75 mm.

5.4 LOCATION OF SPRINKLERS (OTHER THAN SIDEWALL SPRINKLERS)

5.4.1 General

In addition to limitations specified for the maximum area coverage per sprinkler and themaximum distance between sprinklers (see Clause 5.1), sprinklers shall be so located thatthere will be minimal interference to the discharge pattern by structural members such asbeams, columns, girders and trusses (see Clauses 5.4.4, 5.4.5, 5.4.6 and 5.4.7) or any otherobstructing feature. Sprinklers shall also be located at the appropriate distance belowceiling and beams, as required by Clause 5.4.3.

5.4.2 Walls and partitions

Except as provided for in Clause 5.2, the distance of sprinklers from walls or partitionsshall be as specified for the appropriate hazard class (see Clauses 9.4.4, 10.3.3 or 11.3.3).

For open-joisted ceilings or where the roof has exposed common rafters, the distances fromwalls and partitions referred to in Clauses 9.4.4, 10.3.3 or 11.3.3, as appropriate, shall notexceed 1.5 m.

Sprinklers shall be placed not more than 1.5 m from external walls where these areconstructed of—

(a) combustible material;

(b) fibrous cement or metal, with combustible lining in either case; or

(c) metal (whether on wood or metal frame and with or without combustible lining)protected with a coating of bitumen, tar or pitch, or with material impregnated ortreated with bitumen, tar or pitch.

Open-faced buildings shall have sprinklers not more than 1.5 m from the open face.Acc

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FIGURE 5.1 STANDARD SPACING

NOTE: Illustration shows acceptable staggered arrangement for Ordinary Hazard where it is desired to spacesprinklers more than 4.2 m apart on range pipes.

FIGURE 5.2 STAGGERED SPACING

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5.4.3 Ceilings, roofs and underside of stairs

The following requirements apply to sprinklers located below ceilings, roofs and stairs.

(a) Sprinkler deflectors shall be parallel to any slope of the ceiling, roof or underside ofstairs.

(b) Spacing measurements shall be taken horizontally.

(c) When fitted under a sloping surface which is greater than 1 in 3, a line of sprinklersshall be fitted at the apex unless there is a row of sprinklers at a radial distance notgreater than 750 mm from the apex.

(d) Sprinklers shall not be recessed in ceilings unless specifically manufactured for suchmounting.

(e) Sprinklers shall be located not more than 300 mm below combustible or frangibleceilings or roofs.

(f) Sprinklers shall be located not more than 450 mm below ceilings or roofs containingno combustible material. Where combustible sarking, insulation or linings, or similar,are installed below ceilings or roofs, such ceilings or roofs shall be deemed to becombustible.

(g) For open joists and exposed common rafter construction, measurements shall be takenfrom the underside of joists or rafters.

(h) Deflectors shall be not more than 150 mm below joists of open-joist ceilings.

(i) Measurements in Items (e) and (f) above for arched ceilings or ceilings of irregularshape shall be taken from the highest point in the ceiling.

C5.4.3 Where practical, as in the case of underdrawn ceilings, sprinklers should belocated such that the deflectors are within 75 mm and 150 mm of the ceiling. This usuallyassures best response of the sprinkler.

5.4.4 Beams and joists

Light fittings, bulkheads and ducts in close proximity to the ceiling shall be treated asbeams or joists.

Where deflectors of sprinklers are above the level of the bottom of the beams or joists(because of the limitation imposed by Clause 5.4.3), the sprinklers shall be at such distancestherefrom, that undue interference with the sprinkler discharge pattern is avoided.

NOTE: Table 5.4.4 and Figure 5.4.4(A) indicate the minimum horizontal distances forsprinklers—

(a) from the side of a beam or joist in relation to the height of the deflector; and

(b) above the bottom of the beam or joist.

Figures 5.4.4(B) and 5.4.4(C) give examples of these distances.

Where the depth of the beam or joist (c) (see Figure 5.4.4(A)) exceeds 300 mm(combustible ceilings) or 450 mm (non-combustible ceilings) and it is impracticable toposition sprinklers at the required distance from the side of the beam, the beam shall betreated as a wall in so far as the sprinklers in the adjoining bay are concerned.

Where the depth of beams (or joists) is such that the dimensions specified in Table 5.4.4cannot be complied with and the beams (or joists) are spaced closer than 1.8 m measuredfrom centre-to-centre of beam, the sprinklers shall be stagger-spaced (see Clause 5.2).

NOTE: Where beams of the above depth are spaced closer than 1.2 m, they should be underdrawnwith substantial non-combustible material.

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TABLE 5.4.4

DISTANCES FROM BEAMS AND JOISTS FORSTANDARD SPRINKLERS (see Note)

millimetres

Maximum height of sprinkler deflector abovebottom of beam or joist (b)

Minimum horizontal distancefrom sprinkler to side of

beam or joist (a)

Conventionalsprinklers

installedupright

Spray sprinklers (uprightand pendent types) and

conventional sprinklersinstalled pendent

100200400

—1734

1740

100

600800

1 000

516890

200300415

1 2001 4001 600

135200265

460460460

1 800 340 460

NOTE: For sidewall sprinklers, see Table 5.5.1.

5.4.5 Columns

Sprinklers shall be spaced well clear of columns. Where individual sprinklers are placedwithin 600 mm of the face of any column, the obstruction to the distribution of water fromthat sprinkler shall be compensated for by placing a sprinkler within 1.8 m of the oppositeface of the column.

5.4.6 Girders

Sprinklers shall be not less than 1.2 m from any girder with a top flange exceeding 200 mmnominal width. Where the top flange of a girder does not exceed 200 mm nominal width,sprinklers may be located directly over the girder, provided that the sprinkler deflectors arenot less than 150 mm above the top of the girder.

5.4.7 Roof trusses

Sprinklers shall be not less than 300 mm laterally from truss members that are 100 mmnominal or less in width. Where widths exceed 100 mm nominal, the sprinklers shall be notless than 600 mm laterally therefrom.

Where range pipes pass above or through trusses, the sprinklers may be located on thecentre-line of the truss if the truss members are not more than 200 mm nominal in widthand the sprinkler deflectors are 150 mm above the truss member. When sprinklers arelocated alongside truss members, the distance of the sprinkler deflectors therefrom shall bein accordance with Table 5.4.4.

5.4.8 Clear space below sprinklers

Except as provided in Clauses 11.1.3.4(b) and 11.1.3.6(d) a clear space not less than500 mm shall always be maintained below the level of the sprinkler deflectors throughoutthe room. For high piled combustible stock, clearance not less than 1 m shall be provided.Roof trusses shall at all times be accessible to water discharged from the sprinklers.

Where sloping ceilings or roofs are concerned, stored goods may follow the slope, providedthat the above clearances are maintained.

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FIGURE 5.4.4(A) SPRINKLER DISTANCES FROM BEAMS AND JOISTS

FIGURE 5.4.4 (B) CONVENTIONAL SPRINKLERS INSTALLED UPRIGHT

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FIGURE 5.4.4 (C) SPRAY SPRINKLERS (UPRIGHT AND PENDENT TYPES) ANDCONVENTIONAL SPRINKLERS INSTALLED PENDENT

5.5 SPACING AND LOCATION OF SIDEWALL SPRINKLERS

5.5.1 General

The following requirements shall apply to the spacing and location of sidewall sprinklers:

(a) The sprinklers (see Clauses 1.6.24(f) and 6.2.1(f)) shall be mounted with theirdeflectors not more than 150 mm and not less than 100 mm from the ceiling.

(b) The centre-line of the sprinklers shall be not less than 50 mm and not more than150 mm from the wall face on which they are mounted.

(c) There shall be no obstruction at the ceiling within an area extending along the wall1 m on each side of a sprinkler and 1.8 m at right angles to the wall.

(d) Beams on any boundary of this area shall not exceed a depth of 100 mm.

(e) If sprinklers are mounted closer to beams than the distances specified in Table 5.5.1,the bays formed shall be separately protected.

5.5.2 Maximum spacing of sidewall sprinklers

The spacing of sidewall sprinklers along the walls and from endwalls shall be appropriate tothe hazard class (see Clauses 9.4.4 or 10.3).

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TABLE 5.5.1

DISTANCE FROM SIDEWALLSPRINKLERS TO BEAMS

Minimum distance fromsprinkler to side of beam, mMaximum

depth of beam

mm

In direction atright angles to

wall

In direction

parallel to wall

100125150

1.82.12.4

1.01.21.5

175200

2.73.0

1.61.8

5.5.3 Distance between rows of sprinklers

The distance between rows of sprinklers shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) Rooms not exceeding 3.7 m in width shall have a minimum of one row of sprinklersalong the length of the room.

(b) Rooms exceeding 3.7 m but not exceeding 7.4 m in width shall have one row ofsprinklers at each side along the length of the room.

(c) In rooms exceeding 7.4 m in width, conventional, spray or ceiling type sprinklersshall be provided centrally positioned under the ceiling to supplement the sidewallsprinklers.

(d) In rooms exceeding 9.2 m in length (Light Hazard) or 7.4 m in length (OrdinaryHazard), the sprinklers shall be regularly staggered so that they face midway betweenthe sprinklers on the opposing wall.

5.6 LOCATIONS OR CONDITIONS INVOLVING SPECIAL CONSIDERATION(SUPPLEMENTARY PROTECTION)

5.6.1 Concealed spaces

All concealed spaces between ceilings and roofs or floors above, and spaces below falsefloors, shall be protected using 10 mm nominal size sprinklers to a maximum coverage of21 m2 per sprinkler and spaced not more than 4.6 m apart nor more than 2.3 m fromcompartmental boundaries, with the following exceptions and provisions:

(a) Concealed spaces less than 200 mm in depth measured from the top of the ceilingmaterial, or the floor to the underside of the structure above, need not be protected.

(b) Concealed spaces need not be protected if they are constructed entirely of non-combustible material and contain only—

(i) fire-resistant cables to AS/NZS 3000;

(ii) non-bundled electrical wiring and lighting installed in accordance withAS/NZS 3000;

(iii) piping; and

(iv) metal ducting with flexible connections and insulation complying withAS 4254.

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(c) Concealed spaces not exceeding 800 mm in depth, otherwise requiring protection,with the roof or floor above of concrete, and with fire and draft stops provided atintervals not exceeding 15 m in each direction, need not be sprinkler-protected.

(d) Any concealed space not requiring protection under Item (a), (b) or (c) above, andwhich contains electrical motors, electric heating coils or other heat-producingequipment shall have a sprinkler installed within 1.5 m of such equipment.

(e) Any concealed space having readily accessible permanent access, or capable of beingused either intermittently or permanently as a storage area shall be protected bysprinklers.

(f) Concealed spaces not requiring protection under Items (a) and (b) above shall notcommunicate with other concealed spaces requiring protection. Separation shall beachieved at least by fire and draft stops (see Clause 1.6.8).

(g) All concealed spaces above ceilings constructed of materials that will readily deformor collapse under fire conditions, for example, vinyl, acrylic, polyurethane andpolystyrene plastics, shall be sprinkler-protected in accordance with the hazard area,as specified in Clauses 5.6.2 to 5.6.17. Sprinkler protection may be omitted frombelow the ceiling only where the ceiling is designed to deform and collapse (seeClause 5.7.4).

NOTE: While some minor quantities of combustible material such as data or communicationwiring may be present in some concealed spaces it should not be construed as requiring sprinklerprotection. There is no defined limit to the quantities of such wiring that may be present beforesprinkler protection is required; however, if bundles of non-fire-resistant cables are present, thespace should be treated as having a combustible content and should be protected accordingly.

5.6.2 Spaces under ground floors

All spaces below a ground floor shall be sprinkler-protected using 10 mm nominal sizesprinklers to a maximum coverage of 21 m2 per sprinkler and spaced not more than 4.6 mapart nor more than 2.3 m from compartmental boundaries, with the following exceptionsand provisions:

(a) Spaces under floors less than 800 mm in depth, measured to the underside of thestructure above, need not be protected.

(b) Spaces under imperforate floors not accessible for storage purposes nor tounauthorized personnel, and constructed so as to prevent the accumulation of debris,need not be protected.

(c) Spaces under floors constructed entirely of non-combustible material and used tohouse only electrical wiring and lighting installed to AS/NZS 3000, with piping ormetal ducting with any flexible connections and insulation complying with AS 4254need not be protected.

(d) Any space not requiring protection under Item (a), (b) or (c) above, and whichcontains electrical motors, electric heating coils or other heat producing equipment,shall have a sprinkler installed within 1.5 m of such equipment.

(e) Spaces under floors used either intermittently or permanently as a storage area shallbe protected by sprinklers suitable for the hazard.

5.6.3 Hydraulic design—Concealed spaces

Where sprinkler protection is required in concealed and under floor spaces to satisfy therequirements of Clauses 5.6.1 and 5.6.2, it shall be hydraulically designed in accordancewith the requirements of Section 9.

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5.6.4 Machinery pits and production lines

Machinery pits and the underside of production lines, where waste may collect, shall beprotected.

5.6.5 Hoists, lift shafts, building services shafts and enclosed chutes

Sprinklers shall be installed in all hoists, lift shafts, service shafts and chutes that are insideor in communication with buildings. The positioning of the sprinklers shall be as follows:

(a) Hoists, lift shafts and sheave rooms Sprinklers shall be installed in the top and baseof each hoist and lift shaft. Sprinklers installed in lift shafts and sheave rooms shallbe protected by stout metal guards and shall have a temperature rating of not less than100°C in accordance with the appropriate part of AS 1735.

(b) Building services shafts Shafts housing air-handling ducts and other buildingservices that are not sealed at each floor level and are provided with access panels ordoors shall have sprinklers fitted at vertical intervals of 15 m in addition to that at thehead of the shaft.

(c) Chutes Chutes for disposal of refuse, soiled linen, and similar, shall have a sprinklerin the head of each chute. Chutes in buildings exceeding two storeys in height shallhave a sprinkler fitted at each alternate level in addition to that at the head of thechute.

All sprinklers installed in chutes and shafts shall be protected from mechanical damage andshall be fitted, where necessary, with a suitable baffle in order to prevent the first operatingsprinkler from wetting the lower sprinklers.

5.6.6 Elevators, rope or strap races, exhaust ducts, gearing boxes and dust receivers

A sprinkler shall be fitted in the box at the top of every elevator (other than those of thepneumatic type or those that comprise a slow moving endless chain fitted with rings, loopsor forks, capable of functioning only when the elevator is full). The sprinkler in each caseshall be so placed as to command the head and both legs or shafts of the elevator.

Sprinklers shall be fitted internally in all rope or strap races, enclosed belt or shaft machinedrives and gearing box compartments.

Where exhaust fans are installed within ducts conveying dust or refuse, a sprinkler shall befitted inside the duct immediately downstream of the fan.

To prevent obstruction and mechanical damage, the sprinkler shall be recessed within apurpose-built metal box mounted on the duct.

Sprinklers shall not be installed on the underside of the ducts.

Sprinklers shall be fitted in dust cyclones, collection chambers and boxes where these are—

(a) housed within the protected building;

(b) erected outside and directly above the protected building unless the roof is ofnon-combustible construction; or

(c) external to but connected with and closely adjacent to the protected buildings.

Where dust cyclones, collection chambers and boxes are erected above non-combustibleroofs or where they are situated remote from the protected buildings, at least one sprinklershall be fitted inside the trunking where it leaves the protected building.

5.6.7 Corn, rice, provender and oil mills

Sprinklers shall be fitted in corn, rice, provender and oil mills as follows:

(a) Sprinklers shall be fitted not more than 3 m apart inside all dust trunks that are morethan 30° from the vertical and constructed of combustible materials.

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(b) A sprinkler shall be fitted at the head of every dust trunk.

(c) Where centrifugals or similar machines are placed one above another in tiers asshown in Figure 5.6.7 and are less than 1 m from each other, sprinklers shall be fittedin the spaces as shown.

FIGURE 5.6.7 MACHINES IN TIERS

5.6.8 Bins and silos

All bins and silos of combustible construction with a plan area in excess of 9 m2 for thestorage of flour, bran, or other similar material that has undergone any process of reduction(in such premises as flour mills, granaries, oil mills or distilleries), or for the storage ofsawdust, wood flour, pulverized coal and similar easily ignitable materials that can beextinguished by water, shall be internally protected by sprinklers on the basis of onesprinkler per 9 m2 of the bin or silo area (see also Clause 10.3.1).

NOTE: If the bin or silo contains materials that will swell when wet and, thereby, incur the risk ofbursting, exemption from this Clause may be allowed.

5.6.9 Escalators

Sprinklers shall be fitted under the escalator and in the escalator boot and motor space.Where limited space prevents this, sprinklers shall be fitted in any surrounding ceiling orfloor space immediately adjacent to the escalator. These sprinklers shall be fitted regardlessof the provisions of Clauses 5.6.1 and 5.6.2.

5.6.10 Canopies

Sprinklers shall be installed under all canopies where goods are stored or handled or wherethe dividing wall between the canopy and the building has an FRL less than –/30/30.Notwithstanding the requirements of Clauses 3.1.1.2 and 3.1.1.3, in the case of canopies ofnon-combustible construction less than 2.5 m in width over pedestrian walkways, sprinklersmay be omitted.

5.6.11 Roof overhang

Any roof overhang exceeding 1.5 m in width shall be treated as a canopy. Roof overhangsthat extend from sprinkler-protected areas and project over the roof of adjoining sprinkler-protected areas and are not opposed to an exposure hazard (see Clause 3.1.2) need not beprotected.

5.6.12 Exterior docks and platforms

Sprinklers shall be installed under exterior docks and loading platforms of wholly orpartially combustible construction, except where such spaces are completely sealed againstthe accumulation of debris.

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5.6.13 Covered balconies

Covered balconies that exceed 6 m2 floor area and have a depth in excess of 2 m shall besprinkler-protected.

5.6.14 Enclosed paint lines, drying ovens, drying enclosures

Sprinkler protection shall be provided inside enclosed paint lines, drying ovens and dryingenclosures. Sidewall sprinklers (see Clause 5.5) may be used for this purpose.

NOTE: Where practicable, sprinklers in ambient temperatures above 70°C should be on a drysystem, or the feed pipes thereto should rise up to the sprinklers or groups of sprinklers so as torestrict the thermal circulation of the heated water in the pipes.

5.6.15 Spray booths

Sprinkler protection shall be provided inside spray booths and connected exhaust ducts.

Sprinklers installed within spray booths and connected exhaust ducts shall be protectedagainst the accumulation of residue from spraying operations by a liberal coating ofpetroleum jelly and paper bags which shall be cleaned off and renewed as often as may benecessary to prevent the formation of a hard deposit on the sprinklers and so preserve theirefficiency. Plastic bags or other protective covering shall not be used for this purpose.

5.6.16 Oil and flammable liquid hazards

Sprinkler protection shall be provided for all oil and flammable liquid hazards.NOTES:

1 Examples of such hazards include dip tanks and oil-filled electrical transformers.

2 It is recognized that in certain cases modified or supplementary protection may be requiredwhere extensive storage, handling or processing equipment such as large dip tanks, varnishkettles, reactors or oil-filled electrical transformers are employed. In these cases medium orhigh velocity sprayers or other arrangements may be employed in lieu of or in conjunctionwith sprinklers, provided that adequate water supplies are available (see also Table 11.1.2).

3 Electricity supply authorities may not permit sprinklers in the vicinity of transformersinstalled on private property.

5.6.17 Commercial type cooking equipment and associated ventilation systems

Sprinkler protection shall be provided under hoods, and above cooking equipment andassociated ventilation systems designed to carry away grease-laden vapours. Sprinklersshall be located not more than 3.6 m apart under hoods, 4 m apart in horizontal ducts, and atthe head of all rising ducts. The first sprinkler in a horizontal duct shall be installedadjacent to the duct entrance (see Figures 5.6.17(A) and 5.6.17(B)).

The system shall be designed so that a cooking surface fire will operate the sprinklersprotecting the cooking surface prior to or simultaneously with those protecting theconnected ductwork. This may be accomplished by installing sprinklers in the ducts at leastone temperature rating higher than those protecting the cooking surface, but in any event,not less than 182°C.

Deep fat fryers shall have one spray pattern sprinkler centred longitudinally over eachsingle or pair of fryers. Such sprinklers shall operate at not less than 200 kPa and shall havetheir frames parallel to the front edge of the hood. Their deflectors shall be located at least25 mm below the lower edge of the hood and not less than 600 mm nor more than 1.2 mabove and parallel to the cooking surface.

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NOTE: Multiple ducts from canopy need not be sprinkler protected if the common plenum duct is used.

FIGURE 5.6.17(A) TYPICAL KITCHEN COOKING ARRANGEMENT(A) SHOWING LOCATION OF SPRINKLERS

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FIGURE 5.6.17(B) TYPICAL KITCHEN COOKING ARRANGEMENT (B) SHOWING EXPLODEDVIEW OF SPRINKLER LOCATION

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Sprinklers protecting the surrounding area shall be arranged so that they do not cause waterto fall into deep fat fryers. Where this is accomplished by the provision of a shield orunducted hood over the deep fat fryer, such shield or hood shall be placed above the shroudprotecting the deep fat fryer and shall be so located that it will not interfere with sprinklerdischarge.

NOTE: Piping, as far as is practicable, should not be exposed under cooking equipment hoods,and care should be taken to comply with the requirements of the local health authority.

C5.6.17 Modern commercial cooking facilities may require proprietary fire suppressionsystems due to the increased hazard of high-temperature cooking oils and improvedinsulation in deep fat fryers. Therefore, sprinkler protection may be inadequate and theprovision of listed range hood and duct systems should be considered.

5.6.18 Air-handling plant

5.6.18.1 Location of sprinklers

In air-handling plants sprinklers shall be located throughout—

(a) the return air/fresh air plenum;

(b) the chambers on each side of any filter bank; and

(c) the fan/motor chamber.NOTE: See Clause 6.5 for information regarding temperature ratings of sprinklers.

5.6.18.2 Exceptions

Sprinklers may be omitted from air-handling plants that have an external plan area less than12 m2 and an external height less than 2 m.

Sprinklers shall not be installed in fan/motor chambers through which spill air is designedto pass under fire conditions in accordance with AS/NZS 1668.1.

5.6.19 Computer and other electronic equipment areas

5.6.19.1 Location of sprinklers

Sprinkler protection shall be provided in areas where computers or other electronicequipment are installed.

5.6.19.2 Raised floor spaces

The space beneath any raised floor shall be treated in accordance with Clause 5.6.1.

