Sprinkler Head Testing

Sprinkler heads play a vital role in fire suppression—often controlling or extinguishing fires before they can spread. However, they can only perform effectively if they are in good condition and operate as intended. Over time, environmental factors, mechanical damage, or contamination can affect performance, which is why periodic testing is essential.

What We Do

We carry out destructive testing on a sample of sprinkler heads from your system to assess overall performance. Our comprehensive testing process includes:

• Visual Inspection
  We check for damage, corrosion, loading (e.g. paint or dust), and confirm model details, temperature ratings, and certifications. This helps us identify known issues and select the appropriate test procedures.
• Function Test
  Using a controlled water pressure setup, we confirm that the head activates correctly and allows unimpeded water flow.
  Tested to BS EN 12259-1 Annex E.
• Operating Temperature Test
  Heads are gradually heated in a water bath until activation, and the temperature at which they operate is recorded.
  Tested to BS EN 12259-1 Annex B.
• Flow Rate Test
  We measure the flow of water through the sprinkler head to assess whether it meets performance criteria.

Please note: This is a destructive test—sprinkler heads cannot be returned once tested. A small sample is selected to represent the performance of the wider system.

How Many Heads Should Be Tested?

The number of heads required depends on the type of system, the environment, and the hazard classification:

• Ordinary Hazard Systems: 10 heads per make/model per environment
• High Hazard Systems: 50 heads per make/model per environment

Not sure how many to send? Contact us and we’ll help you determine the correct sample size for your system