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Electrical Equipment in Proximity to Sprinklers - BS7671 Reg 512.2

RichHaze

Hello,

A contractor is proposing to install IP20 luminaires below the sprinkler heads in a new build industrial facility.  If the sprinklers go off (which can be at a relatively low temperature of 60 degrees Celsius)) then the luminaires will be subject to water ingress and could become waterlogged. 

I have asked them to comment on how this complies with BS7671 regulation 512.2 (specifically 512.2.1).  The answer they have provided is vague and to the effect that "this is the way we've always done it".  They haven't provided a specific answer as to how this complies with BS7671.

I am trying to understand how the wiring regulations should be applied where we have sprinklers in buildings:  I am struggling to imagine that electrical installations throughout buildings are IP rated for the sprinkler system activation.

Does anyone have experience in answering this question?

Thanks,

Richard

Parents
  • 0

    It seems an odd choice - lighting should be one of the last things to go off. Being a wall socket lightly drizzled on by the edge of the sprinkler distribution is one thing. Being in the line of fire seems foolish. I'd expect them to be spaced apart from the lights - in general sprinklers create a cone of spray facing down, and the light can just as easily be in the nearly dry zone between two of them.

    Of course, except in films, or certain types of secure facilities, when properly set up, only the few sprinklers go off that are directly over or very near to the fire. So you do not want to kill lights to the floor while just the bin beside the under manager's desk is being drenched. The volume of water per point is modest - think 50 litres minute or so, only compares to the fire brigade hose once the whole floor is on fire and many are firing.  The flowing of the water automatically raises the alarm as soon as one triggers.

    Mike

Reply
  • 0

    It seems an odd choice - lighting should be one of the last things to go off. Being a wall socket lightly drizzled on by the edge of the sprinkler distribution is one thing. Being in the line of fire seems foolish. I'd expect them to be spaced apart from the lights - in general sprinklers create a cone of spray facing down, and the light can just as easily be in the nearly dry zone between two of them.

    Of course, except in films, or certain types of secure facilities, when properly set up, only the few sprinklers go off that are directly over or very near to the fire. So you do not want to kill lights to the floor while just the bin beside the under manager's desk is being drenched. The volume of water per point is modest - think 50 litres minute or so, only compares to the fire brigade hose once the whole floor is on fire and many are firing.  The flowing of the water automatically raises the alarm as soon as one triggers.

    Mike

Children
  • 0 in reply to mapj1

    As an update the contractor has now proposed separate IP rated luminaires in the test cell area.  These will be static inverter / battery backed up to maintain a sufficient lux level during sprinkler activation.

    Thanks,

    Richard

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