5.7 OBSTRUCTIONS BELOW SPRINKLERS

5.7.1 General

Where obstructions below sprinklers are such that the operation of sprinklers could bedelayed or effective distribution of water from the sprinklers could be impaired, sprinklersshall be mounted below such obstructions in accordance with Clauses 5.7.2 to 5.7.8.

5.7.2 Overhead platforms

Sprinklers shall be installed below internal overhead platforms, heating panels, galleries,walkways, stagings, stairs and stairways and chutes exceeding 800 mm wide and closer than150 mm to adjacent walls.

Where the clearance from adjacent walls exceeds 150 mm, sprinklers shall be fitted belowany such structure that exceeds 1 m in width.

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5.7.3 Ducts and bulkheads

Sprinklers shall be installed under rectangular ducts exceeding 800 mm in width and undercircular ducts exceeding 1 m in diameter unless there is at least 150 mm clearance fromadjacent walls in which case the width without protection may be 1 m and 1.2 mrespectively.

Where a duct is erected with the top of the duct less than 500 mm below the ceiling or roof,it shall be regarded as a beam and the requirements of Clauses 5.4.4 and 5.4.5 shall apply(see also Clause 5.4.8).

5.7.4 Suspended ceilings

Sprinklers shall be installed below suspended ceilings, for example, in connection withdiffused lighting, except where the ceiling construction does not impair the effective waterdistribution from the sprinklers above (see also Clause 5.6.1).

5.7.5 Suspended open grid ceilings

Sprinkler protection shall be provided above (see Clause 5.6.1) and below suspended opengrid ceilings to the appropriate hazard classification.

Sprinklers may be omitted from below open grid ceilings with the appropriate hazardclassification installed above the grid, provided that—

(a) the minimum dimension of the openings in the grid is not less than 25 mm or thevertical thickness of the suspended ceiling, whichever is the greater;

(b) suspended open grid ceilings in Light and Ordinary Hazard occupancies do notinvolve storage areas;

(c) the open area of the ceiling grid is not less than 70% of the total plan area;

(d) where services are installed within the grid ceiling, such as light fittings, thesefeatures do not reduce the open area to less than 60%;

(e) only spray sprinklers are used;

(f) the vertical distance between sprinkler deflectors and the top of the ceiling grid is notless than 800 mm; and

(g) Wherever obstructions above the ceiling grid would cause interference to thesprinkler discharge pattern, the sprinkler is located in accordance with the provisionsof Section 5.

C5.7.5 Suspended open grid ceilings normally have a regular open cell constructionrecurring throughout their design and are usually fitted for aesthetic reasons withincommercial buildings. When installed they should not prevent the effective operation ofthe sprinkler system.

5.7.6 Hoods over papermaking machines

The underside of hoods or shields over the dry ends of papermaking machines shall besprinkler protected. Sidewall sprinklers (see Clause 5.5) may be used for this purpose.

5.7.7 Storage racks

Sprinklers shall be fitted in such positions as to afford efficient protection to goods storedin racks (see Clause 11.1.3).

5.7.8 Storage fixtures of solid and slatted shelved construction

Storage fixtures wider than 2 m shall be fitted with sprinklers at each shelf level.

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Storage racks and fixtures wider than 1.2 m but not wider than 2 m shall be—

(a) fitted with sprinklers; or

(b) fitted with bulkheads that shall divide the fixture into areas not exceeding 9 m2, withthe distance between bulkheads not exceeding 6 m, provided that the total storageheight does not exceed the values given in Table 11.1.3.2(B).

Such bulkheads shall be tight partitions extending from front to rear faces and fromtop to bottom of the storage spaces. They shall be constructed from one of thefollowing materials:

(i) 15 mm tongued and grooved timber.

(ii) 13 mm hardboard.

(iii) 16 mm chipboard.

(iv) 7 mm flexible fibre cement sheeting.

(v) 0.6 mm steel sheet.NOTE: Sprinkler protection may also be required for work tables, the undersides of which areused for the housing of motive power, or, under which process waste of combustible nature mayaccumulate.

5.8 FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIOS

5.8.1 Overhead platforms and walkways

Sprinklers shall be fitted on the underside of overhead platforms or walkways includingthose for lighting or other equipment, whether slatted or not, together with stairs thereto, ifthey exceed 800 mm in width, provided that this shall not apply to temporary platforms inconnection with sets.

5.8.2 Concealed spaces and cavities

Concealed spaces or cavities between walls and combustible linings, which exceed 100 mmin width, and those between roofs and combustible linings, which exceed 100 mm in depth,shall be fitted with sprinklers. Electric cables may be used, provided that the wiring iseither in screwed steel conduit or is mineral-insulated metal-sheathed cable.

5.9 THEATRES AND MUSIC HALLS (PROTECTION ON THE STAGE SIDE OFTHE PROSCENIUM WALL)

In addition to the normal sprinkler protection of the roof, sprinklers shall be placed underthe gridiron, under the flies, under the stage and in every portion on the stage side of theproscenium wall.

Where the provision of a line of open drenchers or open sprinklers on a fixed fire curtain isrequired, the control assemblies shall be of the quick-opening type and shall be located in areadily accessible position. Where the water supply to these open drenchers or sprinklers istaken from the sprinkler system, the pressure and flow requirements shall be added to thenormal system requirements.

5.10 COLD STORAGE WAREHOUSE

5.10.1 General

Wet type sprinkler systems are permitted to protect cold storage warehouses provided thetemperature conditions in the area where the piping is installed are such that there is nodanger at any time of the water in pipes freezing.

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Dry pendent sprinklers shall be installed in air-circulating system plenums formed by one ormore false ceilings within the cold chamber.

NOTE: Where practicable, sprinkler piping should be located in normal temperature conditionsabove the cold chamber with dry pendent sprinklers connected thereto penetrating into the coldchamber.

Air circulation fans shall be closed down automatically on operation of the sprinklersystem.

Sprinklers shall not be installed where there is likelihood of mechanical damage due tomovement of goods within the cold store.

5.10.2 Piping within the cold chamber

The following special conditions shall apply where it is necessary to install the pipingwithin the cold chamber, or where it is desired to house the sprinkler piping within a singlesmall cold chamber:

(a) The sprinkler installation in the cool room shall be of the permanent dry type and themaximum number of sprinklers controlled by one dry valve shall not exceed 50.These groups of 50 sprinklers may be installed as tail-end dry systems on the basis ofat least one control assembly (wet, dry or alternate wet and dry, as circumstancesdictate) for each five groups.

Each tail-end system shall be controlled by a subsidiary stop valve (see Clause 8.2.4)and shall include either a water flow alarm switch or an electric alarm pressure switch(see Clause 8.10.5) to indicate the particular section that is operating. These sectionalwarning systems are additional to the water motor alarm on the main controlassembly. Where there is a series of tail-end systems and one main control assemblyoperating on the dry or alternate wet and dry principle, care needs to be taken toensure that the air/gas pressure on the tail-end system is maintained at not less thanthe air pressure in the system between the control assembly and the tail-end dryvalves.

Differential dry valves used in tail-end systems connected to an installation operatingon the dry or alternate wet and dry principle shall be suitably modified to retain airpressure in the system piping between the main control assembly and the underside ofthe tail-end dry valves.

(b) Sprinklers installed in an air circulation plenum formed by a false ceiling within thecold chamber may be disregarded when determining the maximum number ofsprinklers required under Item (a) above if the sprinklers are fed from the pipingfeeding the sprinklers in the cold chamber.

(c) The air supply for charging the sprinkler system shall be taken from the cold chamberfrom the freezers of lowest temperature or through a chemical dehydrator.

Compressed nitrogen gas in cylinders may be used as a substitute for air; however,care shall be taken to provide a pressure-reducing valve to reduce the gas pressure tonot more than 800 kPa to avoid over-pressurizing the system piping.NOTE: In these circumstances it is desirable to include a pressure-relief valve set to operateat 900 kPa.

(d) Piping joints shall be of a high standard of gas-tightness.

(e) The system shall be provided with a low air/gas pressure alarm.

(f) Dry pipe valves shall be housed outside the cold chamber in areas where thetemperature is maintained above 4°C. Where valves are normally provided with aliquid seal, because of the problem of evaporation and possible ice formation in thepiping, the sealing medium shall be a fluid such as propylene glycol.A

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(g) All piping downstream of the dry valve shall be installed above ground such that itcan be readily dismantled and reinstated to permit thorough purging of moisture afteroperation.

Pipe jointing and hangers shall permit easy removal of the piping and an inspectionpoint shall be provided at the position of entry into the cold chamber. Changes ofdirection shall be made by using tees with one branch sealed off instead of elbows.Pipes shall be sloped to drain (see Clause 7.5).

(h) Notwithstanding the requirements of Clause 2.3.2.4, sprinklers may be installed ineither the upright or the pendent position, having regard to the necessity for thesprinkler system to be dismantled for drying out after each operation.

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S E C T I O N 6 SP R I N K L E R S , S P R A Y E R S A N DM U L T I P L E C O N T R O L S

6.1 GENERAL

Sprinklers shall not be altered in any respect nor have any type of ornamentation orcoatings applied after leaving the production factory except as permitted by Clauses 5.6.15and 6.8.

6.2 TYPES OF SPRINKLERS, SPRAYERS AND MULTIPLE CONTROLS

6.2.1 Standard sprinklers

Sprinklers shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.1.1. Systems designed inaccordance with Sections 9, 10 and 11, shall use standard sprinklers. Sprinklers other thanstandard sprinklers are included in Clause 6.2.2, Special sprinklers.

Standard sprinklers consist of the following (see Clause 1.6.24):

(a) Conventional sprinklers.

(b) Spray sprinklers .

(c) Flush sprinklers.

(d) Recessed sprinklers.

(e) Concealed sprinklers.

(f) Sidewall sprinklers .

(g) Dry pendent and dry sidewall sprinklers .

(h) Dry upright sprinklers .

6.2.2 Special sprinklers

Special sprinklers are listed sprinklers other than those types in Table 1.1 of AS 4118.1.1.Systems incorporating special sprinklers shall be designed in accordance with the relevantparts of Clause 2.3.3.

Special sprinklers consist of the following (see Clause 1.6.17):

(a) Extended coverage sprinkler (EC).

(b) Large drop sprinkler (LD).

(c) Early suppression fast response sprinklers (ESFR).

(d) Residential sprinkler (RES).

(e) Extra large orifice sprinkler (ELO).

(f) Enlarged orifice sprinkler (EO).

6.2.3 Sprayers

Sprayers in an installation shall be medium or high velocity type. They are special purposesprayers for use in water spray systems which may or may not form part of sprinklersystems intended for the extinguishment or control of fires involving flammable liquids andfor the cooling of storage tanks, process plant and exposed structural steel work against heatfrom an exposure fire.

Sprayers consist of the following (see Clause 1.6.19):

(a) Medium velocity sprayers.

(b) High velocity sprayers.

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C6.2.3 Sprayers have directional discharge characteristics to provide directimpingement on to the protected surface and are available with cone angles rangingfrom 40° to 180°. A solid discharge cone is produced from the sprayer by either internalswirl vanes, tangential velocity swirl, or single orifice and deflector, with the minimumspray discharge pressures ranging from 150 kPa to 350 kPa, thus providing the higherwater discharge velocities.

6.2.4 Multiple controls

Multiple controls shall be selected in accordance with their listing (see Clause 1.6.12).

C6.2.4 Multiple controls are used in systems with medium velocity or high velocitysprayers of the ‘open’ type in circumstances where it is required to operate small groupsof sprayers simultaneously. They are also used in connection with bypass piping foralarm purposes. The controls are made in various sizes relevant to the diameter of thevalve and the number of sprayers that are to be fed therefrom. The sizes range from20 mm to 80 mm.

6.3 STANDARD SPRINKLER K FACTORS, ORIFICE AND THREAD SIZES

Sprinklers shall conform to AS 4118.1.1.

Nominal K factors for standard sprinklers are as follows:

(a) 10 mm orifice 5.7 ±5%.

(b) 15 mm orifice 8.0 ±5%.

(c) 20 mm orifice 11.5 ±5%.

6.4 APPLICATION OF SPRINKLER TYPES

The types of sprinkler for the appropriate hazard class shall be limited to those nominatedin Clauses 9.4.1, 10.4.1.1 and 11.4.1.1 except as permitted in Clauses 9.4.5, 10.4.1.2 and11.4.1.3.

6.5 TEMPERATURE RATINGS

The temperature ratings chosen shall be not less than 30°C above the highest anticipatedtemperature conditions except under the following circumstances:

(a) Under glazing, translucent plastics and uninsulated metal roofs, in unventilatedconcealed spaces and show windows on external walls, and in other locations that aredirectly exposed to the sun, it may be necessary to install sprinklers with atemperature rating between 79°C and 100°C.

(b) In High Hazard systems protecting high piled storage, sprinklers having a nominaltemperature rating of 141°C shall be used at the roof or ceiling roof or ceiling, exceptwhere in the case of special sprinklers, the listing, manufacturers published datasheets and codes and standards referenced herein, recommend an alternativetemperature rating.

(c) Where high temperature sprinklers are installed within drying ovens or hoods overpapermaking machines and the like (see Clauses 5.6.14 and 5.7.6), sprinklers at theceiling or roof immediately over and to a distance of 3 m beyond the boundary ofsuch structures shall be of the same temperature rating, subject to a maximum of141°C.NOTES: 1 Sprinklers are listed in nominal temperature ratings ranging from 57°C to 260°C.2 For normal conditions in temperate climates, ratings of 68°C to 74°C will be generally

suitable.

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6.6 COLOUR CODING

The colour code given in AS 4118.1.1 shall be used to distinguish sprinklers of differentnominal temperature ratings.

6.7 STOCK OF REPLACEMENT SPRINKLERS

A stock of spare sprinklers, with the necessary spanners, shall be supplied for the system sothat sprinklers that have been activated, or that have been damaged in any way, can bepromptly replaced.

The spare sprinklers and spanners shall be located on the premises in an accessibledesignated position, which shall be indicated on the block plan (see Clause 8.3), and wherethe ambient temperature does not exceed 38°C.

NOTE: The number of spare sprinklers to be kept on the premises will depend on the hazard classof the system and the types and temperature ratings of the sprinklers installed.

As a general guide the number of spare sprinklers of standard temperature ratings should be asfollows:

(a) Light Hazard system .......................................................................................6 sprinklers.

(b) Ordinary Hazard system ................................................................................24 sprinklers.

(c) High Hazard system ......................................................................................36 sprinklers.

Should the systems include sprinklers of high temperature ratings, for example in boiler rooms ordrying ovens, an adequate number of spare sprinklers of the appropriate temperature rating shouldalso be kept on the premises. Similarly if the systems include sidewall or other special typesprinklers or if there are any multiple controls, an adequate number of spares should be kept onthe premises.

Spares should be replenished immediately after an incident. Advice should be sought regardingthe possible necessity of replacing sprinklers on the perimeter of the area which, although theyhave not operated, may have been affected by heat.


Where special sprinkler systems are installed, a stock of spare special sprinklers, suitablefor the purpose, shall be kept on the premises.

6.8 ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT OF SPRINKLERS

Sprinklers used in bleach, dye and textile print works, alkali plants, organic fertilizer plants,foundries, pickle and vinegar works, electroplating and galvanizing works, paper mills,tanneries and in any other premises or portions of premises where corrosive vapours areprevalent, shall have corrosion-resistant coatings or shall be coated twice with a goodquality petroleum jelly. The first coat shall be applied before installation and the secondshall be applied after installation.

NOTE: Coatings need to be renewed at periodic intervals as may be necessary but only after theexisting coatings have been thoroughly wiped off. For glass-bulb-type sprinklers, theanti-corrosion treatment need only be applied to the body and yoke.

6.9 SPRINKLER GUARDS

Where sprinklers are installed in locations where they are likely to suffer mechanicaldamage, they shall be fitted with metal guards. Guards shall be designed so as not tointerfere with the normal spray pattern of the sprinkler. Guards shall not be used with flush,recessed or concealed-type sprinklers.

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6.10 ESCUTCHEON PLATE ASSEMBLIES

Escutcheon plate assemblies fitted to sprinklers shall be of metal and securely attached sothat they cannot slip down and adversely affect activation or the water discharge pattern ofsprinklers.

Recessed escutcheon plate assemblies shall only be used with sprinklers that have beenlisted for such mounting (see Clause 6.2.1(d)).

C6.10 Non-metallic escutcheon plate assemblies may deteriorate with age or distortduring fire conditions and interfere with the effective operation of the sprinkler.

6.11 PROTECTION AGAINST FROST

Sprinklers shall not be wrapped or enclosed in any material for protection against frost.

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S E C T I O N 7 PI P I N G

7.1 PIPE AND PIPE FITTINGS

All pipes and pipe fittings in a sprinkler installation shall be new and shall comply with therequirements of AS 2118.9 and AS 4118.2.1.

7.2 HYDRAULIC TEST PRESSURE

All new installations, trunk mains and water supply connections shall be capable ofwithstanding a hydraulic test pressure as specified in Section 3 of AS 2118.9.

7.3 PIPING IN NON-SPRINKLER-PROTECTED BUILDINGS

With the exception of concealed spaces not requiring protection as permitted in Clause 5.6,sprinkler piping shall not pass through buildings or areas not protected by sprinklers unlessit is enclosed by a construction having an FRL of not less than –/120/120.

7.4 HAZARDOUS PROCESSES AND EXPLOSION HAZARD—SPECIALPRECAUTIONS CONCERNING PIPING AND VALVES

In buildings or sections of premises in which protection from explosion is required, thefollowing special precautions shall be taken:

(a) Separate control assemblies shall be provided to control the sprinklers and shall belocated either—

(i) in a structure separated from the hazardous building by a distance not less than6 m; or

(ii) where this is not practicable, in an enclosure separated from the hazardousbuilding by imperforate concrete or masonry walls and roof with an FRL of notless than –/120/120. When this enclosure is recessed in an external wall of thebuilding that does not have a fire-resistance level, a return wall 3 m long andthe same height as the enclosure, with an FRL not less than –/120/120, shall beprovided on each side. Sole access to the valve enclosure shall not be throughthe hazardous area.

(b) Trunk mains leading to and from such installation shall be either carried external tothe buildings concerned or adequately protected from damage arising from buildingcollapse following an explosion (see Clause 7.3).

(c) Water supplies such as pumps, pressure tanks or gravity tanks shall not be housedtherein.

7.5 SLOPE OF PIPES FOR DRAINAGE

Sprinklers forming part of dry or alternate wet and dry systems shall be so installed that thesystem can be thoroughly drained. Range piping shall have a slope of not less than 4 mm in1 m, and distribution piping shall have a slope of not less than 2 mm in 1 m.

NOTE: Piping in all systems including piping in wet systems should be arranged to drain to theinstallation drain valve which should be not less than DN 50 in diameter for Ordinary and HighHazard systems and not less than DN 40 in diameter for Light Hazard systems.

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7.6 LOW LEVEL DRAINAGE

In basements and other areas where sprinkler piping is below the installation drain valvesand in other trapped sections in the system, auxiliary drain valves of the followingminimum sizes shall be provided:

(a) For pipes up to 50 mm in diameter .................................................................20 mm.

(b) For 65 mm diameter pipes .............................................................................25 mm.

(c) For pipes larger than 65 mm in diameter ........................................................32 mm.

7.7 PIPE SIZES

Pipe size shall be determined either by full hydraulic calculation (see Section 12), or partlyby pre-calculated pipe size tables and partly by hydraulic calculations in accordance withthe requirements for the class of hazard (see Clauses 9.5, 10.4 and 11.4).

7.8 ORIFICE PLATES

Orifice plates fitted to assist in hydraulically balancing a High Hazard class system or tomeet pump characteristic curves shall have an orifice diameter of not less than 50% of thediameter of the pipe into which the plate is to be fitted and shall comply with therequirements of Appendix C. Such orifice plates shall be permitted only in pipes of 50 mmin diameter or larger.

7.9 SUPPORT OF SPRINKLER PIPING

When a pipe support system is being designed for a standard fire sprinkler system,consideration shall be given to the correct location of pipe supports and to—

(a) the stresses and loads which may be imposed on the support system from all externalcauses including differential movement of the building structure and all internalcauses including pressure reactions;

(b) the transmission of vibration from the building to the piping and from the piping tothe building; and

(c) the effect a corrosive atmosphere may have on the materials used.

Fire sprinkler piping support systems shall comply with the requirements specified inAS 2118.9.

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S E C T I O N 8 V A L V E S A N D A N C I L L A R YE Q U I P M E N T

8.1 CONTROL ASSEMBLIES

Each installation shall be provided with a control assembly and ancillary equipmentcomprising the following:

(a) A main stop valve (see Clause 8.2.2).

(b) A valve, comprising either:

(i) an alarm valve (wet) (see Clause 8.7.1) or an alarm valve (dry)(see Clause 8.7.2); or

(ii) a composite alarm valve suitable for either wet or dry systems (see Clause 8.7.3).

(c) A water motor alarm and gong (see Clauses 8.10.3 and 3.3).

(d) Direct brigade alarm equipment, where facilities for such are available(see Clause 3.2).

(e) A plan of the risk, i.e. block plan (see Clause 8.3).

(f) Emergency instructions (see Clause 8.5).

(g) A location plate (see Clause 8.4).

(h) A notice identifying the installation and the area served by the installation.NOTE: Installation control assemblies and ancillary equipment should be placed near a mainentrance to the building, in such a location as to be readily visible and accessible to authorizedpersons.

8.2 STOP VALVES

8.2.1 General

All stop valves (except those fitted by the water supply authorities on the branches from atown main) shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.1.6.

All valves shall be permanently identified to show their function and normal operatingposition. All valves on the water supply side of the sprinkler alarm valves shall be subjectto the requirements of the water supply authority.

8.2.2 Main stop valves

Water supplies to each sprinkler installation shall pass through a main stop valve. Beforepassing through the main stop valves, water supplies shall be combined. The main stopvalve shall be secured open by a padlocked or riveted strap and shall be adequatelyprotected from the effect of frost.

NOTE: Provision should be made for closure of the main stop valve to give a visible and audiblealarm at a place under constant surveillance (see Clause 3.4).

8.2.3 Stop valves controlling water supplies

All stop valves controlling water supplies, except those under control of the water supplyauthority, shall be secured open by a padlocked chain or a padlocked or riveted strap. In theelevated private reservoirs and gravity tanks, the stop valve shall be fixed close to thenon-return valve and on the reservoir or tank side thereof.

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8.2.4 Subsidiary stop valves

Stop valves controlling the flow of water to any sprinkler shall not be fitted downstream ofthe alarm valve except in the following circumstances:

(a) Where monitored in accordance with Clause 3.4.

