What is British Standard (BS 12845) and Why Does It Matter? - 12 May 2026

BS 12845 is the British standard for fixed firefighting automatic sprinkler systems. The standard cover design, installation and maintenance and is used in the implementation of commercial and industrial sprinkler systems.

The standard ensures that the systems that we build are reliable and efficient in extinguishing and controlling fires. It is an essential part of our all of our work at South East Sprinklers to comply with the law and to make your building safe.

What Are The Core Requirements?

• System design rules - Sizing pipes, calculating water demand, sprinkler heads layout
• Hazard classification - Defining risks, light / ordinary / high hazard) and required sprinkler performance
• Water supplies - Specifying acceptable water sources, pump performance, tank sizing
• Approved components - Sprinklers and valves need to be compliant with EN 12259‑1
• Installation & commissioning - Requirements for pipework, alarms, testing, signage
• Maintenance & inspection - Ongoing checks to ensure the system operation

Who Uses BS 12845?

British Standard BS 12845 should always be used by fire protection designers, sprinkler installers, building control and fire authorities and sprinkler manufacturers.

Always make sure that any professional looking at installing sprinklers in your business premises is following BS 12845 and ask to see the relevant documentation.

South East Sprinklers follow BS 12845 to the letter to make sure you are compliant, safe and covered by insurance.

Why Does BS 12845 Matter?

A sprinkler system that is compliant with BS 12845 is designed to:

• Detect and control a fire in its early stages  
• Protect life and property
• Provide predictable, reliable performance
• Meet UK regulatory expectations

Get in touch with South East Sprinklers on 01843 310082 or email us at martin@southeastsprinklers.co.uk to book us in for a site visit.