Fire sprinkler system in existing building or premises
When a consent authority (e.g. Council) is assessing the adequacy of an existing automatic fire sprinkler system installed in an occupied building or premises, or lack thereof, FRNSW recommend it be assessed against the current National Construction Code (NCC) requirements for the given use and occupancy hazard classification.
Any sprinkler system that incorporates an internal booster connection for portable relay pumps, whether for operation or for redundancy (e.g. relay pump failure), should be upgraded to remove the portable relay pump connection.
The following should also be considered when determining whether a fire sprinkler system should be upgraded or retrospectively installed in an existing building or premises:
- The suitability of the sprinkler system’s standard of performance (e.g. any sprinkler system designed to a standard prior to AS 2118, such as CA16, should be upgraded).
- Whether a building undergoing change in use has a sprinkler system design commensurate to the actual occupancy hazard classification.
- The degree of modified internal fit out which dictates any level of non-compliant sprinkler coverage areas, and associated fire risks, that warrant a redesign or extension of the system.
- Whether the given building requires an automatic fire sprinkler system be installed under the current NCC.
FRNSW acknowledge that all aspects of the relevant fire sprinkler system may not be able to be complied with due to the characteristics and constraints of the existing sprinkler system, retrospective installation and/or building or premises. A bespoke solution may be required.
Updated: 12th September 2024