Sprinklers- status of the LPC rules and BSEN12845

[kurnal]

Please can anyone explain the status of the LPC rules compared to BSEN 12845?

Approved document B refers to BSEN12845 whereas all the technical bulletins are part of the LPC rules. To comply with ADB do the technical bulletins apply? Is there a reason for the approved document not referring to the LPC rules? They refer to the LPC design guides in several areas but not for sprinklers.

Whilst generally the LPC technical bulletins clarify and amplify the BSEN, in some cases the amplification is  significant  eg  TB216 for aerosol storage cages where the BSEN is very non specific and does not give a maximum cage size below the AMAO, whereas the TB specifies a maximum cage size.

[wee brian]

AD B never has refered to the LPC rules. Thats not to say you cant use them. If you need some extra info.

Its probably to avoid falling fould of European restictions on imposing national measure on top of EN standards.

[kurnal]

Thanks Wee B.
Its more the other way- I have come across a new installation that complies with the minimum information in the BSEN, but does not comply with the additional info in the TB. In this case the requirement for sprinklers is partly a local act and mainly insurance requirement, but whilst I have pointed  out the discrepancy I wondered had the system been a requirement of the Building Regs could theTB standard be enforced?

[wee brian]

Its a bit untidy.

In theory, at least, if there was some doubt that the system would work then there is no reason why the BCB could not require compliance with a relevant TB.

If an insurer isnt insisting on the TBs then what hope is there?