(b) In connection with hoods over drying ends of a papermaking machine to enablecylinders to be changed.

(c) Where allowance is made for the removal of not more than two sprinklers to facilitatethe use of an access hatch.

(d) For controlling groups of external sprinklers.NOTE: The valve is not required to be monitored (see Commentary to Clause 3.1.2.5 (C3.1.2.5)).

8.3 BLOCK PLAN

A plan of the risk (block plan) with the position of the main stop valves clearly indicatedthereon shall be placed adjacent to each set of installation control assemblies or group ofvalves where it can be readily seen by firefighters and others responding to the alarm. Theplan of the risk shall be in the form of a permanent diagram, which water-resistant andfade-resistant, and shall include—

(a) the layout of the protected buildings or areas and adjacent streets;

(b) a diagram of water supplies including sizes and locations of supply authority mainsand valves (dimensioned), connections for non-industrial purposes, storage tanks(capacity and locations), and pump duties;

(c) the location of control valves, subsidiary stop valves, remote test valves, tail-end airvalves, anti-freeze devices, drains, air release valves, orifice plates, externalsprinklers and any unusual features of the installation;

(d) the location and telephone number of the responding fire station.

(e) the location of the main switchboard, distribution boards and starters, and ratings ofelectrical services associated with all pumps, and details of auxiliary power supply, ifapplicable;

(f) the location of the stock of replacement sprinklers (see Clause 6.7);

(g) the year of installation of the system and of any major extension thereto;

(h) the height in metres above the installation gauge of the highest sprinkler used for thepurpose of sizing the distribution piping for each installation and hazard class and thepressure and flow requirements when carrying out proving tests (seeClauses 9.3, 10.2.1 and 11.2.1); and

(i) the outline of the area of each individual hazard and the design density for that area.

See also Clause 12.16.

8.4 LOCATION PLATE

A location plate shall be fixed on the outside of an external wall, as near to the main stopvalve as possible, bearing the following words in clear permanent lettering:

SPRINKLERSTOP VALVE

INSIDE

NOTE: The words SPRINKLER STOP VALVE should be in letters at least 35 mm high, the wordINSIDE in letters at least 25 mm high and the words painted white on a black background.

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8.5 EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS

The following instructions together with an appropriate valve arrangement shall bepermanently displayed at the control valves:

EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS

1 MAKE SURE THAT FIRE IS OUT.

2CLOSE MAIN STOP VALVE (SHUTTING OFF WATERSUPPLY).

3 OPEN WASTE VALVE (DRAINING INSTALLATION).4 TELEPHONE . . . . (see Note)5 REMAIN AT VALVES.

IF FIRE RE-OCCURS—(A) CLOSE WASTE VALVE, AND(B) RE-OPEN MAIN STOP VALVE.

NOTE: The name and telephone number of the maintenance contractor should be inserted.

8.6 NON-RETURN (BACK PRESSURE) VALVES

Where there is more than one water supply to an installation, a non-return valve shall befitted in each water supply pipe and a test cock shall be provided between the non-returnvalve and the supply control valve in accordance with the requirements of the water supplyauthority. Non-return valves shall be readily accessible for testing and maintenance.

All valves on the water supply side of the sprinkler alarm valves shall be subject to therequirements of the water supply authority.

Where the fitting of a non-return valve below ground is unavoidable, the position of thevalve shall be indicated and an inspection chamber shall be provided.

Where an elevated private reservoir or gravity tank forms one of the supplies, thenon-return valve on the supply pipe shall be not less than 5 m below the base of thereservoir or tank.

All non-return valves shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.1.6.

8.7 ALARM VALVES

8.7.1 Alarm valves (wet)

Alarm valves (wet) shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.1.2. They shall be fixedon the main supply pipe immediately above the main stop valve and before any connectionis taken off to supply any part of the installation.

8.7.2 Alarm valves (dry)

Alarm valves (dry) shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.1.7. They shall be fixedon the main supply pipe immediately above the main stop valve (and the alarm valve (wet)in installations on the alternate wet and dry system not employing a composite alarm valveas specified in Clause 8.7.3) and before any connection is taken off to supply any part of theinstallation.

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In dry systems maintained permanently under air pressure, the water motor alarm shall beconnected to the atmospheric chamber or the alarm motor auxiliary valve of the alarmvalves (dry).

NOTE: In order to facilitate the carrying out of flow tests when an installation is under airpressure, an additional drain valve, of a size appropriate to the hazard class, may be fitted.Alternatively, a stop valve may be installed immediately above the alarm valve (dry) (seeClause 8.2.4(a)).

8.7.3 Composite alarm valves

Composite alarm valves shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.1.7 and shall befitted on the main supply pipe and immediately above the main stop valve before anyconnection is taken off to supply any part of the installation.

NOTE: Composite alarm valves are dual purpose, i.e. they may be used in either wet or drysystems.

8.7.4 Identification of alarm valves and alarm gongs

In buildings containing more than one installation, each alarm valve and alarm signallingdevice (see Clause 3.2) shall have a number(s) indicated thereon and the relevant alarmgong (see Clause 3.3) shall bear the same number(s) in bold figures.

8.7.5 Accelerators or exhausters for alarm valves (dry system)

Accelerators are devices that are designed to accelerate the operation of an alarm valve(dry) (see Clause 2.3.2.4). They shall be located as close as possible to the alarm valve(dry) or composite alarm valve. The connection to the device from the system shall be solocated that the restriction orifice and other opening parts are not likely to become floodedwith priming water or back drainage under normal conditions.

8.8 PRESSURE-REDUCING VALVES

Pressure-reducing valves shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.1.8.

8.9 DELUGE AND PRE-ACTION VALVES

8.9.1 Deluge valves

Deluge valves shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.1.5.NOTE: Deluge valves are used to control the water to an array of open sprinklers or sprayers (seeClause 2.3.2.7) which are required to discharge simultaneously. The valve, normally held closed,is released automatically either by the loss of air pressure from independent piping carryingsprinklers acting as heat detectors, or by the operation of heat or smoke detection system. Alarmequipment is normally connected to the outlet piping from the valve so that an alarm is givenwhen water flows into the distribution piping.

8.9.2 Pre-action valves

Pre-action valves shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.1.5.NOTE: These valves are used for either of the following purposes:

(a) To control the water supply to a dry sprinkler installation to prevent water discharge frompiping or sprinklers which have suffered mechanical damage. The valve, normally heldclosed, is released by the operation of a heat or smoke detection system and is of similartype to the deluge valve described in Clause 8.9.1, but the sprinkler piping will be chargedwith air.

(b) To admit water to the piping of a dry installation prior to the operation of a sprinkler orsprinklers. The valve may be a standard alarm valve (dry) (which may be fitted with anaccelerator). The heat or smoke detection system is arranged to trip the valve in a similarmanner to the operation of an exhauster.

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8.10 ALARM DEVICES

8.10.1 General

Each installation shall be so arranged that the installed alarm devices (see Clauses 3.2and 3.3) shall respond within 3 min of opening the test valve with a 15 mm bore referred toin Clause 8.10.6 and within 6 min of opening the remote test valve referred to inClause 8.11.

8.10.2 Prevention of false alarms

Where water supplies include a town main known to have widely fluctuating pressurecharacteristics such that the normal installation pressure is exceeded, causing intermittentoperation of the alarm valve, false alarms shall be prevented by one of the following means:

(a) Installation of a listed retarding device.

(b) Maintenance of the installation pressure above the maximum anticipated mainspressure.

8.10.3 Local water motor alarms

8.10.3.1 General

Local water motor alarms shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.1.3.NOTE: Where an alarm bell is required to be installed in a high level valve room, a pressureswitch and electronic bell may be installed in lieu.

8.10.3.2 Height above valve

Water motor alarms shall be located not higher than 6 m above the valve(s).

8.10.3.3 Piping finish and size

The piping shall comply with the requirements of AS 4118.2.1.

The size of pipe shall be as follows:

(a) Where the length of the piping to the alarm does not exceed 6 m, it shall be not lessthan 15 mm nominal diameter.

(b) Where the length of the piping to the alarm exceeds 6 m but does not exceed 25 m, itshall be not less than 20 mm nominal diameter.

(c) Where the length of the piping exceeds 25 m, it shall be not less than 25 mm nominaldiameter.

8.10.3.4 Drainage provisions

Dry, pre-action and all systems in which the water motor alarm piping could be subject tofreezing shall have such piping arranged to drain through a fitting having an orifice notlarger than 3 mm diameter. The orifice plate (which may be integral with the fitting) shallbe either stainless steel or a suitable non-ferrous material such that the hole will not becomeblocked by products of corrosion.

8.10.3.5 Alarm valve not to be bypassed

Except for a water supply shunt apparatus installed for the purpose of continuous main stopvalve supervision, no connection between the water supply piping and water motor alarmshall directly bypass the alarm valve.

8.10.4 Fire alarm signal

Fire alarms (see Clause 3.2) connected either directly to a fire service or via a fire alarmmonitoring service shall be initiated by—

(a) a flow of water from the alarm valve through a water motor device;Acc

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(b) a flow of water from the valve causing actuation of the pressure switch; or

(c) a fall in pressure in the system piping above the alarm valve.NOTE: Auxiliary alarms may take the form of electric flow or pressure switches. They may beincorporated in the system piping above the alarm valves to indicate on a central panel whichparticular section of the system is operating.

The feed piping for hydraulically operated alarms shall be fitted with lock-open valves.

8.10.5 Pressure switches

Where a pressure switch used to initiate a fire alarm is connected to the pipe leading to thesprinkler alarm motor, the stop valve controlling the flow of water to the sprinkler alarmmotor shall be positioned on the alarm motor side of the pressure switch connection. Wherean installation is on the dry system, a means shall be employed to ensure that pressureoperation of the switch cannot be prevented either in the event of a fire or during theweekly test of the alarm motor. If at any time the fire alarm signal connection is interrupted,e.g. during hydraulic testing, then attention shall be automatically drawn to this fact by themonitoring service.

8.10.6 Testing of alarm devices

Alarm devices shall be tested through a 15 mm test valve located on the installation side ofthe alarm valve. Installations on the alternate wet and dry system using both wet and dryalarm valves shall have testing valves fixed both above the dry alarm valve (for use whenthe installation is under water pressure) and between the wet and dry alarm valves (for usewhen the installation is under air pressure).

NOTE: The test procedures are set out in AS 1851.3.

8.11 REMOTE TEST VALVES

For the purpose of the commissioning and periodic testing, a remote test valve shall beprovided on each installation (see Figure 8.11).

The remote test valve piping shall not be less than 25 mm nominal diameter and shall betaken from the end of a range pipe in the most remote group of sprinklers on theinstallation.

Where the most remote group of sprinklers is not the highest in the installation, anadditional remote test valve shall be connected to the range pipe at the highest level.

The test pipe shall terminate in a smooth bore, corrosion resistant orifice giving a flowequivalent to the smallest orifice sprinkler representative of the installation.

The remote test valve shall be readily accessible, locked shut, and shall be labelled asfollows:

SPRINKLER REMOTE TEST VALVE—TO BE LOCKED SHUT

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FIGURE 8.11 TYPICAL REMOTE TEST VALVE

8.12 PRESSURE GAUGES

Pressure gauges shall comply with the requirements of AS 1349 and shall have scales withgraduations in accordance with Table 8.12.

Means shall be provided to enable each pressure gauge to be readily removed withoutinterruption to installation water supplies.

Gauges to monitor pressures shall be installed in the system at the following locations:

(a) Immediately above the alarm valve.

(b) Adjacent to the main stop valve, connected to indicate the pressure of each watersupply. The connection for such gauges shall be on the supply side of the non-returnvalve nearest the supply.NOTE: For multiple installation systems, each subsequent main stop valve, or group of mainstop valves, may be fitted with a gauge indicating trunk main pressure only.

(c) On the delivery side of all pumps.

(d) On the suction side of all pumps.

(e) On all pressure tanks (see Clause 4.13).A1

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TABLE 8.12

GRADUATION OF PRESSURE GAUGES

Maximum scalereading

Maximum graduationinterval

MPa kPa

1.01.6

>1.6

2050

100

NOTE: The maximum scale value of gauges shouldbe approximately 150% of the known maximumpressure.

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S E C T I O N 9 L I G H T H A Z A R D C L A S SS Y S T E M S

9.1 SCOPE

This Section prescribes parameters which if applied to a system design will ensure it willconform to the performance requirements for a Light Hazard class sprinkler system.

C9.1 A sprinkler system designed to Light Hazard requirements is only suitable for thelightest of fire loads. Because of the specialized sprinklers used and their extendedspacing it is impractical to retrospectively increase the performance of such a system.

Where a risk is to be classified as Light Hazard, the current or possible future fire loadshould be the same as or similar to those risks listed as Light Hazard occupancies inAppendix A of this Standard.

9.2 DESIGN DATA

Light Hazard systems shall be fully hydraulically designed to provide a flow of at least48 L/min from each sprinkler within each hydraulically most unfavourable group of sixsprinklers in all parts of the building regardless of the area covered by individual sprinklers

Each group of sprinklers shall be selected to form, as near as possible, a square with the longest sidepositioned such that it imposes the greatest hydraulic demand. Except as varied by this Clause,hydraulic calculation methods shall conform to the requirements of Section 12.

9.3 WATER SUPPLY

9.3.1 Pressure and flow requirements

The water supply shall be capable of providing the maximum pressure and flowrequirements of the system as determined by the hydraulic calculation methods described inClause 9.2 for a minimum duration of 30 min.

9.3.2 Water storage capacity

The useable water quantity in a reservoir or pump suction tank dedicated as a sprinklersystem supply shall be a minimum of the calculated flow rate for the most unfavourable sixsprinklers for a duration of 30 min plus 20%.

The calculated minimum water storage capacity may be reduced by up to a third, providedan automatic inflow to the reservoir or tank is available at all times with sufficient flow tomake up the difference within 30 min.

The source of an automatic inflow shall conform to the requirements of Clause 4.3.

9.3.3 Additional storage capacity

The requirement for quantity and duration of any hydrant or other fire protection systemconnected to the sprinkler system water supply shall be added to the water storage capacity.

9.3.4 Pump suction tanks

Pump suction tanks shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of Clause 4.8.

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9.3.5 Pressure tanks

Notwithstanding the requirements of Clause 9.3.3, the minimum quantity of water to bemaintained in a pressure tank reserved entirely for sprinklers shall be a minimum of thecalculated flow rate for the most unfavourable six sprinklers for a duration of 30 min,plus—

(a) 100% when used as a sole supply; or

(b) 50% when used as a duplicate supply.

In all other respects pressure tanks shall conform to the requirements of Clause 4.13.

9.3.6 Pumpsets

Pumpsets shall comply with the requirements of AS 2941 with the following exceptions:

(a) The special provisions for pumps supplying sprinkler installations shall not apply.

(b) The duty flow and pressure of the pump(s) shall be not less than the flow and pressurecalculated in accordance with Clause 9.3.

(c) The maximum flow rate of the pump(s) shall be taken to be 130% of the duty flowrate (see Clause 12.8.2.4 and AS 2941).

9.3.7 Proving of water supplies

Water supplies shall be proved to meet the calculated requirements of the installed system.

Proving of water supplies shall be in accordance with the requirements of Clause 4.14.

9.4 SPRINKLERS

9.4.1 Size and type

Sprinklers shall —

(a) have a nominal orifice size of 10 mm;

(b) be classified as fast response sprinklers; and

(c) be either pendent, upright, sidewall, flush, recessed or concealed,

in accordance with AS 4118.1.1.

9.4.2 Maximum area coverage per sprinkler

Except for the reduced coverage required by Clause 9.4.3, the maximum area covered bysprinklers shall be as follows:

(a) Sidewall sprinklers .........................................................17 m2 (see also Clause 5.5).

(b) Other sprinklers ................................................................21 m2 (see also Section 6).

The area covered by each sprinkler shall be defined by lines drawn midway betweenadjacent sprinklers at right angles to the line joining the sprinklers and by the boundary ofthe area covered (see Figure 12.2).

9.4.3 Reduced coverage

In attics, basements, boiler rooms, kitchens, laundries, storage areas, workrooms, electronicdata processing rooms, airconditioning and building services plant rooms, restaurants andcafes, the maximum area covered shall be 12 m2 per sprinkler. Under these conditions themaximum distance between sprinklers shall be 4.2 m and the maximum distance from wallsand partitions shall be 2.1 m.

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9.4.4 Maximum spacing

The maximum distance between sprinklers on range pipes and between adjacent rows shallbe as follows:

(a) Sidewall sprinklers along walls .......................................4.6 m (see also Clause 5.5).

(b) Other sprinklers................................................................................................4.6 m.

The maximum distance from walls and partitions shall be 2.3 m (see also Clause 5.4.2 andClause 5.5).


Notwithstanding the requirements of Clauses 9.4, other types of sprinklers may beincorporated in the system. Such systems shall be classified as special systems and shallconform to the additional requirements of Clause 2.3.3.

9.5 PIPING

9.5.1 Pipe types

All installed system piping shall conform to the requirements of AS 4118.2.1 andAS 2118.9.

9.5.2 Pipe sizes

Pipe sizes shall be determined by full hydraulic calculations subject to a minimum ofDN 25, except that DN 20 is permitted for the connection of single sprinklers only.

9.5.3 Hydraulic calculations

Full hydraulic calculations shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements ofClause 9.2 and shall be documented in accordance with the requirements of AS 2118.10.

9.5.4 Concealed spaces

Where concealed spaces are protected in accordance with Clause 5.6, pipe sizes to theconcealed space sprinklers shall be determined by full hydraulic calculation methods.Where sprinklers above and below a ceiling share common range or distribution pipes, theflow from sprinklers above and below the ceiling need not be taken cumulatively indetermining pipe size (see also Clause 5.6.3). Separate calculations shall be carried out forsprinklers above and below the ceiling. The water supply requirements of Clause 9.3 shallsatisfy the greater of the calculated hydraulic demands.

9.5.5 System drainage

Distribution piping shall be arranged to enable the system to be drained using the drainvalve at the installation control assembly.

NOTE: Subsidiary drain valves should be installed in sections of distribution piping where thesystem cannot be drained by the drain valve.

C9.5.5 Having an effective drainage system does not improve the performance of thesystem, nor is it essential, under fire condition; however, it is particularly desirablewhen servicing the installation. Water damage can easily occur when cutting installationpiping that is still charged with water when carrying out repairs or alterations.

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S E C T I O N 1 0 O R D I N A R Y H A Z A R D C L A S SS Y S T E M S

10.1 DESIGN DATA

Ordinary Hazard systems shall be hydraulically designed to provide an appropriate densityof discharge over an assumed area of operation (number of sprinklers likely to operate) inall areas including the hydraulically most unfavourable areas of the protected building.

The design density of discharge and the assumed area of operation shall be as follows:

(a) Design density of discharge ......................................................................5 mm/min.

(b) Assumed area of operation:

(i) OH 1 .....................................................................................................72 m2.

(ii) OH 2 ...................................................................................................144 m2.

(iii) OH 3 ...................................................................................................216 m2.

(iv) OH Special (see Note)..........................................................................360 m2.NOTE: This group is an extension of OH 3 occupancies where flash fires are likely, coveringsomewhat larger areas of operation, such as might be anticipated in connection withpreparatory processes in textile mills and certain other risks (for classification of occupancies,see Clause 2.2).

10.2 WATER SUPPLIES


The pressure and flow requirements for fully hydraulically calculated systems shall bedetermined by calculation (see Section 12). For systems designed in accordance withClauses 10.4.2.2 and 10.4.2.3, water supplies shall comply with Table 10.2.1.

TABLE 10.2.1

PRESSURE AND FLOW REQUIREMENTS FORPARTIALLY PRE-CALCULATED ORDINARY

HAZARD CLASS SYSTEMS

Minimum running*pressure

Flow rateOccupancygroup

kPa L/min

1 10070

375540

2 140100

7251 000

3 170140

1 1001 350

Special 200150

1 8002 100

* The pressure equivalent of the distance in height betweenthe highest sprinkler and the control assembly is added toall pressure values when discharging the relevant flows atthe control assembly. The running pressure is measured atthe installation gauge.

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10.2.2 Minimum capacity of water supplies

10.2.2.1 Town mains

A town main supply shall be fed from a source of at least 1 ML capacity.

Terminal mains or branch ‘dead end’ mains of less than 150 mm in diameter shall not beused for OH 3 or OH Special systems.

10.2.2.2 Reservoirs and tanks other than pressure tanks

The minimum capacity required for fully hydraulically calculated systems shall be not lessthan that which will supply the calculated flow requirements of the hydraulically mostfavourable area of operation for 60 min. For partly pre-calculated systems designed inaccordance with Clauses 10.4.2.2 and 10.4.2.3, the minimum capacities shall be as specifiedin Table 10.2.2.2. These capacities relate to stored water sources entirely reserved for thesprinkler system (including fire hose reels). For pump suction tanks these capacities may bereduced in accordance with Clause 10.2.2.3, but the maximum period of inflow shall be 1 h.

Where a private car park is strictly incidental to an otherwise Light Hazard class building,as may occur in office and residential type buildings, the minimum capacity required byTable 10.2.2.2 for a stored water source may, when used as one supply of a duplicate supplysystem only, be halved provided that the maximum period of inflow for a suction tankrelying on automatic inflow shall be halved, that is, to 30 min.

TABLE 10.2.2.2

WATER STORAGE CAPACITY FOR PARTIALLY PRE-CALCULATEDORDINARY HAZARD CLASS SYSTEMS

Maximum height of sprinklers inbuilding or stage above lowest

sprinklerMinimum capacity

Occupancy group

m L

1 1530456075

55 00070 00080 00090 000

100 000

2 1530456075

105 000125 000140 000160 000175 000

3 1530456075

135 000160 000185 000205 000220 000

Special 1530456075

160 000185 000205 000225 000245 000

NOTE: Where the system is divided into various pressure stages as required by Clause 4.6, thetank capacity may be based on the maximum stage height rather than on the total height of thebuilding. For storeyed buildings in excess of 15 m in height with different hazard classes atA

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various levels, economies may be effected by calculating the minimum capacities of storagetanks, provided that in the calculations of distribution piping no advantage has been taken ofthe difference in static pressure as allowed in Clause 10.4.2.3. The minimum capacity shouldbe sufficient to supply the pump for 1 h when running at its nominal rating.

The nominal rating of the pump is that point on its characteristic curve which satisfies thefollowing equation:

( )hPKQ −=

where


K = constant as set out in Clause 4.10.2.4

P = pressure at pump discharge, in kilopascals

h = pressure equivalent of the height above the pump of the sprinkler arrayhydraulically nearest the valves, in kilopascals.

