Are residential fire sprinklers a legal requirement?

The law has a lot of rules in place to keep our homes safe, from building codes to gas safety checks. These measures are designed to protect us from potential hazards and give us peace of mind that our families are protected.

Fire safety is a big part of these regulations, including smoke alarms, fire-resistant materials, and more. But do these rules also include fire sprinklers? Let’s find out!

The South Coast Fire Sprinklers team have spent years working with fire sprinkler systems, so we’re well-versed in the regulations that apply. Below, we’ll walk you through which types of residential buildings are required to have fire sprinklers, and what the benefits of installing them are.

Which residential buildings are legally required to have fire sprinklers?

In England, the legal requirements for residential fire sprinkler installations depend on the type of building and its height. Here’s an overview of the key regulations:

New high-rise residential buildings

Since 26 November 2020, fire sprinklers are required by law in all new high-rise residential buildings over 11 metres (about four storeys) in height. This change was introduced through an amendment to Approved Document B (Volume 1) of the Building Regulations.

Existing buildings

Retrofitting sprinklers in existing buildings isn’t usually required by law, but many local authorities recommend it, particularly after the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Fire safety experts believe sprinklers could have helped contain or prevent the spread of the fire, leading many building owners to voluntarily retrofit older buildings to reduce the risk of similar disasters.

Care homes and certain residential buildings

While sprinklers aren’t mandatory for all residential buildings, they may be required in certain types of residential care homes, sheltered housing, and specific housing for vulnerable people. These requirements are often based on the results of risk assessments.

Local variations and fire safety orders

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 gives fire authorities the power to require sprinklers in specific situations, particularly if other fire safety measures are lacking. However, these are case-by-case decisions, not a general legal mandate.

Why install fire sprinklers in your residential building?

Even if a sprinkler system isn’t required by law, it comes with plenty of benefits that make it worth investing in. For example:

• Fire sprinklers can greatly reduce the risk of fire-related injuries or fatalities. They activate automatically when a fire breaks out, helping to contain flames and smoke with a 99% success rate.
• Sprinklers help minimise property damage by quickly controlling or extinguishing the fire, preventing it from spreading and causing more extensive harm to your property.
• Having a fire protection system in place gives you greater peace of mind in the safety of your building’s inhabitants.

All in all, they’re an excellent way to protect lives, prevent expensive damage, and put your mind at ease.

Talk to the South’s fire sprinkler installation specialists

Ready for peace of mind? Talk to South Coast Fire Sprinklers, the South’s leading installers of high-performance fire sprinkler systems, and protect your property today!

With experience designing and installing systems in a wide range of residential buildings – from blocks of flats to hotels – we have the expertise to create a high-performing, cost-effective system optimised for your building’s layout. Whatever your property type, you can trust us to deliver the high-quality solution you’re looking for.

Not sure about your building’s specific requirements or what category of system you need? We’re happy to survey your property and walk you through everything you need to know.

Get a free quote online or call us on 01202 731111. We’re here to answer any questions and provide more details, so feel free to reach out today!