Dry & wet risers

Why do you need wet and dry risers?

Wet or dry risers may be needed for several reasons:

By law.

Some buildings, depending on their height, size or function, legally require a sprinkler system to satisfy building regulations, Approved Document B and must comply with the British Standard (BS EN 12845). This is for life safety purposes.

For tall buildings.

A wet riser is a system running through the building and kept constantly pressurised and full of water, and is used in taller buildings.

External inlet.

A dry riser, meanwhile, is a network of pipes and valves with an external inlet which firefighters can pump water into.

Easy, quick access to firefighting water.

Both systems achieve the same goal – they allow firefighting water to be easily and quickly delivered to all floors in a building.

Wet or dry riser?

If the building is more than 18m in height, but less than 50m, then either a dry or wet riser can be used. If the building is over 50m in height then a wet riser must be used, and also in smaller buildings if access to the building by fire services is insufficient.

What we do.

We design, supply, install, commission and maintain every aspect of a sprinkler system.

From simple to complex, residential to commercial, our technical experts are experienced with all the elements – wet, dry, and pre-action alarm valves, sprinkler tanks, and fire pumps.

Depending on the rationale for sprinklers, we work to a variety of standards: British Standards, European Standards, The LPC Rules, FM and NFPA.

Design

Our designers have wide experience in designing systems for all kinds of different multi-storey buildings. We can produce 3D models in line with BIM requirements, and for wet risers we carry out the necessary hydraulic calculations.

Install

We pride ourselves on timely, expert installation. We have a tried and tested delivery process and an installation team who are experienced in delivering complex systems in both construction projects and environments already in use, and across all sectors. They’re always prepared and able to handle any challenges that come their way.

Maintain

Ensuring your riser continues to work is essential to your safety and a crucial part of our service. We continue to take responsibility throughout the life of the system.

Our team of 100+ experienced engineers across the UK carry out routine maintenance and any repairs necessary to ensure a safe and sustainable environment for your people.

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