The storage capacity shall be not less than that allowed in Table 10.2.2.2 for a building of15 m for the particular occupancy group.

In fully hydraulically calculated Ordinary Hazard systems, the water requirement is themaximum calculated demand in litres per minute for the hydraulically most favourable area fora period of 60 min. (See Section 12.)

10.2.2.3 Pump suction tanks

The minimum effective capacity (see Clause 4.8.2) required for fully hydraulicallycalculated systems shall be not less than that which will supply the maximum flow rate ofthe pump established in accordance with Clause 12.8.2.1 for 60 min. For partly pre-calculated systems, the minimum capacities shall be not less than that specified inTable 10.2.2.2 except that, where there is an automatic inflow which can be relied upon atall times, a smaller capacity will be allowed, provided that the pump can operate at fullcapacity for not less than 1 h, subject to the following minimum capacities (see alsoClause 4.8.1):

(a) OH 1 ..........................................................................................................25 000 L.

(b) OH 2 ..........................................................................................................50 000 L.

(c) OH 3 ..........................................................................................................75 000 L.

(d) OH Special ...............................................................................................100 000 L.

10.2.2.4 Supplies not reserved entirely for sprinklers

Any private reservoir, which also provides water for trade and domestic purposes, shallhave a constant capacity of at least 1 ML.

10.2.2.5 Pressure tank

The minimum quantity of water to be maintained in a pressure tank reserved entirely forsprinklers shall be as follows:

(a) Where sole supply (OH 1 only) ...................................................................46 000 L.

(b) Where duplicate supply (OH 1, 2, 3 and Special) .........................................30 000 L.

The minimum air pressure to be maintained in a pressure tank shall be determined from oneof the equations set out in Clause 4.13.2 and shall be not less than—

(i) OH 1 ............................................................................................................70 kPa;

(ii) OH 2 ..........................................................................................................110 kPa;

(iii) OH 3 ....................................................................................................140 kPa; and

(iv) OH Special .................................................................................................170 kPa;

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plus 30 kPa, or the pressure loss in the piping between the pressure tank and the installationgauge, whichever is the greater. The pressure loss in the piping shall include all valves andshall be calculated at the maximum rate of flow for the group (see Clause 10.2.1).Table 10.2.2.5 indicates the required working air pressure for tanks having proportions ofair of one-third, one-half and two-thirds.

NOTE: For pressure limitations, see Clause 4.6.

TABLE 10.2.2.5

MINIMUM AIR PRESSURE IN TANKS

Occupancygroup

Proportion ofair in tank

Minimum air pressureto be maintained in tankwhen base is level with

highest sprinkler

kPa

Add for each metreor part thereof wheretank is below highest

sprinkler

kPa

1 One-thirdOne-halfTwo-thirds

500300200

302015


620380260

302015


710440330

302015

Special One-thirdOne-halfTwo thirds

800500350

302015

10.2.3 Pumps

Pumps shall comply with the requirements of Clauses 4.10.2, 4.11, 4.12 and AS 2941.


Water supplies shall be proved in accordance with the requirements of Clause 4.14.

10.3 SPACING OF STANDARD SPRINKLERS


The maximum area coverage per sprinkler shall be as follows:

(a) Sidewall sprinklers ...........................................................9 m2 (see also Clause 5.5).

(b) Other sprinklers ..............................................................................................12 m2.

In cold storage warehouses using the air circulation method of refrigeration, provender andrice mills (other than those using the pneumatic system of conveying), film and televisionproduction studios, theatres and music halls (stage protection), the maximum area coverageis limited to 9 m2 and the maximum distance between sprinklers to 3 m (see Clause 5.6.8).


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10.3.2 Maximum distance between sprinklers on range pipes and between adjacentrows of sprinklers

The maximum distance between sprinklers on range pipes and between adjacent rows shallbe as follows:

(a) Sidewall sprinklers along the walls (see also Clause 5.5)—

(i) fire-resisting ceilings .......................................................................3.7 m; and

(ii) non-fire-resisting ceilings .......................................................................3.4 m.

(b) Other sprinklers—

(i) standard spacing (see Clause 5.1) ...........................................................4.2 m;

(ii) staggered spacing (see Clause 5.2)—

(A) between sprinklers ..................................................................4.6 m; and

(B) between rows ................................................................................4.2 mNOTE: See also Clause 10.3.1 for reduced distances for certain occupancies.

10.3.3 Maximum distance from walls and partitions (see also Clauses 5.4.2 and 5.5)

The maximum distance of sprinklers from walls and partitions shall be —

(a) for sidewall sprinklers from end walls .............................................................1.8 m;

(b) for other sprinklers .....................................................................................2.1 m; or

(c) half the maximum allowable design spacing, whichever is the lesser.

10.4 SYSTEM COMPONENTS

10.4.1 Sprinklers

10.4.1.1 Size and type

Sprinklers shall conform to the requirements of AS 4118.1.1, and shall have a nominalorifice size of 15mm. Sprinklers types shall be conventional, pendent spray, upright spray,sidewall, flush, recessed or concealed.

10.4.1.2 Special sprinklers

Notwithstanding the requirements of Clause 10.4.1.1, other types of sprinklers may beincorporated in the system. Such systems shall be classified as special systems and shallconform to the additional requirements of Clause 2.3.3.

10.4.2 Piping

10.4.2.1 General

Pipe sizes shall be determined either by full hydraulic calculation (see Section 12), or partlyby pre-calculated pipe size tables and partly by hydraulic calculations.

10.4.2.2 Pre-calculated piping

Figure 10.4.2.1 illustrates piping arrangements showing the various design points fromwhich the piping shall be calculated hydraulically. Piping at the extremities of systemsdownstream of each design point (16/18-sprinkler point) shall comply with the requirementsof Table 10.4.2.2.

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Where ranges are directly connected to the distribution pipe without risers (or drops), thedesign point shall be taken as the last elbow, tee or branch downstream of which the16/18-sprinkler array is located (design points A and B in Figure 10.4.2.1).

Where ranges are connected to the distribution pipe with risers (or drops), such risers (ordrops) shall be considered as distribution pipes, and the design point shall be moveddownstream to the point of connection of the riser (or drop) nearest the installation valvesin the 16/18-sprinkler array (design points C, D and E in Figure 10.4.2.1).

Where the number of sprinklers in a separate array is less than the number of sprinklers forwhich the distribution pipes are hydraulically designed, the design point shall be taken asthe point of connection of the range nearest the installation valves in such separate array(design point F in Figure 10.4.2.1).

Where single sprinklers are connected to horizontal pipes by risers (or drops), such risersshall be considered range pipes. Where such risers (or drops) exceed 300 mm in length, thehorizontal pipes to which they are connected shall be sized as distribution pipes, to amaximum of 18 sprinklers.

For complex piping arrangements requiring the use of both arm pieces and risers (or drops),piping feeding such arrangements shall be sized as a combination of range and distributionpipes in accordance with Table 10.4.2.2 to a maximum of 18 sprinklers.

10.4.2.3 Hydraulic calculation of piping (partly pre-calculated system)

The size or sizes of the piping (including main distribution pipes and all risers) betweeneach design point and the installation valves shall be calculated on the basis that with a rateof flow of 1800 L/min the aggregate pressure loss due to friction does not exceed 150 kPa.The losses given in Table 10.4.2.3 (A) shall be used for these calculations.

Pipes may only reduce in diameter in the direction of flow of water to any sprinkler.

Where sprinkler protection is provided at various height levels, pressure loss to the designpoint at each level may be increased by an amount equal to the difference in static pressurebetween the level of the sprinklers on the floor concerned and the level of the highestsprinklers on the site. This may apply in storeyed buildings, buildings having more than onemain height level of protection within a storey (e.g. mezzanine floor or extensive platformlevels), or separate buildings of different height on the same site, provided that eachinstallation so designed shares a common water supply with the installation having thehighest sprinklers on the site, and has a water supply running pressure (see Clause 10.2)based on the highest sprinklers on the site measured on each installation gauge.

Where a system is divided into pressure stages, as required by Clause 4.6, no advantagemay be taken of the difference in height of sprinklers in another stage.

In all cases where advantage is taken of this static pressure gain, the height in metres of thehighest sprinkler above the installation gauge used for the calculation for the particularinstallation shall be indicated on the block plan (see Clause 8.3) with reference to thatinstallation.

The block plan shall also state the necessary pressure requirements at the installation gaugefor the proving tests based on the highest sprinkler. The height of the highest sprinkler usedfor these calculations shall be that of a sprinkler actually installed or intended to beinstalled at the time of specifying the design of a particular installation distribution pipingsystem.

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Distribution pipes to be calculated on the basis that with a flow of 1800 L/min the aggregate frictionloss shall not exceed 150 kPa between each point A, B, C, D, E, F and the installation valves

The flow between Y and F shall be taken as 70 L/min per sprinkler (see Table 10.4.2.3(B)).Between Y and installation valve at 1800 L/min.

SYSTEM COMPRISING 276 SPRINKLERS. Spacing 1:12 m2 (3.46 m x 3.46 m). Length of hydraulicroute (incl. allowance for bends) between—

design points A and installation control valves = 46 m approx.

design points B and installation control valves = 64 m approx.

design points C and installation control valves = 43 m approx.

design points D and installation control valves = 69 m approx.

design points E and installation control valves = 71 m approx.

design points F and installation control valves = 73 m approx.

Therefore maximum diameter of distribution pipe = 100 mm. Valves = 100 mm.

FIGURE 10.4.2.1 TYPICAL ORDINARY HAZARD CLASS SYSTEM

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Where complex piping configuration is involved and where economies in design can beeffected, the piping may be designed on the basis of individual hydraulic calculation ofpipes throughout the system (see Section 12).

TABLE 10.4.2.2

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPRINKLERS ONPRE-CALCULATED PIPING

(a) Range pipes

Ranges

Nominal internal

pipe sizemm

Maximum number of

sprinklers permittedon range pipes

(Note 1)

Ranges at remote end of all distribution pipes:

(i) Two end-side layouts—last two ranges 2532

12

(ii) Three end-side layouts—last three ranges 2532

23

(iii) All other layouts—last range 25324050

2349

All other ranges 25324050

3469

(b) Distribution pipes

Distribution pipes

Nominal internalpipe size

mm

Maximum number ofsprinklers to be fed by

distribution pipe

Pipes at extremities of system:

(i) Two end-side layouts 32405065

248

16 (Note 2)

(ii) All other layouts 32405065

369

18 (Note 2)

Pipes between the abovementioned extremitiesand the installation valves

To be individually hydraulically calculatedin accordance with Clause 10.4.2.3

NOTES:

1 The number of sprinklers on a range pipe when the ranges run longitudinally under roofssloping at an angle in excess of 6° should not exceed 6. The maximum length of 25 mmpipe allowed in any route from a sprinkler to the installation valves is 15 m includingallowance for elbows.

2 This requirement does not preclude the use of 65 mm diameter pipe between the designpoint and the installation valves if hydraulic calculation shows that this is possible.A

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TABLE 10.4.2.3(A)

PRESSURE LOSSES FOR MEDIUM TUBES TO AS 1074


mm

Loss of pressure per metre length ofpipe with a flow of 1800 L/min

(Notes 2 and 3)

6580

100

10.34.71.3

150200

0.190.046

NOTES:

1 1800 L/min from the data in Section 12. The loss of pressure at each elbowbend or tee where the water is turned through an angle should be taken asequivalent to that incurred through 3 m of straight pipe.

2 Where the number of sprinklers in a separate array is less than the numberfor which the distribution pipes are hydraulically calculated, up to amaximum of 12 sprinklers, the losses may be calculated on the arbitrarybasis of 70 L/min per sprinkler (see Table 10.4.2.3(B)) from the designpoint of such separate array back to the junction with another distributionpipe, then at the full flow rate of 1800 L/min. Aggregate loss to the valvesis not to exceed 150 kPa. An example of this is illustrated in Figure 10.4.2.1between design point F, point Y and control valves.

3 Calculations for the ringed portions of distribution pipes shall be based onthese pressure losses on the total length of each pipe size multiplied by afactor of 0.14.

TABLE 10.4.2.3(B)

PRESSURE LOSSES FOR MEDIUM TUBES TO AS 1074—ORDINARY HAZARD

Loss of pressure per metre length of pipe, kPa

Nominal internal pipe size, mmNumber of

sprinklers inarray

25 32 40 50 65 80 100 150

1 2.26 0.59 0.28 0.08 0.02 — — —

2 8.15 2.15 1.01 0.32 0.09 0.04 — —

3 — 4.48 2.14 0.67 0.19 0.09 — —

4 — 7.64 3.65 1.15 0.32 0.15 — —

5 — — 5.51 1.74 0.49 0.22 0.06 —

6 — — 7.73 2.44 0.68 0.31 0.08 —

7 — — — 3.24 0.91 0.41 0.12 —

8 — — — 4.15 1.16 0.53 0.14 —

9 — — — 5.16 1.45 0.66 0.18 —

10 — — — — 1.76 0.80 0.22 0.03

11 — — — — 2.10 0.96 0.27 0.04

12 — — — — 2.47 1.13 0.31 0.05

NOTE: The loss of pressure at each elbow bend or tee where the water is turned through an angle should betaken as equivalent to that incurred through 3 m of straight pipe.

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10.4.2.5 Sprinklers in concealed spaces

Where sprinkler protection is required in concealed and under floor spaces to satisfy therequirements of Clause 5.6.1 and 5.6.2 it shall be hydraulically designed in accordance withthe requirements of Section 9 (see Clauses 9.2 and 9.5).

10.5 SYSTEM DRAINAGE

Distribution piping shall be arranged to enable the system to be drained using the drainvalve at the installation control assembly.

NOTE: Subsidiary drain valves should be installed in sections of distribution piping where thesystem cannot be drained by the drain valve.

C10.5 Having an effective drainage system does not improve the performance of thesystem, nor is it essential, under fire condition; however, it is particularly desirablewhen servicing the installation. Water damage can easily occur when cutting installationpiping that is still charged with water when carrying out repairs or alterations.

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S E C T I O N 1 1 H I G H H A Z A R D C L A S SS Y S T E M S

11.1 DESIGN DATA

11.1.1 General

High Hazard systems shall be hydraulically designed to provide an appropriate density ofdischarge over an assumed area of operation (number of sprinklers likely to operate) in allareas including the hydraulically most unfavourable areas of the protected building.

The design densities of discharge and the assumed areas of operation shall be as follows:

(a) Process risks (see also Clause 11.1.2)

(i) Design density of discharge .................................7.5 mm/min to 12.5 mm/min.

(ii) Assumed area of operation ....................................................260 m2 to 360 m2.

(b) High-piled storage risks (see also Clause 11.1.3)

(i) Design density of discharge ....................................7.5 mm/min to 30 mm/min.

(ii) Assumed area of operation .....................................................260 m2 to 300 m2

(according to density of discharge).

11.1.2 Process risks

For process risks, density of discharge and assumed areas of operation shall be as given inTable 11.1.2.

11.1.3 High piled storage risks

11.1.3.1 Methods of storage

The methods of storage which may be found in a high piled storage risk are as follows:

(a) Freestanding storage or block stacking.

(b) Bin-box—a container up to 1.8 m3, having one vertical face open.

(c) Storage in post or box pallets (where the post or box pallets have solid floors, thestorage shall be taken as solid shelf storage).

(d) Storage on solid shelves.

(e) Storage in multiple row and drive-through racks.

(f) Palletized rack storage.

(g) Bonded stores (spirituous liquors) storage.

11.1.3.2 General design data

The design density of discharge for high piled storage risks depends on the hazardousnature of the stock and the height of storage. These risks are subdivided into five categoriesaccording to the severity of the hazard of the stock (see Clause 2.2).

Tables 11.1.3.2(A) and 11.1.3.2(B) indicate the appropriate density of discharge andassumed area of operation according to the category, method of storage and stack heightwhere roof or ceiling protection only is provided. Where storage fixtures are of solid orshelved construction, the requirements of Clause 5.7.8 shall apply.

Where an alternate wet and dry system is installed at roof or ceiling level, the assumed areaof operation shall be increased by 25%.

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The maximum storage heights of 7.6 m for Categories 1 and 2, 7.2 m for Category 3 and4.4 m for Category 4 indicated in Table 11.1.3.2(A) are considered to be a limiting factor toefficient sprinkler protection where sprinklers are provided at the ceiling or roof only.

The maximum storage heights of 6.8 m for Category 1, 6.0 m for Categories 2 and 3, and4.4 m for Category 4 indicated in Table 11.1.3.2(B) are considered to be a limiting factor toefficient sprinkler protection where sprinklers are provided at the ceiling or roof only.Where storage in racking and post or box pallets is above these heights, intermediate levelprotection shall be provided.

TABLE 11.1.2

DISCHARGE DENSITY AND ASSUMED AREA OF OPERATIONFOR PROCESS RISKS

OccupancyDesign density

mm/min

Assumed area of operation

m2

Aircraft engine testingAircraft hangars

10.07.5

260Zone protection (deluge system)

Celluloid manufacturers and celluloidgoods manufacturers

12.5 260

Distilleries (still houses) 12.0 260

Electrical/electronic manufacturing andassembly (predominantly plasticcomponents)Exhibition halls with unusually highceilings and high concentration ofcombustibles

7.5

12.0

260

360

Firelighter manufacturersFirework manufacturers

10.010.0

260 (Note 2)Complete deluge protectionrequired for each building

Flammable liquid sprayingFloor cloth and linoleum manufacturersFoam plastics goods manufacturers andprocessingFoam rubber goods manufacturers andprocessing

12.07.5

12.0

12.0

260260260

260

Paint and varnish works (solvent based)Plastics goods manufacturing and processworks (where plastic is one of the basicmaterials in the operation)

7.512.0

260 (Note 2)260

Resin and turps manufacturers 7.5 260 (Note 2)

Theatrical scenery storeTar distillers

10.010.0

260260 (Note 2)

Vehicle repair workshops 10.0 260

NOTES:

1 Assumes use of 141°C rated sprinklers.

2 Supplementary protection by high or medium velocity sprayers, as appropriate, will be requiredin these risks in areas where solvents or other flammable liquids are stored or handled(see Clause 5.6.16).

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TABLE 11.1.3.2(A)

DISCHARGE DENSITY AND ASSUMED AREA OF OPERATION FOR HIGH-PILED STORAGE RISKS INVOLVING FREESTANDING STORAGE, BIN BOX

STORAGE OR BLOCK STACKING WHERE CEILING OR ROOF PROTECTIONONLY IS PROVIDED

Dischargedensity

Assumed areaof operation

Maximum storage height, m

mm/min m2 Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4

7.510.012.515.017.5

260

5.36.57.6——

4.15.05.96.77.6

2.93.54.14.75.2

1.62.02.32.73.0

20.022.525.027.530.0

300

—————

—————

5.76.36.77.2—

3.33.63.84.14.4

NOTES:1 ‘Not applicable’

2The term ‘storage’ includes the warehousing or the temporary depositing of goods or materialswhile undergoing process.

3To provide for any future requirements in designated storage areas, the height of storage should betaken as not less than 1 m below any ceiling or roof.

TABLE 11.1.3.2(B)

DISCHARGE DENSITY AND ASSUMED AREA OF OPERATION FOR HIGH-PILED STORAGE RISKS INVOLVING POST OR BOX PALLETS (INSINGLE OR DOUBLE ROWS) OR PALLETIZED RACK STORAGEWHERE ROOF OR CEILING PROTECTION ONLY IS PROVIDED

Dischargedensity


Maximum storage height, m

mm/min m2 Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4

7.510.012.515.017.5

260

4.75.76.8——

3.44.25.05.66.0

2.22.63.23.74.1

1.62.02.32.73.0

20.025.030.0

300

———

———

4.45.36.0

3.33.84.4

NOTES:

1 ‘Not applicable’

2 Good practice dictates that post or box pallet storage should bot exceed two rows wide in onedirection.

3 Rack storage with aisles less than 1.2 m in width is treated as multiple row racks (seeClause 11.1.3).

4 In designated storage areas to provide for future requirements, the height of storage should betaken as not less than 1 m below any ceiling or roof.

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11.1.3.3 Storage in multiple row and drive-through or flow-through racks

Intermediate sprinklers shall be installed in multiple row and drive-through or flow-throughracks where storage heights exceed the Ordinary Hazard limitations for post pallets andpalletized rack storage in Note 2 to Table 11.1.3.2(B) in accordance with Clause 11.1.3.4.

Rack storage with aisles less than 1.2 m in width shall be treated as multiple row racks.

11.1.3.4 Intermediate level protection in storage racks

Intermediate level protection shall be provided as indicated by the following:

(a) General Supplementary intermediate level protection shall be provided in storageracks where heights of storage exceed those given in Table 11.1.3.2(B).

Flow rates for intermediate level sprinkler protection shall be hydraulically calculatedas set out in Clause 11.2.2.5.

Where racking does not exceed 3.2 m in width, one row of sprinklers shall be locatedcentrally along the length of the rack. Where racking exceeds 3.2 m in width, but doesnot exceed 6 m, two rows of sprinklers shall be provided. The design of protection forracking exceeding 6 m in width shall be individually assessed. (SeeFigure 11.1.3.4(a), (b) and (c) for maximum spacing, stagger spacing and maximumarea coverage per sprinkler.)

Whenever any rack or structural steelwork is likely to significantly interfere withwater discharge from sprinklers, additional sprinklers shall be provided and taken intoaccount in water flow calculations.

Each intermediate level sprinkler shall be fitted with a metal water shield not lessthan 80 mm in diameter, located immediately above the sprinkler. For sprinklersmounted upright, the shield shall not be attached directly to the sprinkler deflector.Any bracket supporting the shield shall cause minimal obstruction to the waterdistribution.

Provision shall be made for the protection of piping and sprinklers against mechanicaldamage (see Clauses 6.9 and 7.4).

(b) Location of intermediate level sprinklers Sprinklers within racks shall be positionedso that there is not less than 150 mm clearance between the deflectors and the top ofthe storage in the tier immediately below the line of sprinklers.

Sprinklers shall be located in racks as follows:

(i) Category 1 or 2 goods Category 1 or 2 goods shall be protected as follows:

(A) Every alternate rack tier, but not exceeding 3.7 m from the floor to thelowest level and between successive levels.

(B) Every alternate junction of longitudinal and transverse flues or gapsbetween pallets.

(C) Sprinklers shall be staggered between tiers.

(D) The horizontal spacing of sprinklers within tiers shall not exceed 2.8 m(see Figure 11.1.3.4(a)).

