Fire sprinklers in class 2 and 3 buildings
FRNSW recommend the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system in any Class 2 or 3 building, even when not required by the National Construction Code (NCC) (e.g. Class 2 or 3 buildings less than four storeys), as it provides superior life safety benefits to occupants in the event of fire.
For any applicable Class 2 or 3 building, a required fire sprinkler system must:
- be installed throughout the whole building [E1D4 (a), E1D5 and E1D6]
- comply with both Specification 17 and Specification 18 as applicable [E1D4 (b)].
The standard of performance for the fire sprinkler system installed must be clearly identified on the fire safety schedule, including the standard being applied under Specification 17 and/or Specification 18.
It is noted that an FPAA101D or FPAA101H fire sprinkler system cannot be installed when the Class 7a part (except when open-deck) accommodates more than 40 vehicles. [S17C2 (c)(ii)]
This provision does not specify the number of vehicles within a fire compartment, therefore if the Class 7a part accommodates more than 40 vehicles, an AS 2118 sprinkler system is to be installed.
Requirements under Specification 18
Specification 18 of the NCC outlines the design and installation requirements for an automatic fire sprinkler system in a Class 2 and 3 building with an effective height of not more than 25 m and a rise in storeys of 4 or more [S18C3]. These requirements are in addition to Specification 17 requirements when the sprinkler system complies with S17C2 (b), and S17C2 (c) if also containing Class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9a or 9b parts.
However, the permitted concessions under S18C4 of the NCC only apply to Class 2 and 3 buildings (i.e. these concessions don’t apply to any Class 2 or 3 building that also contains Class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9a or 9b parts).
Refer to FRNSW position Application of fire sprinkler concessions under Specification 18 of the NCC.
Updated: 30th August 2024