AS 2118.1-2017 PDF

Full title and description

AS 2118.1:2017 — Automatic fire sprinkler systems — Part 1: General systems. This Australian Standard specifies the general requirements for the design, installation and commissioning of automatic fire sprinkler systems in buildings, including occupancy classification and performance expectations for common system types.

Abstract

AS 2118.1:2017 provides comprehensive, nationally consistent technical requirements and guidance for automatic fire sprinkler systems used in buildings. The document addresses system selection, hydraulic design, component requirements, installation practices, commissioning, testing and documentation needed to achieve reliable in-service performance. It is intended for designers, installers, commissioning agents, authorities having jurisdiction and building owners/operators.

General information

• Status: Current (in force)
• Publication date: 14 September 2017
• Publisher: Standards Australia
• ICS / categories: 13.220.20 — Fire protection (automatic sprinkler systems)
• Edition / version: Fourth edition (AS 2118.1:2017); subsequently issued with amendments (Amendment 1: 2017; Amendment 2: 2020; Amendment 3: 2024)
• Number of pages: Approximately 457 pages

Scope

This standard specifies requirements for the design, installation and commissioning of automatic fire sprinkler systems in buildings and provides for occupancy classification and hazard assessment. It applies to common system types (wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, deluge where relevant) used for life and property protection. The standard does not provide requirements for water mist systems and excludes special proprietary suppression systems unless explicitly referenced.

Key topics and requirements

• Occupancy and hazard classification methodology for selecting design criteria.
• Hydraulic design principles and minimum water supply, pressure and flow requirements.
• System types and selection (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, combined systems) and their appropriate applications.
• Sprinkler head types, spacing, coverage, thermal response and protection of special hazards (storage, car parks, plant rooms).
• Piping, supports, valves, backflow prevention, and materials specification.
• Fire pumps, water storage, suction and delivery arrangements, and acceptance testing.
• Installation practices, site testing, commissioning procedures and acceptance documentation.
• Alarms, monitoring, automatic devices and interface with fire detection and alarm systems.
• Inspection, routine testing and maintenance responsibilities and documentation requirements.
• Design documentation, record-keeping and certification requirements for authorities having jurisdiction and owners.

Typical use and users

AS 2118.1:2017 is used by fire protection engineers and designers to develop compliant sprinkler system designs; by installation contractors and commissioning agents to install and test systems; by building owners, facility managers and maintenance teams for operation and upkeep; and by insurers and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to assess compliance with regulatory and insurance requirements.

Related standards

AS 2118.1 is part of the AS 2118 series. Commonly referenced related documents include other parts of the AS 2118 family (for example AS 2118.2 — Drenchers/wall-wetting sprinklers, AS 2118.3, AS 2118.4 — Residential, AS 2118.5 — Household systems, AS 2118.6 — Combined sprinkler and hydrant systems, AS 2118.8, AS 2118.9, AS 2118.10), as well as allied standards such as AS 2419.1 (fire hydrant installations), AS 1851 (maintenance of fire protection systems) and relevant local building codes and National Construction Code requirements.

Keywords

automatic sprinkler, fire sprinkler system, hydraulic design, fire protection, commissioning, installation, standards Australia, occupancy classification, fire pump, alarm monitoring

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS 2118.1:2017 is the Australian Standard that sets out general requirements for the design, installation and commissioning of automatic fire sprinkler systems for buildings.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers occupancy classification and hazard assessment, system selection (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge where applicable), hydraulic design criteria, component and piping requirements, water supplies and pumps, installation practices, commissioning, testing, documentation and routine inspection/maintenance expectations. It does not cover water mist systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fire protection engineers, sprinkler designers, installation and commissioning contractors, building owners and facility managers, insurers and authorities having jurisdiction use this standard to specify and verify compliant sprinkler systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 edition (AS 2118.1:2017) is the current base edition. It has been issued with subsequent amendments (notably Amendment 1 in 2017, Amendment 2 in 2020 and Amendment 3 in 2024) — users should confirm they are working to the latest amended text or any jurisdictional adoption in force at the time of design/installation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — AS 2118.1 is part of the AS 2118 series of standards covering automatic fire sprinkler systems; other parts address specific system types, residential sprinklers, combined sprinkler/hydrant systems, component installation and related topics.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Automatic sprinkler, fire protection, hydraulic design, commissioning, installation, occupancy classification, fire pump, system testing, Standards Australia.