(ii) Category 3 goods (or Categories 1 and 2 goods mixed with Category 3goods) Category 3 goods, or Categories 1 and 2 goods mixed with Category 1goods shall be protected as follows:

(A) Every alternate rack tier, but not exceeding 3.7 m from the floor to thelowest level and between successive levels.

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(B) Every junction of the longitudinal and transverse flues or gaps betweenpallets.

(C) The horizontal spacing of sprinklers within tiers shall not exceed 1.4 m(see Figure 11.1.3.4(b)).

(iii) Category 4 goods (or Categories 1, 2 and 3 goods mixed with Category 4goods) Category 4 goods or Categories 1, 2 and 3 goods mixed withCategory 4 goods, shall be protected as follows:

(A) At every tier, but not exceeding 2.3 m from the floor to the lowest leveland between successive levels.

(B) Every alternate junction of the longitudinal and transverse flues or gapsbetween pallets.

(C) Sprinklers shall be staggered between tiers.

(D) The horizontal spacing of sprinklers within tiers shall not exceed 2.8 m(see Figure 11.1.3.4(c)).

Provided that the roof or ceiling protection is not more than 3 m above the topof the stored goods, the uppermost row of intermediate level sprinklers may beomitted if this would otherwise be located at the top of the stored goods(see Figure 11.1.3.4(a), (b), (c) and (d)).

(c) The flow requirements of sprinklers within the racks shall be calculated on theassumption of an operational pressure of 200 kPa at the hydraulically mostunfavourable sprinkler when—

(i) three sprinklers are operating at every sprinkler level for Categories 1, 2 and 3goods;

(ii) two sprinklers are operating at every sprinkler level for Category 4 goods;

(iii) where rack aisles exceed 2.4 m in width, at least one rack shall be assumed tobe involved;

(iv) where rack aisles exceed 1.2 m and do not exceed 2.4 m, at least two racks shallbe assumed to be involved;

(v) where racks are closer than 1.2 m (multiple row racks), at least three racks shallbe assumed to be involved; and

(vi) in no case, need more than three rows of sprinklers, as seen in plan view, beassumed to be simultaneously involved at each sprinkler level.

(d) Design data for roof or ceiling sprinklers Where intermediate level sprinklers areprovided—

(i) the density of discharge for the roof or ceiling sprinklers shall be appropriate tothe height of storage above the highest level of intermediate level protectionwhich can be taken from Table 11.1.3.2(B) with a minimum density ofdischarge of 7.5 mm/min; and

(ii) the assumed area of operation of roof or ceiling sprinklers shall be taken as—

(A) 260 m2 for wet systems irrespective of total storage height; or

(B) 325 m2 for alternate wet and dry systems

(e) The floor area controlled by a single installation of intermediate level sprinklers, shallnot exceed 4000 m2 of floor area occupied by the racks, including aisles.

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11.1.3.5 Sprinkler protection of building columns

Where any unencased steel building column is enclosed in a rack without intermediate levelsprinkler protection, or is within 300 mm of such a rack, the column shall be protected bysprinklers.

Starting at the top of the storage, sprinklers shall be installed on opposite sides of thecolumn at vertical intervals downwards not exceeding 4.5 m. Additional sprinklers shall beprovided where obstructions prevent run-down within the 4.5 m interval. Sprinklers shall bedirected to wet the surface area at an application rate of not less than 10 mm/min. Thedischarge from these sprinklers within the assumed area of operation shall be included inwater supply calculations.

11.1.3.6 Bonded stores (spirituous liquors)—Rack storage

For rack storage the following parameters shall apply:

(a) General For barrel storage in racks in bonded stores, the provisions for high-piledstorage risks shall be modified in accordance with Items (b) to (d) below, asappropriate.

(b) Double rack storage with aisles and walkways (see Figure 11.1.3.6(A)). Thefollowing modifications shall apply to double rack storage with aisles between andhaving walkways at various levels:

(i) Storage height not exceeding 9.7 m For storage heights not exceeding 9.7 m,roof or ceiling protection only is acceptable. Table 11.1.3.6 shall be used toobtain densities of discharge and assumed area of operation where storageheights exceed 7.6 m.

(ii) Storage height exceeding 9.7 m For storage heights exceeding 9.7 m,intermediate level protection shall be installed beneath walkways at intervalsnot exceeding 6.5 m commencing with the lowest walkway. Sprinklers underwalkways shall be spaced at not more than 3.5 m and the maximum areacoverage per sprinkler at each intermediate level shall not exceed 11 m2.Sprinklers at alternate levels shall be staggered in relation to the rows ofsprinklers above and below.

The flow requirements of walkway sprinklers shall be calculated with an operationalpressure of not less than 200 kPa at the hydraulically most unfavourable sprinklerwhen seven sprinklers are operating at each walkway level protected.

(c) Continuous racking without aisles or walkways (See Figure 11.1.3.6(B).) Thefollowing modifications shall apply to continuous rack storage without aisles orwalkways:

(i) Storage height not exceeding 5 m For storage heights not exceeding 5 m, roofor ceiling protection only is acceptable.

(ii) Storage height exceeding 5 m For storage heights exceeding 5 m, intermediatelevel protection shall be installed throughout at vertical intervals not exceeding5 m. There shall be a clear space of not less than 500 mm beneath the deflectorsof sprinklers in intermediate level protection. Sprinklers shall be positionedover each of the line of gaps between barrel ends with a maximum spacingdown each line of 7 m. The maximum area coverage per sprinkler at eachintermediate level shall not exceed 7 m2. Sprinklers shall be arranged in staggerformation so that, in alternate lines, they are midway between the sprinklers inthe adjacent lines. The following design data shall be used:

(A) Design density of discharge for sprinklersat intermediate levels ............................................................10 mm/min.

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(B) Assumed area of operation at each levelof intermediate protection .............................................................70 m2.

(d) Clearance below sprinklers Clearance below sprinklers at roof or ceiling level maybe reduced to 300 mm instead of the 500 mm clearance required by Clause 5.4.8.

11.1.3.7 Encapsulation

Where storage is encapsulated see (Clause 1.6.7) discharge densities listed inTables 11.1.3.2(A) and 11.1.3.2(B) shall be increased by 50% for Category 1 and 25% forCategory 2, with no increases for Categories 3 and 4. These required increases in dischargedensity shall also apply where intermediate sprinklers are provided.

11.1.4 Type of system

Where there is no danger of freezing, High Hazard systems shall be of the wet type. Wherethere is danger of freezing, a pre-action type system or alternate wet and dry system may beinstalled. If an alternate wet and dry system is installed at only ceiling or roof, the designarea of sprinkler operation shall be increased by 25%.

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FIGURE 11.1.3.4 (in part) INTERMEDIATE LEVEL PROTECTION

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FIGURE 11.1.3.4 (in part) INTERMEDIATE LEVEL PROTECTION

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Staggered arrangement of intermediate sprinklers in double rack storage with aisles between, havingwalkways at various levels: maximum area per sprinkler = 11 m2

FIGURE 11.1.3.6(A) TYPICAL BONDED STORES (SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS)

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Staggered arrangement of intermediate sprinklers in continuous racking without aisles orwalkways: maximum area per sprinkler = 7 m2

FIGURE 11.1.3.6(B) TYPICAL BONDED STORES (SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS)

TABLE 11.1.3.6

DISCHARGE DENSITY AND ASSUMED AREA OF OPERATION AT CEILINGFOR BONDED STORES (SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS) RACK STORAGE

Category of

storageHeight of storage

Discharge densityrequired

mm/min


m2

1

Not more than 5.3 mAbove 5.3 m but not more than 6.5 mAbove 6.5 m but not more than 7.6 mAbove 7.6 m but not more than 8.7 mAbove 8.7 m but not more than 9.7 m

7.510.512.515.017.5

260260260260260

11.2 WATER SUPPLIES


The pressure and flow for fully hydraulically calculated systems shall be determined bycalculation (see Section 12). Installation standing pressure shall not be less than 800 kPa.

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For systems designed in accordance with Tables 11.4.2.2(A) to 11.4.2.2(C), the pressureand flow shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) The water supply shall provide the flow and the corresponding running pressure givenin Table 11.2.1 at the hydraulically most unfavourably situated design point in theHigh Hazard portion of the premises commensurate with the required density ofdischarge and the area of operation set out in Clause 11.1 for the particular occupancycategory.

(b) Where the High Hazard portion comprises less than 48 sprinklers and the provisionsof Item (d) below do not apply, the required flow and running pressure given inTable 11.2.1 shall be provided at the level of the highest sprinklers at the point ofentry to the sprinkler array.

(c) Where the design area of operation is fed by more than one distribution pipe, therunning pressure at the level of the highest sprinklers at the design point shall beeither that given in Table 11.2.1 for the required density of discharge, or thatdetermined by hydraulic calculation. The flow rate for each distribution pipe shall bedetermined on the pro-rata basis described in Item (h) below.

(d) Where the area of the High Hazard portion of the risk is less than the area ofoperation given in Table 11.1.3.6, 11.1.3.2(A) or 11.1.3.2(B), as appropriate, the flowrate shown in Table 11.2.1 may be proportionately reduced (see Item (h) below), butthe running pressure at the level of the highest sprinklers at the design point shall bethat given in the tables for the required density of discharge.

(e) Where the basic design area of operation for a given density of discharge is increaseddue to circumstances described under Clauses 11.1.2 and 11.1.3, the flow rate shall beproportionately increased (see Item (h) below) but the pressure at the design pointshall be maintained.

C11.2.1(e) For example, in a High Hazard system with design density of 12.5 mm/minand 15 mm sprinklers, with piping conforming to Table 11.4.2.2(C) and spacing of oneper 9 m2, if the flow rate was increased by 25% in accordance with Clause 11.1.3(i.e. from 3800 L/min to 4750 L/min), the appropriate pressure requirement at the designpoint would be 245 kPa (see Table 11.2.1).

(f) Where the design area of operation is greater than the area of High Hazard protection,and this area is adjacent to Ordinary Hazard protection, the total flow rate shall becalculated on the basis of the rate of flow in the High Hazard portion beingproportional to its area as above (see Item (h) below), and the flow in the OrdinaryHazard portion of the risk being equal to 5.0 times the balance of the area ofoperation. The pressure at the level of the highest sprinklers in the High Hazardportion of the risk at the design point shall be either that given in the tables for therequired density of discharge or that determined by hydraulic calculation.

(g) The flow requirements specified in Items 3 and 4 of Table 11.2.1 apply only to piperanges that are horizontal or at a slope not exceeding 5° to the horizontal. Where theangle of 5° is exceeded, the flow requirements shall be increased by 5% for eachadditional 5° of slope or part thereof, and there shall be a corresponding percentagedecrease in the permitted maximum period of inflow for suction tanks(see Clause 11.2.2).

(h) The increased or decreased flow rates referred to in Item (c), (d), (e) and (f) aboveshall be determined on a pro rata basis according to the following equation:

1

212 a

aQQ ×= . . . 11.2

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where

Q2 = flow rate required or, in circumstances described in Item (c), the flow ratein each pipe , in litres per minute

Q1 = flow rate required as given in the tables, in litres per minute

a2 = area of operation required or, in circumstances described in Item (c), thearea served by each pipe, in square metres

a1 = area of operation given in the tables for the discharge density required, insquare metres

(i) Where sprinklers are installed at intermediate levels in racking, all pipework,including roof or ceiling level pipework, shall be sized by full hydraulic calculationin accordance with Section 12 (see also Clauses 11.1.3.4, 11.2.2.5 and 11.4.2.6).

11.2.2 Minimum capacity of water supplies

11.2.2.1 Town main

The town main supply shall be fed from a source of at least 1 ML capacity plus the storedcapacity specified in Table 11.2.2.2. Terminal mains or branch ‘dead ends’ mains of lessthan 150 mm in diameter shall not be used.

11.2.2.2 Reservoirs and tanks other than pressure tanks

The minimum capacities shall be as specified in Table 11.2.2.2. These capacities relate tostored water sources entirely reserved for the sprinkler system (including fire hose reels).

For pump suction tanks, these capacities may be reduced to not less than two-thirds of thelisted capacity, provided that reliable automatic inflow is available which will providesufficient water for the pump to operate at the maximum flow rate (see Clause 12.8.2) fornot less than 90 min.

11.2.2.3 Supplies not reserved entirely for sprinklers

Any private reservoir which also provides water for industrial and domestic purposes shallhave a constant capacity not less than 1 ML plus the stored capacity given inTable 11.2.2.2.

NOTE: Pressure and flow tests in connection with proving the supply should be carried out whenthe demand for other services is at its peak.

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TABLE 11.2.1

PRESSURE/FLOW REQUIREMENTS FORHIGH HAZARD CLASS SYSTEMS

Running pressure at the design point(48-sprinkler point) at the level of the highest

sprinklers in the High Hazard area, kPaDensity ofdischarge

Flow rate

Design spacing of sprinklers, m2

mm/min L/min 6 7 8 9

1 Systems having piping in accordance with Table 11.4.2.2(A) and 15 mm nominal sprinklers

7.510.012.515.0

2 3003 0503 8004 500

—180270380

—240365520

180315475675

225390600—

2 Systems having piping in accordance with Table 11.4.2.2(B) and 15 mm nominal sprinklers

7.510.012.515.0

2 3003 0503 8004 550

—130200280

—180275385

135235360510

175300460650

3 Systems having piping in accordance with Table 11.4.2.2(C) and 15 mm nominal sprinklers

7.510.012.515.017.520.022.525.027.530.0

2 3003 0503 8004 5504 8506 4007 2008 0008 8009 650

—70

110160215280350435525620

—95

150215290380480590715—

70125195280380500630775——

90160245355480630795———

4 Systems having piping in accordance with Table 11.4.2.2(C) and 20 mm nominal sprinklers

7.510.012.515.017.520.022.525.027.530.0

2 3003 0503 8004 5504 8506 4007 2008 0008 8009 650

———95

125165205255305360

——90

125170225285350420495

——

115165225295370455550650

—95

145210280370470575690—

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11.2.2.4 Pressure tanks

Pressure tank supplies are not acceptable for High Hazard class systems.

11.2.2.5 Supplementary sprinklers

For storage risks coming under the High Hazard class, where supplementary sprinklers areinstalled at intermediate levels within racking, the minimum volume of water available shallbe sufficient to supply for 90 min the maximum calculated simultaneous flow for roof orceiling sprinklers, intermediate level sprinklers and sprinklers protecting building columnsfor the hydraulically most favourable area (see also Clauses 11.1.3.4, 11.1.3.5 and11.4.2.6).

11.2.3 Pumps

Pumps shall comply with the requirements of Clauses 4.10.2, 4.11, and AS 2941.


Water supplies shall be proved in accordance with the requirements of Clause 4.15.

TABLE 11.2.2.2

WATER STORAGE CAPACITY FOR HIGH HAZARD CLASS SYSTEMS

Design densityMinimum capacity

(see Note)Maximum period of inflow for suction

tanks

mm/min L min

7.510.012.5

237 000316 000395 000

909090

15.017.520.0

474 000553 000729 000

909090

22.525.027.530.0

820 000911 000

1 002 0001 094 000

90909090

NOTE: In fully hydraulically calculated systems only, the above capacities may be reduced provided themaximum calculated demand in Litres per minute for the hydraulically most favourable area (seeSection 12) for a period of 90 min shows this to be possible. In no case is it required that the abovecapacities be increased except that they have to be adjusted where the design area is increased ordecreased or where supplementary protection is provided in accordance with Clauses 11.1.3, 11.1.4and 11.2.1.

In the case of pump suction tanks, the maximum calculated demand is the maximum flow rateof the pump determined in accordance with Clause 12.8.2.1.

11.3 SPACING OF STANDARD SPRINKLERS


Except for sprinklers in storage racks (see Clause 11.1.3.4), the maximum area coverage persprinkler shall be 9 m2.


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11.3.2 Maximum distance between sprinklers on range pipes and between adjacentrows of sprinklers

Except for sprinklers in storage racks (see Clause 11.1.3.4), the maximum distance betweensprinklers and adjacent rows shall be 3.7 m.

11.3.3 Maximum distance from walls and partitions

The distance of sprinklers from walls or partitions shall not exceed 2 m or half the designspacing whichever is the lesser (see also Clause 5.4.2).

11.4 SYSTEM COMPONENTS

11.4.1 Sprinklers

11.4.1.1 Size and type

Sprinklers shall conform to the requirements of AS 4118.1.1, and shall have a nominalorifice size of 15 mm, or 20 mm, and may be of conventional or spray type, except thatintermediate level sprinklers within storage racks shall have a nominal orifice size of15 mm.

Where sprinklers are required for building column protection in accordance withClause 11.1.3.5, spray type sprinklers installed horizontally or side wall sprinklers installedvertically shall be used, subject to a minimum orifice size of 10 mm.

11.4.1.2 Sprinkler temperatures

In systems, with in-rack sprinklers, protecting high piled storage, 141°C temperature ratedsprinklers shall be used at the roof or ceiling, and 68°C to 74°C nominal temperature ratedsprinklers shall be installed within storage racks, and for column protection.

11.4.1.3 Special sprinklers

Notwithstanding the requirements of Clauses 11.4.1.1 and 11.4.1.2, other types ofsprinklers may be incorporated in the system. Such systems shall be classified as specialsystems and shall conform to the additional requirements of Clause 2.3.3.

11.4.2 Piping

11.4.2.1 General

The appropriate sizing of piping for High Hazard systems depends on the following factors:

(a) Required density of discharge.

(b) Spacing of sprinklers.

(c) Size of sprinkler orifice used.

(d) Pressure and flow characteristics of the water supply.

To accommodate this wide range of conditions, and to provide reasonable economy inpiping, systems are designed either partly by the pre-calculated pipe tables and partly byhydraulic calculation (see Clauses 11.4.2.2 and 11.4.2.3) or by full hydraulic calculation(see Section 12).

Figures 11.4.2.1(A) to 11.4.2.1(C) illustrate piping arrangements showing various designpoints from which the piping shall be calculated hydraulically when the pre-calculated pipesizing tables are used.

Pipes may reduce in diameter only in the direction of flow of water to any sprinkler. Anexception to this requirement is permitted in systems which are fully hydraulicallycalculated in accordance with Section 12.

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11.4.2.2 Pre-calculated piping

Where ranges are directly connected to the distribution pipe without risers (or drops) thedesign point shall be taken as the last elbow, tee or branch downstream of which the48-sprinkler array is located (see design point A in Figures 11.4.2.1(A) to 11.4.2.1(C)).

Where ranges are connected to the distribution pipe with risers (or drops), such risers(or drops) shall be considered as distribution pipes, and the design point shall be moveddownstream to the point of connection of the riser (or drop) nearest the installation valvesin the 48-sprinkler array (see design point B in Figures 11.4.2.1(A) to 11.4.2.1(C)).

Where the number of sprinklers in a separate array is less than the number of sprinklers forwhich the distribution pipes are hydraulically designed, the design point shall be taken asthe point of connection of the range nearest the installation valves in such separate array.

Where single sprinklers are connected to horizontal pipes by risers (or drops), such risersshall be considered range pipes. Where such risers (or drops) exceed 300 mm in length, thehorizontal pipes to which they are connected shall be sized as distribution pipes.

For complex piping arrangements requiring the use of both armpieces and risers (or drops),piping feeding such arrangements shall be sized as a combination of range and distributionpipes in accordance with Tables 11.4.2.2(A) to 11.4.2.2(C).

11.4.2.3 Hydraulic calculation of distribution piping (partly pre-calculated systems)

The distribution and rise pipe from the installation valves to the various nominal terminalpoints of the network, that is at each design point or at the point of entry to each sprinklerarray wherever fewer than 48 sprinklers are involved (see Clause 11.2), shall be calculatedhydraulically on the basis that, under the relevant flow conditions stated in Table 11.2.1, thepressure drop in this individually calculated piping will not exceed the residual pressureavailable from the water supply when allowance has been made for the pressure required atthe design point in Table 11.2.1 plus the static head loss due to the height of the highestsprinkler in the High Hazard network above the installation valves.

Where the highest sprinkler of a High Hazard portion of the premises is not beyond thedesign point, such portion requiring the higher static head shall have its own terminatingdistribution pipe. The pressure loss in the distribution pipe to each section of the HighHazard risk shall be adjusted to that required either by suitably sizing the distribution pipesor by fitting an orifice plate in the feed main (see Clause 11.4.2.5) or by a combination ofthese two methods. The losses given in Table 11.4.2.3 shall be used for these calculations.


Where complex piping configuration is involved and where economies in design can beeffected, the piping may be designed on the basis of individual hydraulic calculation ofpipes throughout the system (see Section 12).

11.4.2.5 Hydraulic balancing of systems with orifice plates

Where it is considered necessary to fit orifice plates in order to assist in hydraulicallybalancing a system or to meet pump characteristic curves, the diameter of the orifice shallbe not less than 50% of the diameter of the pipe into which the plate is to be fitted. Suchorifice plates shall be fitted only in pipes of 50 mm diameter or larger. Orifice plates shallcomply with the requirements of Appendix C.

The relationship between the size of the orifice, the flow and the pressure loss, shall becalculated on the basis of the information given in Appendix C.

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11.4.2.6 Piping for supplementary protection within storage racking

Where supplementary sprinklers are installed at intermediate levels within storage racking,the piping shall be fully hydraulically calculated. In the sizing of the distribution piping, thewater flow required by the intermediate sprinklers shall be added to that required by theroof or ceiling sprinklers and sprinklers protecting building columns (see Clauses 11.1.3.4and 11.1.3.5).

Intermediate level protection within storage racks shall be controlled by a separate controlassembly. Where there are not more than 50 intermediate level sprinklers they may be feddirectly from roof or ceiling system distribution piping.

Where storage racks are freestanding, and the intermediate sprinklers are fed by distributionpipes attached to the building structure, the rack piping shall be connected to thedistribution pipes by universal joints or flexible connections.

11.4.2.7 Sprinklers in concealed spaces

Where sprinkler protection is required in concealed spaces and under floor spaces to satisfythe requirements of Clause 5.6.1 and 5.6.2, it shall be hydraulically designed in accordancewith the requirements of Section 9 (see Clauses 9.2 and 9.5).

11.5 SYSTEM DRAINAGE

All pipes shall be arranged with slope for drainage in accordance with Clause 7.5.NOTE: Piping in all systems, including piping in wet systems, should be arranged to drain to theinstallation drain valve which should be not less than 50 mm diameter.

C11.5 Having an effective drainage system does not improve the performance of thesystem, nor is it essential, under fire conditions; however, it is particularly desirablewhen servicing the installation. Water damage can easily occur when cuttinginstallation piping that is still charged with water when carrying out repairs oralterations.

