Conditions of Connection for Fire Sprinkler Systems

South East Water recently proposed changes to its 'Conditions of Connection' for new Fire Sprinkler Installations.

Projects which commence design phase from March 1, 2008 will now need to meet the following requirements to when seeking to connect to South East Water;

• Confirmation that the system design incorporates all necessary features called for in AS1851:2005 Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment and or subsequent versions of AS1851 to allow for monthly testing of the Fire Sprinkler System;
• Where booster pumps are required, the system must incorporate recirculating equipment such as storage tanks or other methods to reduce or eliminate the waste of test water. A minimum of 80 percent of test water must be recirculated.

These changes compliment Practice Note 2007-61 from the Building Commission that provides the fire industry and building owners with important information which will assist in reducing use of our precious drinking water without compromising building safety.