FOREWORD

The World’s first rules for Automatic Sprinkler installation were originally
drafted during 1885 by John W. Wormald of the Mutual Fire Insurance
Corporation and the same were officially published in London by the Fire
office’s committee in September 1888. The publication underwent several
revisions and the 29th edition was published in 1969 by the Fire Officer’s
Committee. Tariff Advisory Committee had revised the sprinkler regulations
based on the 29th edition during the year 1978.

During 1985, the responsibility of the revision of the 29th edition of

sprinkler regulations U.K. was passed on to the “Loss Prevention Council”
London on its formation. British Standards institution with acknowledgement
and reference to the erstwhile FOC rules, published a standard BS:5306:
Part 2:1979. The combination of British Standard and the Technical bulletins
published by LPC formed the new LPC rules for Automatic Sprinkler
installation and the recent publication was released in 1990 (amended in
1995). A number of radical alternatives both in principle and design have
been embodied in the LPC rules (1990), the most important of which are the
provisions for hazard classification, types of Water Supply & grades etc.

Since long, the need for revision of the sprinkler regulations was felt in India
and the exercise, which was undertaken in the year 1996. While revising the
document, considerable assistance was derived from LPC rules (1990,
amended in 1995) with some radical departures on areas suitable to
environment in India. The definitions of various components in sprinkler
system and also classification at occupancies have been provided in detail,
which will be found quite useful. The types of water supply have been
radically changed bearing in mind, the rich experience derived in the last
two decades. Frequent cross references appearing in the erstwhile
regulations have been avoided to the best possible to provide a smooth
reading and understanding of the regulations.

Variety of sprinklers has been developed in the last decade such as ESFR
sprinklers, ELO sprinklers and so on suitable for specific applications.
Specifications for the installations of such systems are under development
worldwide. Committee will consider installation of such systems for
approval when the guidelines are made available.

Though an attempt has been made to be very exhaustive, there may be

omissions or certain problems may not have been addressed. Upon suitable
reference supported with facts, further refinement of rules is possible.

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