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FIGURE 11.4.2.1(A) TYPICAL HIGH HAZARD CLASS SYSTEM—PIPE SIZES BASEDON TABLE 11.4.2.2(A)

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FIGURE 11.4.2.1(B) TYPICAL HIGH HAZARD CLASS SYSTEM—PIPE SIZES BASEDON TABLE 11.4.2.2(B)

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FIGURE 11.4.2.1(C) TYPICAL HIGH HAZARD CLASS SYSTEM—PIPE SIZES BASEDON TABLE 11.4.2.2(C)

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TABLE 11.4.2.2(A)

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPRINKLERS ON PRE-CALCULATED PIPING FORDESIGN DENSITIES OF DISCHARGE NOT EXCEEDING 15 mm/min

Systems with water supplies complying with the pressure and flow requirementsfor Item 1 in Table 11.2.1 and using 15 mm (nominal) size sprinklers.

(a) Range pipes

RangesNominal internal

pipe size

mm

Maximum number ofsprinklers permitted

on range pipes

(see Note 1)


(i) Two end-side layouts—Last two ranges 2532

12

(ii) Three end-side layouts—Last three ranges 2532

23

(iii) All other layouts—Last range 253240

234


34


Distribution pipesNominal internal

pipe sizemm


distribution pipe

Pipes at extremities of system 3240506580

100

248

121848 (Note 2)

Pipes between the above mentioned extremities andthe installation valves (see Note 3)

To be individually calculated hydraulically inaccordance with Clause 11.4.2.3

NOTES:

1 No arrangement is allowed with more than four sprinklers per range pipe. No range pipe may beconnected to a distribution pipe exceeding 150 mm in diameter.

2 This requirement does not preclude the use of 100 mm pipe between the design point and theinstallation control assemblies if hydraulic calculation shows that this is possible.

3 The maximum length of 25 mm pipe allowed in any route from a sprinkler to the installationcontrol assembly is 15 m including allowance for elbows.

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TABLE 11.4.2.2(B)

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPRINKLERS ON PRE-CALCULATED PIPING FORDESIGN DENSITIES OF DISCHARGE NOT EXCEEDING 15 mm/min

Systems with water supplies complying with the pressure and flow requirementsfor Item 2 in Table 11.2.1 and using 15 mm (nominal) size sprinklers.

(a) Range pipes

Ranges

Nominal internal

pipe sizemm

Maximum number of

sprinklers permittedon range pipes

(see Note 1)


(i) Two end-side layouts—Last two ranges 2532

13

(ii) Three end-side layouts—Last three ranges 2532

23

(iii) All other layouts—Last range 253240

234


34


Distribution pipesNominal internal

pipe size

mm


distribution pipe

Pipes at extremities of system 50 (Note 2)6580

100150

48

121648 (Note 3)

Pipes between the abovementioned extremities andthe installation valves


NOTES:

1 No arrangement is allowed with more than four sprinklers per range pipe. No range pipe may beconnected to a distribution pipe exceeding 150 mm in diameter.

2 No distribution pipe less than 65 mm diameter is permitted for four end-side systems.

3 This requirement does not preclude the use of 150 mm pipe between the design point and theinstallation control assemblies if hydraulic calculation shows that this is possible.

4 The maximum length of 25 mm pipe allowed in any route from a sprinkler to the installationcontrol assembly is 15 m including allowance for elbows.

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TABLE 11.4.2.2(C)

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPRINKLERS ON PRE-CALCULATED PIPING FORDESIGN DENSITIES OF DISCHARGE UP TO 30 mm/min

Systems having water supplies complying with the pressure and flow requirementsfor Item 3 in Table 11.2.1 and using 15 mm (nominal) size sprinklers

OR

Systems having water supplies complying with the pressure and flow requirementsfor Item 4 in Table 11.2.1 and using 20 mm (nominal) size sprinklers

(a) Range pipes

Ranges


mm

Maximum number ofsprinklers permitted on

range pipes(see Note 1)

End-side arrangements:

(i) Last three ranges at remote end of alldistribution pipes

405065

136

(ii) Other ranges 32405065

1246

End-centre arrangements:

(i) Two end-centre systems—

(a) Last three ranges at remote end of alldistribution pipes

3240

12

(b) Other ranges 32 2

(ii) Three and four end-centre systems—All ranges 324050

124


Distribution pipes


mm


distribution pipe

Pipes at extremities of system 50 (Note 2)6580

100150

48

121648 (Note 3)

Pipes between the above mentioned extremities andthe installation valves


NOTES:

1 No end-side arrangement is allowed with more than six sprinklers per range pipe and no end-centrearrangement with more than four sprinklers per range pipe. No range pipe may be connected to adistribution pipe exceeding 150 mm in diameter.

2 No distribution pipe less than 65 mm in diameter is permitted for four end-side systems.

3 This requirement does not preclude the use of 150 mm pipe between the design point and theinstallation control assembly if hydraulic calculation shows that this is possible.

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TABLE 11.4.2.3

PRESSURE LOSSES FOR MEDIUM TUBES TO AS 1074

Loss of pressure per metre length of pipe, kPa(see Note 2)Flow rate

Nominal internal pipe size, mm

L/min 100 150 200 250

1001 5002 000

0.440.921.6

0.0650.140.24

0.0150.0320.055

0.0050.0110.018

2 3003 0503 800

2.03.45.2

0.30.510.77

0.0710.120.18

0.0230.0390.059

4 5504 8506 400

7.28.1

13.5

1.11.22.0

0.250.280.47

0.0820.0920.15

7 2008 0008 800

16.820.524.4

2.53.13.6

0.580.710.85

0.190.230.28

9 650 29.0 4.3 1.0 0.33

NOTES:

1 For heavy tubes, the losses are calculated for the appropriate flow ratefrom the data in Section 12. The loss of pressure at each elbow, bendor tee where the water is turned through an angle, is to be taken asequal to that incurred through 3 m of straight pipe.

2 Calculations for the ringed portions of distribution pipes should bebased on these pressure losses on the total length of each pipe sizemultiplied by a factor of 0.14.

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S E C T I O N 1 2 F U L L H Y D R A U L I CC A L C U L A T I O N O F S P R I N K L E R S Y S T E M S

12.1 GENERAL

This Section details requirements for the design of sprinkler systems based on the hydrauliccalculations of all piping. This method of system design, whereby pipe sizes are selected onthe basis of water supply characteristics and pressure losses to achieve minimum densitiesof discharge, is an alternative method to that described in Clauses 10.4.2 and 11.4.2 forpre-calculated systems.

In the case of Light Hazard class systems and concealed space protection, the system designmethods required by this Section shall be varied only as permitted by the requirements ofSection 9.

12.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR DENSITY OF DISCHARGE

The calculated density of discharge throughout any assumed area of operation, or the entireprotected area, whichever is the smaller, with all sprinklers in the area simultaneouslydischarging, shall not be less than the design density of discharge specified in Clause 10.1or 11.1, as appropriate.

Where in-rack sprinklers are installed within the area of operation, the calculations shallincorporate the simultaneous flow and pressure requirements for roof or ceiling sprinklers,intermediate level sprinklers and sprinklers protecting building columns (seeClauses 11.1.3.4, 11.1.3.5 and 11.4.2.6). The system shall be hydraulically balanced atevery junction where flows divide or join, in accordance with Clause 12.11.

For the purpose of this Clause, when calculating the roof or ceiling level sprinklers, it shallbe sufficient to prove that the total flow from every group of four sprinklers within eacharea of operation, divided by the area in square metres covered by the four sprinklers, is notless than the required density of discharge, or, where fewer than four sprinklers are in opencommunication, the flow rate from each sprinkler divided by the area covered by thesprinkler, shall be at least equal to the required density of discharge.

The area covered by each sprinkler shall be defined by the centre-lines drawn midwaybetween adjacent sprinklers at right angles to the line joining the sprinklers and by theboundary of the area covered (see Figure 12.2). All dimensions shall be applied in thehorizontal plane.

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FIGURE 12.2 DETERMINATION OF AREA COVERED PER SPRINKLER

12.3 ASSUMED AREA OF OPERATION

The assumed area of operation shall comply with Clauses 9.2, 10.1 or 11.1.

12.4 SPRINKLERS IN OPERATION

The number of sprinklers assumed to be in simultaneous operation shall be all sprinklersthat fall within the assumed area of operation, including any sprinklers located underobstructions within that area, but excluding sprinklers in concealed spaces. The location ofthe boundary of the assumed area of operation, as well as its shape and position, shall beestablished as set out in Clauses 12.5 and 12.6.

12.5 POSITION OF ASSUMED AREA OF OPERATION

12.5.1 Hydraulically most unfavourable area of operation

For the purpose of determining the hydraulically most unfavourable position, the assumedarea of operation shall be located in turn as follows:

(a) Terminal main system with terminal range pipes At the hydraulically mostunfavourable position on each distribution pipe (see Figures 12.5.1(A) and (B)).

(b) Looped main systems with terminal range pipes At the hydraulically mostunfavourable position on the most remote loop (see Figure 12.5.1(C)).

(c) Gridded systems Gridded systems, which come in two types, are as follows:

(i) With terminal range pipes At the most unfavourable position as appropriate inone of the following:

(A) Between the distribution pipes.

(B) Partly between the distribution pipes and partly within the area of theterminal ranges.

(C) Wholly within the area of the terminal ranges.

(ii) Without terminal range pipes At the hydraulically most unfavourable positionbetween the distribution pipes (see Figure 12.5.1(E)).

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When flowing, the hydraulically most unfavourable area of operation creates the highestpressure requirement in a system. This condition shall be used to ensure that the minimumsprinkler discharge pressure and required discharge density, as defined in Clause 12.2, aremet.

NOTES:

1 Where the most unfavourable position is not readily apparent, calculation of more than oneassumed area may be required. The most remote area in terms of distance is not necessarilythe hydraulically most unfavourable area. Proof that the most unfavourable area has beenestablished may be required.

2 Where it is obvious that other arrays similar to that under consideration are hydraulicallynearer to the water supply, such other arrays may be ignored.

12.5.2 Hydraulically most favourable area of operation

For the purpose of determining the hydraulically most favourable area of operation, theassumed area of operation shall be located as follows:

(a) Terminal main system with terminal range pipes At the hydraulically mostfavourable position on each distribution pipe (see Figure 12.5.1(A)).

(b) Looped main system with terminal range pipes At the hydraulically most favourableposition on the looped main (see Figure 12.5.1(C)).

(c) Gridded systems Gridded systems, which come in two types, are as follows:

(i) System without terminal range pipes Adjacent to the hydraulically mostfavourable distribution pipe (see Figure 12.5.1(E)).

(ii) System with terminal range pipes Where the terminal ranges are fed from themost hydraulically favourable distribution pipe, the range pipes shall be eitherwholly or partially included in the assumed area of operation.

The hydraulically most favourable area of operation, when extrapolated onto the watersupply pressure and flow characteristic curve, creates the maximum flow condition in asystem. This flow shall be used to determine the water supply requirements.

NOTE: Where the most favourable position is not readily apparent, calculation of more than oneassumed area may be required.

12.6 SHAPE OF ASSUMED AREA OF OPERATION

12.6.1 Hydraulically most unfavourable area of operation

The shape of the hydraulically most unfavourable assumed area of operation shall be asnear as possible, rectangular, with a dimension parallel to the ranges at least 1.2 times thesquare root of the required area of operation. Where range pipes run parallel with the ridgeof a roof having a slope greater than 6°, or along bays formed by full height walls, smokecurtains or beams more than 1 m deep, or a combination thereof, with the bays so formed,regardless of intermediate beams, being not more than 9 m wide, the dimension parallel tothe ranges shall be at least twice the square root of the required area of operation.

The assumed area of operation shall, where necessary, include sprinklers on both sides of adistribution pipe.

Where the area of the building under consideration is separated from the remainder of thebuilding in accordance with Clause 3.1.1.3 and is less than the required assumed area ofoperation specified in Clause 12.3, the assumed area of operation shall be the entiresprinkler-protected area.

Where the ranges have an insufficient number of sprinklers to fulfil the 1.2 times or twicethe square root of the area requirement, the design area shall be extended to includesprinklers on adjacent ranges supplied by the same distribution pipe, except that where theA

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assumed area of operation is the entire sprinkler-protected area as described above, allsprinklers in the area shall be assumed to be in simultaneous operation, regardless of thenumber of distribution pipes supplying them.

In determining the number of sprinklers within the assumed area of operation, fractions ofsprinklers shall be counted as one sprinkler.

All dimensions shall be applied in the horizontal plane. In all cases, sprinklers making upthe area of operation that falls outside the rectangular area shall be placed so as tomaximize the hydraulic flow demand of the system, and each total area of operation shall bepositioned so as to maximize the hydraulic pressure demand of the system.

Variations in sprinkler spacing, layout, elevation, range centres, sprinkler orifice sizes andpipe sizes, as well as all possible locations, shall be considered when determining thehydraulically most unfavourable location of the assumed area of operation.

12.6.2 Hydraulically most favourable area of operation

12.6.2.1 Terminal main system with terminal range pipes or looped main systems withterminal range pipes

In a system with terminal mains or looped mains, the shape of the assumed most favourablearea of operation shall be, as near as possible, square. As far as is practicable, the sprinklersunder consideration shall be served by one distribution pipe only.

The sprinklers assumed to be operating shall be located on each range pipe or pair of rangepipes for end-centre arrays, at the hydraulically most favourable position.

Any remaining sprinklers not constituting a full range pipe or pair of range pipes shall begrouped adjacent to the distribution pipe on the next range pipe row of the area so as tomaximise the hydraulic flow demand of the system. All dimensions shall be applied in thehorizontal plane (see Figures 12.5.1(A) and (C)).

12.6.2.2 Gridded system

In a gridded system, the shape of the most favourable area of operation shall be, as near aspossible, square.

The sprinklers calculated to be operating shall be located on each range pipe at thehydraulically most favourable position.

Any remaining sprinklers shall be grouped on the next range pipe row of the area so as tomaximise the hydraulic flow demand of the system. All dimensions shall be applied in thehorizontal plane (see Figure 12.5.1(E) and (F).)

12.7 WATER SUPPLIES

Water supplies shall comply with the requirements of Section 4. For specific sources ofsupply, the requirements of Clauses 12.8 to 12.9 shall take precedence where systems arefully hydraulically calculated except as varied by Clause 9.2 for Light Hazard classsystems.

12.8 PUMPSETS

12.8.1 General

Pumpsets shall be capable of satisfying the flow and pressure requirements of any assumedarea of operation.

12.8.2 Maximum flow rates

12.8.2.1 Calculation requirements

System maximum flow rates are required for the calculation of pump suction velocities (seeClause 4.10.2.1) and to establish minimum pump suction tank capacities (see Clause 4.8)and shall be determined in accordance with Clauses 12.8.2.2 to 12.8.2.6, as applicable.

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12.8.2.2 Pumps drawing from pump suction tanks

The maximum flow rate (Qmax.) shall be assumed to occur at the point of intersection of thepressure-flow characteristics for the hydraulically most favourable area of operation and thepump performance pressure flow characteristics, when the pump suction tank water level isat the normal water line (see Figure 4.9.2).

12.8.2.3 Pumps drawing from towns main

The maximum flow rate of the pump shall be assumed to occur at the point of intersectionof the pressure-flow characteristics for the hydraulically most favourable area of operationand the water supply pressure-flow characteristic (combined output of pump and townmain, with the town main at maximum pressure).

12.8.2.4 Light Hazard systems

The maximum flow rate shall be taken as 1.3 times the required flow rate calculated inaccordance with Clause 9.2.

12.8.2.5 Partly pre-calculated High Hazard systems

For systems designed in accordance with Tables 11.4.2.2(A) to (C), the maximum flow rateof the pump shall be 150% of the flow rate given in Column 2 of Table 11.2.1 for theappropriate design density discharge.

12.8.2.6 Partly pre-calculated Ordinary Hazard systems

For systems designed in accordance with Table 10.4.2.2, the maximum flow rate of thepump shall be taken as the flow rate that is necessary for the combined output of pump andtown main to satisfy the following equation:

h)(PK=Q − . . . 12.8

where


P = pressure at pump discharge, in kilopascals, with the town main at maximumpressure

h = pressure equivalent of the height above the pump of the hydraulically mostfavourable area of operation, in kilopascals

K = constant applicable to the appropriate hazard class as follows: OH 1: 83, OH 2:145, OH 3: 190, OH Special: 195

NOTE: Figure 4.10.2 illustrates typical acceptable and unacceptable curves for pumps drawingfrom town mains. The curve marked ‘Pump characteristic at valves’ is the performance curvesupplied by the pump manufacturer. The performance of a pump cannot be certified beyond thesecurves. Attention is drawn to the fact that the curves relate pressure and flow only. Powerrequirements have not been considered.

12.9 CALCULATION OF PRESSURE LOSS IN PIPES

Pressure losses due to water flow through pipes shall be calculated using the Hazen-Williams equation, as follows:

dC

QP

4.871.85

71.85 106.05

×××

= . . . 12.9

where

P = loss of pressure per metre of pipe, in kilopascals

Q = flow rate of water through pipe, in litres per minute

C = roughness coefficient for the type of pipe (see Table 12.9.1)

d = mean internal diameter of pipe, in millimetres (see Tables 12.9.2 and 12.9.3)

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Pressure losses in steel, galvanized steel, cast iron, ductile iron and copper pipes may becalculated using a simplified equation as follows:

85.1KQP =

where

P = loss of pressure per metre of pipe, in kilopascals

K = a constant of value given in Tables 12.9.2 and 12.9.3

Q = flow rate of water through pipe, in litres per minute

TABLE 12.9.1

DESIGN ROUGHNESS COEFFICIENTS (C)

Types of pipe Suggested values

Cast iron (unlined) 100

Steel (galvanized) 120

Steel (black: welded or seamless) 120

Asbestos cement 140

Concrete (bitumen lined) 140

Steel (bitumen lined) 140

Iron or steel (cement lined) 140

Copper 150

Polyethylene 150

PVC (UPVC) unplasticized 150

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TABLE 12.9.2

MEAN INTERNAL DIAMETERS AND VALUES OFK FOR STEEL TUBE TO AS 1074

Medium Heavy

Nominal dia.(DN)

Mean(internal)diameter

Mean(internal)diameter

mm mm

K

mm

K

202532

21.627.336.0

2.73 × 10−3

8.73 × 10−4

2.27 × 10−4

20.425.734.4

3.61 × 10−3

1.17 × 10−3

2.83 × 10−4

405065

41.953.068.7

1.08 × 10−4

3.45 × 10−5

9.76 × 10−6

40.351.367.0

1.31 × 10−4

4.05 × 10−5

1.10 × 10−5

8090*

100

80.793.2

105.1

4.45 × 10−6

2.21 × 10−6

1.23 × 10−6

79.191.6

103.3

4.91 × 10−6

2.41 × 10−6

1.34 × 10−6

125150

129.9155.4

4.38 × 10−7

1.83 × 10−7128.8154.3

4.58 × 10−7

1.90 × 10−7

*While no longer manufactured, 90 mm tube is included to facilitatecalculations for existing systems involving this size.

NOTE: The values for K are based on a roughness coefficient (C) of 120.

TABLE 12.9.3

MEAN INTERNAL DIAMETERS AND VALUES OFK FOR COPPER PIPES TO AS 1432

Type A Type BNominal

dia.DN

Meaninternaldiameter

Meaninternaldiameter

mm mm

K

mm

K

202532

16.222.128.4

7.34 × 10−3

1.62 × 10−3

4.77 × 10−4

17.022.929.3

5.81 × 10−3

1.36 × 10−3

4.10 × 10−4

405065

34.847.560.2

1.77 × 10−4

3.89 × 10−5

1.23 × 10−5

35.648.361.0

1.59 × 10−4

3.59 × 10−5

1.15 × 10−5

8090

100

72.084.797.4

5.14 × 10−6

2.33 × 10−6

1.18 × 10−6

72.885.598.2

4.87 × 10−6

2.22 × 10−6

1.13 × 10−6

125150

122.8147.0

3.83 × 10−7

1.59 × 10−7123.6148.2

3.70 × 10−7

1.53 × 10−7

NOTES:

1 These values for K are based on a roughness coefficient (C) of150.

2 Diameters for pipes in other materials should be obtained fromthe manufacturers.

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12.10 PRESSURE LOSSES

12.10.1 Fittings and valves

Loss of pressure due to water flow through pipe fittings, where the direction of water flowis changed through an angle of 45° or more (other than the change of direction into asprinkler from an elbow or tee into which the sprinkler is fitted), or through valves, shall becalculated by adding the appropriate equivalent pipe lengths given in Table 12.10.1, to theactual lengths in the network under consideration.

TABLE 12.10.1

EQUIVALENT PIPE LENGTHS FOR FITTINGS AND VALVES(APPLICABLE TO HAZEN-WILLIAMS C VALUE OF 120 ONLY)

Equivalent length, m

Nominal diameter (mm)Fittings and valves

20 25 32 40 50 65 80 90 100 125 150 200 250 300

90° standard elbow 0.6 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 3.0 3.7 4.3 5.5 6.7 8.2

90° long radius elbow 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.5 1.8 2.4 2.7 4.0 4.9 5.5

45° elbow 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.5 2.1 2.7 3.4 4.0

Tee or cross (flow turned 90°)

0.9 1.5 1.8 2.4 3.0 3.7 4.6 5.2 6.1 7.6 9.1 10.7 15.2 18.3

Gate valve 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8

Check valve or alarm valve (swing)

— 1.5 2.1 2.7 3.4 4.3 4.9 5.8 6.7 8.2 9.8 13.7 16.8 19.8

Check valve or alarm valve (mushroom)

— — — — — — — — 18.0 — 30.0 45.0 60.0 —

Check valve or alarm valve (butterfly)

— — — — 1.8 2.1 3.0 — 3.7 2.7 3.0 3.7 5.8 6.4

For other values of C, the equivalent lengths shall be multiplied by factors as follows:

C Value 100 110 120 130 140 150

Factor 0.71 0.85 1.00 1.16 1.33 1.51

12.10.2 Dry pendent (or upright) sprinklers

For a dry pattern sprinkler assembly, the K factor shall be considered to apply at the entryto the sprinkler assembly. Allowance shall be made for the static head gain or loss due tothe length and orientation of the dry pipe. No allowance shall be made for friction lossesdue to flow through the sprinkler assembly dry pipe.

