A fire protection sprinkler system is designed to detect and suppress fires in buildings. Key components include:

1. Water Supply: A reliable source, like municipal water or dedicated fire pumps.
2. Piping: A network of pipes distributing water throughout the building.
3. Sprinkler Heads: Devices that activate when heat triggers them, releasing water to control fires. Types include concealed, upright, and pendant sprinklers.
4. Valves: Control water flow, including shut-off and check valves.
5. Alarm System: Integrated with the system to alert occupants and emergency services.
6. Control Panel: Monitors system status and manages alarms and pumps.
7. Backflow Prevention Device: Prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the main supply.

Sprinkler Systems vs Misting Systems:

Where a sprinkler system may not be a viable option due to reduced flows or pressure, a misting system is a good alternative solution. Misting systems are low flow systems that use high pressure pumps to create a fine ‘mist’ that alleviates heat during a fire. They use 5-15L/min of water compared to 55L/min for standard sprinklers.

Design and Mechanism:

Sprinkler Systems: These systems consist of a network of pipes and sprinkler heads that distribute water over a wide area. When a fire is detected (often through heat detection), the system activates and releases a predetermined amount of water, typically in larger droplets, to suppress the fire.

Generally sprinkler systems do not require a set ‘pressure’ rather a flow rate, typically of around 120-200 L/min per system. This means issues can arise if fittings and piping for the system are not adequately sized for what the pressure could potentially be in the future.

Misting Systems: These systems utilise high-pressure nozzles to create a fine mist of water droplets. The mist is intended to cool the air and reduce temperature rapidly, creating an environment that inhibits fire spread. Misting systems can be more flexible in their installation and coverage.

Misting systems require far less flow with systems requiring 5-15L/min due to how the water is boosted by a pump to generate a fine ‘mist’ that alleviates heat and fire issues. Due to the low flow requirements for these systems smaller supply pipes can be fitted.

Misting systems are to be exempt from the new guidelines. Due to their low pressure and flow requirements it is unlikely they will be effected by pressure management. Any misting systems that are low pressure, low flow solutions (requiring around 1 bar and 5-15L/min) can be installed and fed directly from the water mains.

Misting System Examples:

• Smart Mist systems: https://www.mistingsolutions.co.uk/residential-domestic-sprinkler-systems
• Plumis Fire suppression: https://plumis.co.uk/water-mist-domestic-fire-sprinkler-system
• Autosprinkler Solutions: https://www.autosprinklersolutionsltd.co.uk/mist-sprinkler-systems/

Applicant/Installer Responsibilities:

• To submit a completed application form along with mechanical drawings that detail all pipework, and a fittings schedule as required by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. Failure to provide these documents may result in delays in processing your application.
• Ensure that sprinkler systems have a supply separate to the domestic potable supply into the property.
• Ensure that all sprinkler systems comply with the pressure and flow available upon request to Manx Utilities.
• Ensure that all internal and external pipework and fittings are installed by a competent installer.
• Ensure that all water fittings related to the domestic/commercial fire sprinkler system, including backflow prevention devices and valves, are kept within the property boundary.
• Ensure that all water fittings are installed and used in compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.
• Rectify, modify, or remediate any non-compliant water fittings within the agreed timescales.
• Notify Manx Utilities of the proposed type of fire sprinkler system if a new system is to be installed in a domestic development.

Manx Utilities Responsibilities:

• Respond to enquiries about domestic or commercial fire sprinkler systems within ten working days from the date of receipt.
• Respond to formal applications with connection charges and supporting documentation within our service level of 10 working days after receiving the completed application.
• Maintain records of the types and locations of fire sprinkler systems that have been lawfully installed.
• Apply and enforce the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 to fire sprinkler systems.
• Undertake a planned inspection of the water supply system to ensure compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999
• Undertake a pressure and flow test on site if requested.

To ensure compliance with the new guidelines effective January 1, 2025, applicants and installers should complete the following steps:

Initial Planning and Consultation

• Confirm available water pressure and flow rates with Manx Utilities.
• Design the sprinkler system to meet Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

Submit Required Documentation

• Submit full mechanical drawings, including pipe runs and a detailed fittings schedule to Manx Utilities for review.
• Ensure all designs incorporate a storage tank for systems that require more than 30L/min.

Installation Requirements

• Ensure all installation work is performed by a qualified installer.
• Confirm all components, including backflow prevention devices and valves, are located within the property boundary.
• Ensure sufficient storage tanks are in place for the sprinkler system where necessary.

Pre-Connection Inspection

• Leakage and burst pipesNotify Manx Utilities to arrange an inspection once installation is complete.
• Verify that the system has been installed according to the submitted plans and complies with all regulations.
• Address any issues identified by Manx Utilities during the inspection before the final connection is approved.

• Are Manx Utilities legally obliged to provide pressure and flow for sprinkler systems?
  • No, there are no legal requirements for Manx Utilities to provide pressure and flow for sprinkler systems. We have pressure and flow requirements for drinking water and to supply adequate water to fire hydrants.
• Can a fire sprinkler system be connected directly to the mains water supply?
  • From 1^st January 2025, all high flow fire sprinkler systems with a demand of over 30l/minute must be fed from installed storage tanks only. Direct connection to the mains without a storage tank will no longer be allowed due to varying available pressure and flow rates.
• Why are we only accepting storage solutions for sprinklers?
  • Recently we have discovered that numerous poor plumbing instances have led to issues with sprinkler systems directly fed from the mains no longer working due to flow restrictions.
• Are there sprinkler alternatives?
  • Yes low flow misting systems are available and are a good option to remain unaffected by any pressure changes that may occur.
• What is the main cause for failing sprinkler systems?
  • The main cause that we have found for systems failing is not low pressure but in-fact poor plumbing and undersized fittings causing flow restrictions.
• Do any other water companies have this approach to sprinkler systems?
  • Yes, Thames Water have taken the stance that all sprinklers must be fed from full capacity storage: (Thames Water, 2020). However others have strict pressure and flow requirements.
• What if there is no room for storage tanks within the property?
  • There are options for storage tanks to be installed externally if no space is available within the property, and then pumped from storage into the building.
• Will you do a connection if I have a boosted system?
  • No, any connections to sprinkler system will only be completed if the system has sufficient storage.
• What water pressure and flow rates should be expected from Manx Utilities?
  • Manx Utilities cannot guarantee pressure and flow above the Ofwat minimum of 1 bar (10 metres head pressure) and a minimum flow rate of 9 litres per minute.
• What should the property owner do after the sprinkler system is installed?
  • The property owner is responsible for maintaining and testing the sprinkler system regularly to ensure it operates effectively. It is important that the owner understands their obligations for system upkeep to maintain compliance and safety.
• What are the consequences of non-compliance with water fittings regulations?
  • If any water fittings do not comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, the installer or property owner must rectify the issue within an agreed timescale. Non-compliance may result in delays or refusal of connection to the mains supply by Manx Utilities.
• What are the common issues for flow restriction?
  • Undersized fittings and piping is the main reason for flow restriction on sprinkler systems that we have investigated. If in doubt about any fittings it is better to oversize them to allow adequate flow in an emergency.
• Who will check to see if the system is acceptable?
  • Our byelaws team will inspect the sprinkler system to ensure it aligns with our guidelines before any connection takes place