Fire Sprinklers

Terminology

Supports


  • Pipe supports must be located so they do not obstruct the distribution of water from any sprinkler head.
  • Range pipes exceeding 500mm in length in accordance with Clause 2.7 of AS2118.9 must have:
  • At least 1 support, and if longer at not more than 2m from the riser dropper or distribution pipes.
  • A distance from the last support to the end of a range pipe not exceeding:
  • <25 mm nominal diameter - 1.0m
  • >25 mm nominal diameter - 1.5m
  • Distribution pipes in accordance with Clause 2.7 of AS2118.9 must have:
  • Support within 1m from the end and not more than 2m from the main distribution pipe.
  • A distance from the last support to the end of any distribution pipe not exceeding 1m.
  • Distribution pipes in accordance with Clause 2.7 of AS2118.9 must have:
  • A support located not further than 1m from any change of direction.
  • Main vertical pipes rising (or dropping) from the installation valves, or linking the piping between levels, in accordance with Clause 2.7 of AS2118.9 must be:
  • Supported directly from the structure.
  • Supported on horizontal branch piping from the riser not more than 300mm from the riser.
  • Pipes must be supported in accordance with spacing in Table 2.6.1 of AS 2118.9 (outlined in horizontal pipe support spacing).

Testing


  • Fire sprinklers must be tested in accordance with Clause 7.9 pf AS 2118.1 by undertaking a:
  • Hydrostatic test pressure of 1600 kPa, or 400 kPa in excess of the maximum static working pressure (whichever is the greater) for a period of 2 hours.
  • Pneumatic pressure tests of 300kPa for period of 30 minutes with no more than 10% loss of the starting pressure, with a 10 min temperature normalising period prior to the starting pressure reading.




Protection


  • Sprinkler heads must be protected with guards in areas where sprinkler heads may be knocked.

Seismic


  • Seismic restraints/bracing in accordance with AS1170.4 - 2007 must be:
  • Detailed and installed as per approved shop drawings.
  • Installed for the following fire services:
  • Fire and smoke detection systems
  • Fire suppression systems (including sprinklers)
  • Life safety system components
  • Suspended reticulated services 65mm in diameter above, installed 300mm or lower below the fixed point to the structure.
  • Separation between restrained and unrestrained services must be in accordance with the table below.