12.11 ACCURACY OF CALCULATIONS

At every hydraulic junction where flows divide or join—

(a) the total flow into the junction shall equal the total flow out of the junction to anaccuracy of ±2 L/min; and

(b) the pressure shall balance to within 0.5 kPa.

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12.12 MINIMUM SPRINKLER DISCHARGE PRESSURE

The pressure at any sprinkler, with all sprinklers discharging simultaneously within anassumed area of operation, shall not be less than the following:

(a) Light Hazard system ......................................................................................70 kPa.

(b) Ordinary Hazard system ................................................................................35 kPa.

(c) High Hazard system ......................................................................................50 kPa.

12.13 MINIMUM PIPE SIZES

No distribution or range pipe shall be less than DN 25 except that DN 20 is permitted forconnection to single sprinklers in Light Hazard class systems only.

12.14 VELOCITY LIMITATION

The water velocity shall not exceed 6 m/s at any valve nor exceed 10 m/s at any point in thesystem, for any stabilized flow condition except that these restrictions shall not apply whencalculating the hydraulically most favourable areas of operation.

12.15 VELOCITY PRESSURE

Velocity pressures may be included in hydraulic calculations at the discretion of thedesigner. Where included, velocity pressures shall be calculated for both range pipes anddistribution mains.

NOTE: The inclusion of velocity pressures in hydraulic calculations improves the predictabilityof the actual sprinkler system performance.

12.16 IDENTIFICATION OF FULLY HYDRAULICALLY CALCULATED SYSTEMS

A durable notice shall be affixed to the riser pipe, immediately adjacent to the controlassembly, of any installation that has been hydraulically calculated. The notice shall besimilar to that shown in Figure 12.6 and shall include the following information:

(a) Installation number.

(b) Installation hazard classification(s).

(c) For each hazard class within the installation—

(i) the system design requirement at the installation gauge for the mostunfavourable and favourable assumed areas of operation;

(ii) the system design requirement at the pump delivery pressure gauge for the mostunfavourable and favourable assumed areas of operation;

(iii) height of highest sprinklers above the installation gauge in the mostunfavourable and favourable assumed area of operation; and

(iv) height difference between installation gauge and pump delivery pressure gauge.

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FIGURE 12.5.1(A) TYPICAL HYDRAULICALLY MOST FAVOURABLE AND MOSTUNFAVOURABLE AREAS OF OPERATION IN A TERMINAL MAIN SYSTEM WITH

TERMINAL RANGE PIPES

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FIGURE 12.5.1(B) HYDRAULIC DESIGN OF MOST UNFAVOURABLE AREA OFOPERATION (see Figure 12.5.1(A)) ASSUMING 20 mm/min MINIMUM DISCHARGE

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FIGURE 12.5.1(C) TYPICAL HYDRAULICALLY MOST FAVOURABLE AND MOSTUNFAVOURABLE AREAS OF OPERATION IN A LOOPED MAIN SYSTEM WITH

TERMINAL RANGE PIPES

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FIGURE 12.5.1(D) HYDRAULIC DESIGN OF MOST UNFAVOURABLE AREA OFOPERATION (see Figure 12.5.1(C)) ASSUMING 20 mm/min MINIMUM

DISCHARGE DENSITY OVER 260 m2

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FIGURE 12.5.1(E) TYPICAL HYDRAULICALLY MOST FAVOURABLE AND MOSTUNFAVOURABLE AREAS OF OPERATION IN A GRIDDED SYSTEM

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FIGURE 12.5.1(F) HYDRAULIC DESIGN OF MOST UNFAVOURABLE AREA OFOPERATION (see Figure 12.5.1(E)) ASSUMING A 20 mm/min MINIMUM

DISCHARGE DENSITY OVER 260 m2

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Installation No. System hydraulic data

Design specification System demand

Unfavourable area Favourable areaHazardclass

Area ofoperation

m2

Density ofdischargemm/min

Heightof

highesthead*,

mFlowL/min

Pressure(kPa)

installationgauge

Pumpgauge

FlowL/min

Pressure(kPa)

installationgauge

Pumpgauge

* Height of highest head measured from installation gauge.

The head difference between the installation gauge and the pump delivery gauge is . . . . . m.

INSTALLATION ENGINEERS

Name Address Reference number and date installed

FIGURE 12.6 ILLUSTRATION OF INSTALLATION NOTICEA1

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APPENDIX A

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS

(Informative)

A1 INTRODUCTION

This Appendix sets out the listing of occupancy classifications (see Clause 2.2). The listingscannot be considered to be exhaustive. Where sprinkler protection is being designed for anoccupancy that is not listed, the occupancy should be related to that which could beconsidered to behave in a similar manner under fire conditions.

A2 LIGHT HAZARD OCCUPANCIES

The following are classified as Light Hazard occupancies

(a) Art galleries.

(b) Baths (Turkish and Sauna).

(c) Boarding houses.

(d) Churches and chapels.

(e) Hospitals, orphanages, homes and asylums.

(f) Libraries (excluding stack rooms).

(g) Lodging houses.

(h) Medical and dental consulting rooms.

(i) Museums (low combustible loading).

(j) Offices.

(k) Prisons.

(l) Residential portions of buildings, such as clubs, hotels, motels and apartmentbuildings.

(m) Schools, colleges, universities.

(n) Sewerage works.

(o) Waterworks and pumping stations.NOTE: For residential buildings containing not more than four storeys see AS 2118.4.

A3 ORDINARY HAZARD OCCUPANCIES

A3.1 Ordinary Hazard 1 occupancies (OH 1)

The following are classified as Ordinary Hazard occupancies.NOTE: OH 1 occupancies exclude woodworking, painting and any other high fire load areas thatare to be treated as Ordinary Hazard 3 (OH 3). In areas where there is storage of stock within theoccupancies described in Paragraph A3.1 in excess of the storage heights set out in Table A3.2.1,High Hazard protection will be required.

(a) Abrasive wheel and powder manufacturing.

(b) Aerated water manufacturing (not on brewery premises).

(c) Artificial stone manufacturing.

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(d) Assayers (gold and silver).

(e) Boiler composition manufacturing.

(f) Cement works.

(g) Chrome plating.

(h) Clubs/hotels/motels (excluding public entertainment areas such as discos and gamingareas).

(i) Creamery and wholesale dairies.

(j) Fibrous cement millboard manufacturing.

(k) Galvanizing works.

(l) Gold and silver smelting.

(m) Ice factories.

(n) Jewellery manufacturing and engraving.

(o) Mirror manufacturing.

(p) Plant rooms (building services only).NOTE: Occupancy classification of plant rooms, other than for building services, should beindividually assessed.

(q) Plating works.

(r) Pre-cast concrete and brick manufacturing.

(s) Restaurants and cafes.

(t) Salt manufacturing.

(u) Sports pavilions and stands.

(v) Stained glass manufacturing.

(w) Stone working premises.


The following are classified as Ordinary Hazard 2 occupancies:NOTE: OH 2 occupancies exclude woodworking, painting and any other high fire load areas thatare to be treated as OH 3 occupancies. In areas where there is storage of stock within theoccupancies described in Paragraph A3.2 in excess of the storage heights set out in Table A3.2.1,High Hazard protection will be required.

(a) Abattoirs/meat processing.

(b) Aircraft engine works (excluding engine testing).

(c) Battery manufacturing (excluding stationary types with plastic housings).

(d) Breweries including wineries (bottling section but excluding beverage processing).

(e) Electric lamp and neon light manufacturing.

(f) Emery paper/cloth manufacturing.

(g) Enamelling works.

(h) Engineering works.

(i) Glasspaper and sandpaper manufacturing.

(j) Instrument and tool manufacturing (metal).

(k) Laundries (excluding hanging garments).

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(l) Motor garages, including public and private car parks.

(m) Motor vehicle manufacturing and assembly plants (excluding plastic componenthandling).

(n) Paint manufacturing (water-based only).

(o) Plaster manufacturing.

(p) Potteries.

(q) Shipbreaking.

(r) Tea manufacturing.

(s) Tobacco manufacturing.


The following are classified as Ordinary Hazard 3 occupancies:

(a) Aircraft factories (excluding hangars).

(b) Athletic goods manufacturing (excluding plastic component handling/manufacturing).

(c) Bleach, dye and print works.

(d) Boathouses.

(e) Brake and clutch lining manufacturing.

(f) Briquette and patent fuel manufacturing.

(g) Broadcasting studios and transmitters.

(h) Brush manufacturing.

(i) Candle manufacturing.

(j) Carpet manufacturing.

(k) Cinematography film dealing and exchanging.

(l) Clothing/textile manufacturing.

(m) Cork cutting and dealing.

(n) Cotton mills (excluding preparatory processes).

(o) Data processing.

(p) Departmental/retail stores.

(q) Electrical signal cable manufacturing.

(r) Electrical/electronic manufacturing and assembly (predominantly metal materials).

(s) Fibre goods manufacturing.

(t) Flax, jute and hemp mills (excluding preparatory processes).

(u) Food/beverage processing.

(v) Footwear manufacturing.

(w) French polishing.

(x) Furrier’s premises.

(y) Furniture manufacturing and repairing premises (excluding foam rubber and plastics).

(z) Glass manufacturing.

(aa) Glue works.

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(ab) Granaries, grain and seed mills.

(ac) Laundries and dry cleaner’s premises.

(ad) Leather goods manufacturing.

(ae) Maltings and cooperages.

(af) Market halls.

(ag) Museums (with high combustible loading).

(ah) Nitrate storage.

(ai) Paper goods manufacturing.

(aj) Paper mills.

(ak) Printing and allied trades (excluding flammable liquids).

(al) Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing (not producing or using flammablesolids, liquids, dust and the like).

(am) Photographic materials works.

(an) Rope and twine manufacturing.

(ao) Rubber and rubber goods manufacturing (excluding foam rubber).

(ap) Sawmills and timber yards.

(aq) Shale oil refineries.

(ar) Ship/boat building (excluding plastic).

(as) Showrooms.

(at) Stables.

(au) Starch works.

(av) Sugar manufacturing.

(aw) Tanneries.

(ax) Telephone exchanges.

(ay) Theatres, cinemas and public entertainment areas.

(az) Tram and railway depots.

(ba) Tyre manufacturing.

(bb) Video stores—retail/rental.

(bc) Wallpaper manufacturing.

(bd) Warehouses and storage buildings (storage heights not exceeding the figures stated inthe Note to Table A3.2).

(be) Waste paper dealers.

(bf) Woodworking.

(bg) Woollen and worsted mills.NOTE: High Hazard protection is required in areas where there is storage of stock within theoccupancies described in Paragraph A3.3 in excess of the storage heights set out in Table A3.2.1.

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A3.4 Ordinary Hazard Special (OH Special) occupancies

The following are classified as Ordinary Hazard Special occupancies:NOTES:

1 This group in an extension of OH 3 occupancies where flash fires are likely, coveringsomewhat larger areas of operation, such as might be anticipated in connection withpreparatory processes in textile mills and certain other risks.

2 High Hazard protection is required in areas where there is storage of stock within theoccupancies described in Paragraph A3.4 in excess of the storage heights set out inTable A3.2.1.

(a) Copra kilns.

(b) Cork processing.

(c) Cotton mills (preparatory processes).

(d) Fibreglass products manufacturing.

(e) Film and television studios.

(f) Flax and hemp scutch mills.

(g) Flax, jute and hemp mills (preparatory processes).

(h) Match manufacturing.

(i) Oil mills (crushing and solvent extraction).

(j) Pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing (producing or using flammable solids,liquids, dust or the like).

(k) Printing and allied trades (using flammable inks and solvents).

A4 HIGH HAZARD OCCUPANCIES

A4.1 High Hazard—Process Risks

The following are classified as High Hazard Process Risks:

(a) Aircraft engine testing.

(b) Aircraft hangars.

(c) Distilleries (still houses).

(d) Electrical/electronic manufacturing and assembly premises (predominantly plasticcomponents).

(e) Exhibition halls with unusually high ceiling and high concentration of combustibles.

(f) Firelighter manufacturing.

(g) Fireworks manufacturing.

(h) Flammable liquid spraying.

(i) Foam plastics goods manufacturing and processing.

(j) Foam rubber goods manufacturing and processing.

(k) Nitrocellulose manufacturing and nitrocellulose goods manufacturing.

(l) Paint and varnish works, solvent-based.

(m) Plastic goods manufacturing and processing (where plastic is one of the basicmaterials in the operation).

(n) Resin and turpentine manufacturing.

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(o) Theatrical scenery stores.

(p) Tar distilleries.

(q) Vehicle repair shops.

A4.2 High Hazard—High-piled Storage Risks

A4.2.1 General

The protection of high-piled storage risks depends on the method of storage, the hazardousnature of the stock, and the height of the storage. Provision is made for protection wheresprinklers are only provided at the roof or ceiling and also where additional sprinklers areprovided at intermediate levels in storage racks. The term ‘storage’ includes thewarehousing or the temporary depositing of goods or materials.

Risks have been subdivided according to the severity of hazards of the stock and theclassification as set out in Paragraphs A4.2.2 to A4.2.5.

Storage heights not exceeding those set out in Table A3.2.1 for the various categories aresuitable for Ordinary Hazard systems and are not classified as high-piled storage.

TABLE A3.2.1

OVERALL STORAGE HEIGHTS FOR CATEGORIESOF ORDINARY HAZARD SYSTEMS

Overall storage height, m

Freestanding, bin or block storageSingle or double row post or box

pallets and rack storage

Category ofstorage

(seeParagraphs

A4.2.1 toA4.3)

Non-encapsulated

EncapsulatedNon-

encapsulatedEncapsulated

1 4.0 3.0 3.5 2.7

2 3.0 2.2 2.6 2.0

3 2.1 1.6 1.7 1.3

4 1.2 0.9 1.2 0.9

NOTE: To provide for any future requirements in designated storage areas, the height ofstorage should be taken as not less than 1 m below any ceiling or roof.

A4.2.2 High Hazard—High-piled Storage Risks— Category 1

Category 1 comprises ordinary combustible materials and non-combustible materials incombustible wrappings, excluding those items specified under Categories 2, 3 and 4 storedin bulk, in pallets or on racking, to heights as specified in Tables 11.1.3.2(A)and 11.1.3.2(B).

The following are classified as High Hazard — High-piled Storage Risks — Category 1:

(a) Baled wool

(b) Cartons containing alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic content up to and including20% (e.g. beer and wine).

(c) Clothing (excluding multilevel hanging garments).

(d) Electrical appliances (metal).

(e) Fibreboard (high density hardboard).

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(f) Glassware and crockery (in cartons).

(g) Groceries.NOTE: This item applies only to the storage of grocery items. Packaging and other items inthe storage area may require protection to a higher category.

(h) Library stack rooms.

(i) Metal goods in cartons.

(j) Paints (water-based).

(k) Textiles.

(l) All forms of paper storage other than those specified under Categories 2, 3 and 4.

A4.2.3 High Hazard—High-piled Storage Risks—Category 2

The following are classified High-Hazard — High-piled Storage Risks — Category 2:

(a) Aerosols with non-flammable contents or expellants.

(b) Baled cork.

(c) Baled waste paper.

(d) Cartons and carton flats.

(e) Cartons containing spirituous liquors with an alcoholic content in excess of 20%(e.g. whisky).

(f) Carpet (natural and blended).

(g) Chipboard.

(h) Fibreboard (low density softboard).

(i) Linoleum products.

(j) Palletized whisky stocks.

(k) Rolled asphalt paper (horizontal storage).

(l) Rolled pulp and paper (horizontal storage excluding light weight).

(m) Veneer sheets.

(n) Wood patterns.

(o) Wooden furniture.


The following are classified as High Hazard — High-piled Storage Risks — Category 3:

(a) Bitumen-coated or wax-coated paper.

(b) Carpet (synthetic).

(c) Celluloid.

(d) Electrical appliances (plastic).

(e) Esparto (loose).

(f) Flammable liquids (metal containers).

(g) Foamed rubber products (with or without cartons) other than those specified inCategory 4.

(h) Hanging garments (multilevel).

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(i) Paint (solvent-based, in metal containers).

(j) Plastics (non-foamed) with or without cartons.

(k) Plastics (foamed) in cartons.

(l) Rolled pulp and paper (vertical storage and lightweight paper horizontal storage).

(m) Rolled asphalt paper (vertical storage).

(n) Rubber goods (excluding tyre storage).

(o) Ventilated wood stacks.

(p) Waxed paper or asphalt-coated paper and containers in cartons.

(q) Woodwool.

(r) Wooden pallets and wood flats (idle).


The following are classified as High Hazard—High-piled Storage Risks—Category 4:

(a) Foamed plastics without cartons and non-woven synthetic fibre products with orwithout cartons.

(b) Off-cuts and random pieces of foamed plastic or foamed rubber.

(c) Plastic pallets (idle).

(d) Rolled lightweight paper (vertical storage).

(e) Rolled non-woven synthetic fabric.

(f) Rolled sheet-foamed plastics or foamed rubber.

(g) Tyre storage.

A4.3 Storage risks requiring special consideration

Storage risks requiring special consideration would include aerosols with flammablecontents storage, flammable and combustible liquids in plastic containers, vertically storedtissue paper, and the like.

NOTES:

1 Classification and form of protection may be subject to approval by the relevant authority.

2 Guidance as to the classification and form of protection for this type of risk may be obtainedfrom Factory Mutual Engineering Corp. Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets, NFPAStandards or other appropriate international guidelines.

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APPENDIX B

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

(Normative)

The following documents are referred to in this Standard:

AS1074 Steel tubes and tubulars for ordinary service

1349 Bourdon tube pressure and vacuum gauges

1432 Copper tubes for plumbing, gasfitting and drainage applications

1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders—Design, constructionand installation

1670 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems—System design,installation and commissioning

1670.1 Part 1: Fire1670.3 Part 3: Monitoring network performance1670.6 Part 6: Smoke alarms

1735 Lifts, escalators and moving walks (known as the SAA Lift Code)1735.1 General requirements1735.2 Part 2: Passenger and goods lifts—Electric1735.3 Part 3: Passenger and goods lifts—Electrohydraulic1735.4 Part 4: Service lifts—Power-operated1735.5 Part 5: Escalators1735.6(Int) Part 6: Moving walks1735.7 Part 7: Stairway lifts1735.8 Part 8: Inclined lifts1735.10(Int) Part 10: Tests1735.11 Part 11: Fire-rated landing doors

1851 Maintenance of fire protection equipment1851.3 Part 3: Automatic fire sprinkler systems

2118 Automatic fire sprinkler systems2118.2 Part 2: Wall wetting sprinklers (Drenchers)2118.3 Part 3: Deluge2118.6 Part 6: Combined sprinkler and hydrant2118.9 Part 9: Piping support and installation2118.10 Part 10: Approval documentation

2201 Intruder alarm systems2201.2 Part 2: Central stations

2419 Fire hydrant installations (All parts)

2484 Fire—Glossary of terms2484.1 Part 1: Fire tests2484.2 Part 2: Fire protection and firefighting equipment

2941 Fixed fire protection installations—Pumpset systems

3786 Smoke alarms

4118 Fire sprinkler systems4118.1.1 Part 1.1: Components—Sprinklers and sprayers4118.1.2 Part 1.2: Components—Alarm valves (wet)4118.1.3 Part 1.3: Components—Water motor alarms

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AS4118.1.4 Part 1.4: Components—Valve monitors4118.1.5 Part 1.5: Components—Deluge and pre-action valves4118.1.6 Part 1.6: Components—Stop valves and non-return valves4118.1.7 Part 1.7: Components—Alarm valves (dry)4118.1.8 Part 1.8: Components—Pressure reducing valves4118.2.1 Part 2.1: Piping—General

4428 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems—Control andindicating equipment

4428.1 Part 1: Fire4428.6 Part 6: Alarm signalling equipment

4254 Ductwork for air-handling systems in buildings

AS/NZS1668 The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings

1668.1 Part 1: Fire and smoke control in multi-compartment building

1905 Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant walls1905.1 Part 1: Fire-resistant doorsets1905.2 Part 2: Fire-resistant roller shutters

3000 Electrical installations—Buildings, structures and premises (known as theSAA Wiring Rules)

3013 Electrical installations—Classification of the fire and mechanicalperformance of wiring systems

3500 National Plumbing and Drainage Code3500.0 Part 0: Glossary of terms

BS1042 Methods for the measurement of fluid flow in pipes1042.1 Part 1: Orifice plates, nozzles and venturi tubes

Building Code of Australia

Factory Mutual Loss Prevention Data

NFPA 13 — 1999A1

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APPENDIX C

ORIFICE PLATES

(Normative)

C1 SCOPE

This Appendix sets out a formula to calculate the hydraulic balance of orifice plates.

Tables D1 and D2 have been produced to assist in calculating the appropriate diameter ofthe orifice to achieve the desired hydraulic balance required in Clauses 7.8 and 11.4.2.5.

The Tables indicate the correct orifice diameter in respect of pipe sizes from 50 mm to200 mm for discrete values of pressure loss (Po) in kilopascals for an assumed rate of flow(Qo) in Litres per minute. Table C1 for the smaller diameter pipes is based on a flow of500 L/min and Table C2 for the larger diameter pipes is based on a flow of 5000 L/min.

The K factor referred to in the last column of Tables C1 and C2 is the constant in thefollowing equation:

P

Q=K . . . C1

where

P = is the pressure loss in kilopascals due to the orifice with a rate of flow of waterQ L/min.

The pressure loss produced by the orifice plate is the net pressure across the orifice and notthe pressure difference measured at ‘flange’, ‘corner’ or ‘D and D/2’ tapping points.

C2 REQUIREMENTS

Orifice plates shall be of brass with plain central holes without burrs and of thicknessspecified in Table C3. They shall be located not less than two pipe diameters from anyelbow or bend, measured in the direction of flow. They shall have a projectingidentification tag which shall be readily visible, and on which shall be stamped the nominalpipe diameter and K factor of the orifice.

C3 NOTES ON THE USE OF TABLES C1 AND C2

To select an orifice plate which will produce a pressure loss of Px kPa with a rate of flow ofQx L/min, calculate the value of Po from the following formulae and refer to the appropriatetable for the correct orifice diameter (interpolate as necessary):

(a) Pipe sizes 50 and 65—

Q

500 P=

x

xo

2

P . . . C3(1)

(b) Pipe sizes 80, 100, 150 and 200?

Q

5000P=

x

xo

2

P . . . C3(2)

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TABLE C1

ORIFICE PLATES FOR PIPES OF SIZE 50 AND 65 FOR AFLOW RATE OF 500 L/min

Orifice diameter, mmPressure loss (P0)


kPa 50 65 K factor

250225200

25.926.527.1

———

31.633.335.4

175150125

27.928.829.6

———

37.840.844.7

1009080

30.931.132.2

——

34.5

50.052.755.9

706050

32.833.734.7

35.336.337.6

59.864.570.7

403020

5.937.539.7

39.341.244.2

79.191.3

111.8

105

42.7—

49.153.6

158.1223.6

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TABLE C2

ORIFICE PLATES FOR PIPES OF SIZE 80, 100, 150 AND 200FOR A FLOW RATE OF 5 000 L/min

Orifice diameter, mmPressure loss (P0)


kPa 80 100 150 200 K factor

3 5003 0002 500

41.943.044.8

———

———

———

84.591.3

100.0

2 0001 5001 000

46.448.952.3

——

55.6

———

———

111.18129.1158.1

900800700

53.254.155.3

57.659.060.4

———

———

166.7176.8189.0

600500400

56.658.259.3

62.063.966.5

———

———

204.1223.6250.0

300200100

62.065.0—

69.774.281.1

—82.395.8

———

288.7353.6500.0

908070

———

82.283.384.4

97.199.3101.7

105.7108.1111.1

527.0559.0597.6

605040

———

85.787.0—

104.0106.8110.1

113.9117.7122.2

645.5707.1790.6

302010

———

———

115.1120.6

—

129.1137.7152.6

912.91 118.01 581.0

5 — — — 165.8 2 236.0

TABLE C3

ORIFICE PLATE THICKNESS

Nominal internal pipesize

Orifice platethickness

mm mm

506580

333

100150200

666

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APPENDIX D

PIPING INTERPRETATIONS

(Informative)

The figures in this Appendix are included to clarify the terminology applied to piping.

FIGURE D1 ORDINARY AND HIGH HAZARD—ARMPIECES AND RISERS (OR DROPS)

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INDEX

Accelerators....................................................................8.7.5Acceptable sources of water supply..................................4.2Air-handling plants.......................................................5.6.18Air pressure tanks (see Pressure tanks)Air valve (see Dry valve)Alarm devices..................................................................8.10

fire alarm signal .......................................................8.10.4electrically operated................8.10.3.1 Note, 8.10.4 Notelocal...................................................................3.3, 8.10.3pressure switches.....................................................8.10.5transmission of signal to fire brigade...........................3.2water motor.................................................8.10.3, 8.10.4

Alarm signal transmissionCable ratings.....................................................3.2, 3.2(e)Grouping of installation...........................................3.2(a)Monitoring network..................................................3.2(f)

Alarm valves......................................................................8.7identification..............................................................8.7.4

Alternate wet and dry pipe systems.............................2.3.2.2maximum floor area................................................2.3.2.2

Anti-corrosion treatment of sprinklers..............................6.8Anti-freezing device with pendent sprinklers..............2.3.2.2Area to be protected........................................................3.1.1Assumed area of operation.......................................................12.3

sprinklers in operation................................................12.4favourable area location..........................................12.5.2favourable area shape...........................12.6.2.1, 12.6.2.2unfavourable area location......................................12.5.1unfavourable area shape..........................................12.6.1

Automatic pumps (see Pumps, automatic)

Back-pressure valves..........................................................8.6Baffle plates (water shields)...........................5.6.5, 11.1.3.4Baffles between sprinklers.................................................5.3Balconies........................................................3.1.3(I), 5.6.13Beams, joists, location of sprinklers..............................5.4.4Bins and silos ...................................................3.1.3(d), 5.6.8Block plan..........................................................................8.3Bonded stores (spirituous liquors).............................11.1.3.6Building services shafts ..................................................5.6.5

Calculation of static pressure loss.....................................4.5Canopies........................................................................5.6.10Ceilings...........................................................................5.4.3

suspended...................................................................5.7.4suspended open grid..................................................5.7.5

Ceiling (flush) sprinklers..........................1.6.23(c), 6.2.1(c)Ceilings and roofs, location of sprinklers......................5.4.3Check valves......................................................................8.6Chutes.........................................................................5.6.5(c)Classification

occupancies .............................................2.2, Appendix Asprinkler-protected area..........................................3.1.1.3sprinkler-protected buildings..................................3.1.1.2sprinkler systems..........................................................2.1

Clear space below sprinklers..........................................5.4.8Cold storage warehouse

air or gas supply..................................................5.10.2(c)general conditions.......................................................5.10piping.......................................................................5.10.2subsidiary stop valve..........................................5.10.2(a)

Columns, location of sprinklers......................................5.4.5Commercial type cooking equipment...........................5.6.17Composite wet and dry alarm valve...............................8.7.3Computer rooms............................................................5.6.19

raised floor spaces................................................5.6.19.2Concealed spaces

ceiling materials...............................5.6.1(g), 5.7.4, 5.7.5floor spaces................................................5.6.2, 5.6.19.2hydraulic design.........................................................5.6.3machinery pits............................................................5.6.4

roof spaces.................................................................5.6.1spacing and piping..........................................5.6.1, 5.6.3under ground floors....................................................5.6.2

Control of water supplies...................................................4.1Control assemblies.............................................................8.1Controls, multiple...........................................................6.2.4Corn, rice, provender and oil mills.................................5.6.7

dust trunks..................................................................5.6.7bins and silos.............................................................5.6.8

Corrosion protection of sprinklers.....................................6.8

Definitions..........................................................................1.6Deluge valves..................................................................8.9.1Density of discharge (see Design data)Design data.........................................................................2.4

density of discharge ....................................................12.2Light hazard..................................................................9.2Ordinary hazard..........................................................10.1High Hazard................................................................11.1bonded stores........................................................11.1.3.6high-piled storage....................................................11.1.3intermediate protection.........................................11.1.3.4process risks.............................................................11.1.2

Direct brigade alarms....................................................8.10.4Distribution, obstruction to................................................5.7Docks and platforms.....................................................5.6.12Drainage of piping......................................................7.5, 7.6Drying ovens and enclosures........................................5.6.14Dry sprinklers...............................1.6.23(g) and (h), 6.2.1(e)Dry alarm valves .............................................................8.7.2

accelerators/exhausters for........................................8.7.5Dry and alternate wet and dry systems, high piledstorage ........................................................................11.1.3.2Dry system, maximum area.........................................2.3.2.3Ducts and bulkheads............................................5.4.4, 5.7.3Duplicated water supplies...............................................4.3.4Dust receivers.................................................................5.6.6Dust trunks ......................................................................5.6.7

Eaves (see Roof overhang)...........................................5.6.11Electrical alarm pressure switches...............................8.10.5Electric switchgear, protection..................................3.1.3(c)Electronic equipment areas...........................................5.6.19

raised floor spaces................................................5.6.19.2Elevated reservoir...........................................................4.9.2Elevators.........................................................................5.6.6Escalators........................................................................5.6.9Escutcheon plates.............................................................6.10Exhausters .......................................................................8.7.5Explosion hazard, precautions against damage .................7.4Exposed structural steelwork.....................................11.4.1.1Exposure protection

extent.......................................................................3.1.2.1hydraulic calculation..............................................3.1.2.7performance............................................................3.1.2.7piping......................................................................3.1.2.5sprinklers.................................................................3.1.2.2sprinkler spacing and location................................3.1.2.4sprinkler shielding..................................................3.1.2.3water supply............................................................3.1.2.8

Exterior docks and platforms........................................5.6.12

False alarms, prevention...............................................8.10.2Fault monitoring (see Monitoring, component fault)Film and television production studios.............................5.8Fire brigade booster connection.....................................4.4.3Fire brigade, transmission of alarm signals...........3.2, 8.10.4Fixtures, storage...................................................5.7.7, 5.7.8Flammable liquid hazard..............................................5.6.16Floor area, maximum installation..................2.3.2.1, 2.3.2.2Floor, spaces...................................................................5.6.2

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Flow loss tables..........................Tables 10.4.2.3(A) and (B),....................................................11.4.2.3, 12.9.1.1, 12.9.1.2,........................................................................12.9.2, 12.10.1Flow rates

for fully calculated systems..................................4.10.2.1maximum for pumps................................................12.8.2high hazard....................................................................9.3light hazard...................................................................9.3ordinary hazard...........................................4.10.2.3, 10.2

Flush sprinklers.........................................1.6.23(c), 6.2.1(c)Frost, protection against..................................................6.11Fryers, deep fat.............................................................5.6.17Fully hydraulically calculated systems

light hazard........................................................9.2, 9.5.3ordinary hazard.....................................10.4.2.1, 10.4.2.4high hazard.............................11.4.2.1, 11.4.2.4, 11.4.2.6

Galleries, protection under.............................................5.7.2Gauges, pressure..............................................................8.12Gearing boxes.................................................................5.6.6Girders, location of sprinklers ........................................5.4.6Grading of water supplies...............................................4.3.1Grain silos and bins........................................................5.6.8Gravity tanks...................................................................4.9.3Gridded system.........................................12.5.1(c), 12.6.2.2Ground floors, concealed spaces under..........................5.6.2Guards for sprinklers................................................5.6.5 6.9

Hazardous processes, precautions against damage...........7.4Heating panels, protection under ....................................5.7.2High hazard occupancies

examples, classifications....................................2.2.4, A3High hazard class systems

design data..................................................................11.1high piled storage.....................................................11.1.3minimum capacity, water supply..................................4.7pipe sizes...............................................................11.4.2.1pressure and flow requirements...............................11.2.1process risks.............................................................11.1.2spacing and area of coverage......................................11.3supplementary protection, storage racks..............11.1.3.4

High piled storage risksexamples, storage categories........................2.2.4.2, A3.2intermediate sprinklers in racks............................11.1.3.4sprinklers (size, type and temperature)...................11.4.1sprinkler spacing.........................................................11.3storage ......................................................6.5(b), 11.4.1.3

High velocity sprayers...............................................6.2.3(b)Hoists..............................................................................5.6.5Hoods

over papermaking machines......................................5.7.5over commercial cooking equipment.......................5.6.17

Hovels, kilns and ovens.............................................3.1.3(e)Hydraulically calculated High Hazard systems.........11.4.2.4Hydraulic calculations, distribution piping

ordinary hazard.....................................................10.4.2.3high hazard............................................................11.4.2.3

Hydraulic test pressure......................................................7.2

Identification, alarm valves and gongs...........................8.7.4Installation control assemblies..........................................8.1Intermediate sprinklers in racks................................11.1.3.4

Joists and beams, location of sprinklers.........................5.4.4

Kilns, ovens and hovels.............................................3.1.3(e)

Lift shafts ........................................................................5.6.5Light fittings ...................................................................5.4.4Light hazard occupancies

examples, classification of occupancy...............2.2.2, A1Light hazard class systems.......................................Section 9

concealed spaces ........................................................9.5.4design data....................................................................9.2pipe sizes....................................................................9.5.2pressure and flow requirements.........................9.2, 9.3.1pump sets...................................................................9.3.6

spacing and area of coverage........................................9.4sprinklers............................................................9.4, 9.4.5water supply..................................................................9.3

Location, main stop valve.........................................8.1 NoteLocation of sprinklers (see Sprinkler location)Location plate, main stop valve.........................................8.4Local alarm........................................................................3.3Local water motor alarms......................................3.3, 8.10.3Looped systems.......................................12.5.1(b), 12.5.2(b)Low level drainage......................................................7.5, 7.6

Machinery pits, protection..............................................5.6.4Main stop valve...............................................................8.2.2Maximum installation floor area.................................2.3.2.3Medium velocity sprayers..................................1.6.18, 6.2.3Metal melt pans..........................................................3.1.3(g)Method of calculating static pressure loss........................4.5Minimum capacity, water supplies ....................................4.7

high hazard...............................................................11.2.2light hazard................................................................9.3.2ordinary hazard........................................................10.2.2

Monitoring, component fault.............................................4.7components to be monitored......................................3.4.4systems to be monitored............................................3.4.3installation requirements...........................................3.4.5monitoring devices.....................................................3.4.2

Multiple controls.............................................................6.2.4Music halls and theatres....................................................5.9

Non-return valves..............................................................8.6Non-sprinklered areas .....................................................3.1.3

Obstructions below sprinklers...........................................5.7Occupancy, classification............................2.2, Appendix AOil and flammable liquid .............................................5.6.16Oil mill dust trunks .........................................................5.6.7Ordinary hazard occupancies

examples, occupancy classifications............................A2Ordinary hazard class systems

design data..................................................................10.1hydraulic calculations............10.4.2.3, 10.4.2.4, 10.4.2.5minimum capacity water supply ..............................10.2.2pipe sizes..................................................................10.4.2pressure and flow requirements...............................10.2.1spacing and area of coverage......................................10.3sprinklers..................................................................10.4.1

Orifice plates................................................7.8, Appendix COrifice sizes, sprinklers.....................................................6.3Ovens, hovels and kilns.............................................3.1.3(e)Overhead platforms and walkways.................................5.8.1

Paint lines.........................................................5.6.14, 5.6.15Papermaking machines

wet ends.................................................................3.1.3(f)protection under hoods..............................................5.7.6

Performance requirements, pumps...............................4.11.4Permitted exceptions to sprinkler protection..................3.1.3Pipe sizes.........................................7.7, 9.5.2, 10.4.2, 11.4.2Pipe and pipe fitting...........................................................7.1Piping

drainage, slope.......................................................7.5, 7.6equivalent length, fittings......................................12.10.1friction loss...............................................................12.10protection from explosion.............................................7.4sizes............................................7.7, 9.5.2, 10.4.2, 11.4.2support..........................................................................7.9test pressure..................................................................7.2unsprinklered areas .......................................................7.3

Potteries, ovens, hovels and kilns..............................3.1.3(e)Pre-action systems...........................1.6.22(d), 2.3.2, 2.3.2.5

valves.........................................................................8.9.2Pressure and flow requirements.........................................4.5

high hazard...............................................................11.2.1light hazard................................................................9.3.1ordinary hazard........................................................10.2.1

Pressure gauges................................................................8.12Pressure considerations......................................................4.6

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Pressure loss in pipes and fittings................................12.10,.................................................................Tables 10.4.2.3(A),..............................................................10.4.2.3.(B), 11.4.2.3, 12.9Pressure-reducing valves...................................................8.8Pressure tanks..................................................................4.13

air pressure..........................................................4.13.2(g)air pressure maintenance....................................4.13.2(b)air water ratio......................................................4.13.2(g)location and housing...........................................4.13.2(a)minimum water quantity ...........................4.13.2(f), 9.3.5pressure gauges ...................................................4.13.2(d)safety valves........................................................4.13.2(e)

Prevention of false alarms, fluctuating supply pressure.......................................................................................8.10.2Production lines, underside protection...........................5.6.4Provender mill dust trunks..............................................5.6.7Proving test, water supply...............................................4.14Proximity, non-sprinklered buildings.............................3.1.2Pumps, automatic....................4.11, 4.12, 3.6, 10.2.3, 11.2.3

controller actuation................................................4.12(c)information plate.........................................................4.12maximum flow rates............................4.10.2.1, 4.10.2.2,.................................................................4.10.2.3, 12.8.2performance.............................................................4.11.4suction conditions ....................................................4.11.2suction pipes............................................................4.11.3suction tanks.................................................................4.8supply from town main............................................4.10.2

Pump suction tanks............................................................4.8effective capacity .......................................................4.8.2minimum capacity................4.8.1, 9.3.2, 10.2.2.3, 11.2.2vortex inhibitor..........................................................4.8.3

Recycling pre-action system.............1.6.22(e), 2.3.2, 2.3.2.6Relevant authority.........................................................1.6.15Remote test valve.............................................................8.11Replacement sprinklers, stock...........................................6.7Reservoirs, elevated........................................................4.9.2Retarding devices, alarm..............................................8.10.2Ring mains........................4.1 Note 3, Table 11.4.2.3 Note 2Roof overhangs.............................................................5.6.11Roof spaces.....................................................................5.6.1Roofs and ceilings, distance of sprinklers below...........5.4.3Roof trusses, location of sprinklers ................................5.4.7Rope or strap races..........................................................5.6.6

Salt baths....................................................................3.1.3(g)Salt or brackish water............................................4.1 Note 2Scope of Standard..............................................................1.1Service shafts..................................................................5.6.5Sidewall sprinklers.....................................1.6.23(f), 6.2.1(f)

spacing...................................................5.5, 9.4.4, 10.3.2Silos and bins ...................................................3.1.3(d), 5.6.8Sloping ceilings or roofs.................................................5.4.3Spacing of sprinklers............................5.1, 9.4.4, 10.3, 11.3

maximum coverage .................9.4.2, 9.4.3, 10.3.1, 11.3.1high hazard..................................................................11.3light hazard................................................................9.4.4ordinary hazard...........................................................10.3staggered spacing..........................................................5.2minimum distances.......................................................5.3

Spray booths..................................................................5.6.15Sprayers, medium and high velocity..............................6.2.3Spray sprinklers........................................1.6.23(b), 6.2.1(b)Sprinkler guards.................................................................6.9Sprinkler piping, support...................................................7.9Sprinkler systems (Classification) (see Classification)Sprinkler systems (Types)

standard system..........................................................2.3.2alternate wet and dry.........................................2.3.2.3dry 2.3.2.4

pre-action................................................................2.3.2.5recycling pre-action................................................2.3.2.6tail end.....................1.6.22(g), 2.3.2.7, 2.3.2.8, 5.10.2(a)tail end anti-freeze ..................................................2.3.2.9

wet 2.3.2.2special system............................................................2.3.3ESFR.......................................................................2.3.3.3

incorporating residential sprinklers........................2.3.4.2Sprinklered buildings.........................................................3.1Sprinklered buildings, permitted exceptions..................3.1.3Sprinkler guards.................................................................6.9Sprinklers............................................................6.1, 6.3, 6.4

anti-corrosion treatment................................................6.8ceiling (flush).......................................1.6.23(c), 6.2.1(c)colour coding................................................................6.6conventional.........................................1.6.23(a), 6.2.1(a)clear space below.......................................................5.4.8dry pendent..........................................1.6.23(g), 6.2.1(g)dry upright..........................................1.6..23(h), 6.2.1(h)orifice sizes ...................................................................6.3sidewall.................................................1.6.23(f), 6.2.1(f)spacing...........................................................5.1, 5.2, 5.3spray.....................................................1.6.23(b), 6.2.1(b)special......................................1.6.16, 6.2.2, 6.7.1, 9.4.5,..............................................................10.4.1.2, 11.4.1.3standard.........................................................1.6.23, 6.2.1stock of replacements...................................................6.7temperature ratings.......................................................6.5thread sizes....................................................................6.3

Sprinkler location...............................................................5.4ceilings and roofs.......................................................5.4.3clear space below.......................................................5.4.8columns......................................................................5.4.5external walls .............................................................5.4.2girders........................................................................5.4.6light fittings bulkheads ducts.....................................5.4.4roof trusses.................................................................5.4.8walls and partitions....................................................5.4.2

Sprinkler, sidewall, spacing and location..........................5.5Staggered spacing..............................................................5.2Staging, protection under................................................5.7.2Standard spacing................................................................5.1Static pressure loss, calculation.........................................4.5Stock, replacement sprinklers............................................6.7Stop valves .........................................................................8.2Storage racks..............................................11.1.3.3, 11.1.3.4Storage fixtures, solid and slatted shelves.....................5.7.8Storage fixtures...............................................................5.7.7Stoves, drying...............................................................5.6.14Subsidiary stop valves....................................................8.2.4Suction pipes.................................................................4.11.3Suction tanks (see Pump suction tanks)Supply from town main...................................................4.10Supply from town main, pump.....................................4.10.2Support of sprinkler piping.............................7.9, AS 2118.9Suspended ceilings..........................................................5.7.4Systems components ...................6.1.7.1, 8.1, 9.4, 10.4, 11.4System drainage .............................7.5, 7.6, 9.5.5, 10.5, 11.5System component monitoring..........................................3.4

Tables, work...........................................................5.7.8 NoteTail-end anti-freezing solution systems......................2.3.2.9Tank, gravity (see Gravity tank)Tank, pressure (see Pressure tank)Television and film production studios .............................5.8Temperature colour code, sprinklers.................................6.6Temperature ratings, sprinklers .........................................6.5Terminal main system..............................................12.5.1(a)Terminal range systems...........................................12.5.1(c)Test pressure......................................................................7.2Testing, water supplies....................................................4.14Theatres and music halls....................................................5.9Town mains......................................................................4.10Transmission of alarm signals to fire brigade ..................3.2,...........................................................................8.1(d), 8.10.4

alarm monitoring network........................................3.2(f)grouping of control assemblies................................3.2(a)wiring .......................................................................3.2(e)

Unsprinklered areas........................................................3.1.3

Valves.......................................................................Section 8alarm, dry...................................................................8.7.2alarm, wet...................................................................8.7.1back pressure................................................................8.6A

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composite alarm.........................................................8.7.3control assemblies.........................................................8.1deluge.........................................................................8.9.1identification...................................................8.2.1, 8.7.4main stop....................................................................8.2.2non-return......................................................................8.6pre-action...................................................................8.9.2pressure-reducing..........................................................8.8remote test...................................................................8.11stop................................................................................8.2stop, controlling water supply...................................8.2.3subsidiary stop...........................................................8.2.4test (alarms).............................................................8.10.6

Vortex inhibitors.............................................................4.8.3

Walkways, protection under................................5.7.2, 5.8.1Walls and partitions, location of sprinklers..................5.4.2,......................................................9.4.3, 9.4.4, 10.3.3, 11.3.3Water motor alarms.......................................................8.10.3Water shields (baffle plates)...........................5.6.5, 11.1.3.4Water spray nozzles ........................................................6.2.3Water supplies

general...........................................................................4.1acceptable sources........................................................4.2

additives .....................................................................4.1.1combined sprinklers and hydrants .............................4.4.1connections, other services...........................................4.4control of.......................................................................4.1elevated reservoir.......................................................4.9.2fire brigade booster connection.................................4.4.3grades............................................................................4.3gravity tank................................................................4.9.3inexhaustible source..................................................4.8.4minimum storage capacities.........................................4.7pressure and flow requirements.............................4.5, 4.6pressure tanks......................................4.4.2.4, 4.8.2, 4.13private reservoirs.......................................................4.9.2proving pressure and flow..........................................4.14pump, automatic...............................4.4.1(e), 4.10.2, 4.11pump suction tanks.......................................................4.8ring mains..........................................4.1 Note 3, 4.4.1(b)town mains ..................................................................4.10water quality.................................................................4.1

Wet alarm valves.............................................................8.7.1Wet systems.............................................................1.6.22(a)

maximum area.........................................................2.3.2.2Worktables, protection under...........................5.7.7 Note

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2118.1-1999

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