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The Class 1 Freshwater System

Endorsed by KIWA and adopted in the Benelux countries, the Class 1 combination system, also know as the Freshwater System, is essentially a plumbing network of interlinking pipes feeding all water fixtures and domestic sprinkler heads in a given dwelling.

Water travels round the system each time a fixture draws from the pipe work, eliminating the risk of stagnation in any of the pipes. All components must also have Class 1 WRAS approval and pressures are hydraulically calculated and proven.

Under the proposed British Standard (DD251) for residential fire sprinkler systems Class 2 installations must be serviced every 12 months. This entails running the system at full pressure for a minimum of 10 minutes, which, although diligent, is a waste of water resources. There are also the issues of the disposal of the stagnant water.

The freshwater system is an altogether more environmentally conscious choice. It's availability would further the aims of The Environmental Agency which encourages a more efficient use of water by the public.

Key Benefits of the Class 1 Combination System

• Lower health risks for the occupants. Class 1 (wholesome) drinking water is maintained throughout the dwelling, without the risk of discharge of unwholesome water.
• Lower health risks for the community. The system circumvents concerns about check valves in class 2 sprinkler systems, and minimises fire-water impact.
• Cost effective. Due to the integration of the sprinkler supply and domestic water distribution, installation costs are rationalised. Such cost effectiveness is key to the market acceptance of residential sprinklers.
• Continually checked. Maintenance and testing of the water supply of the water supply to the sprinkler heads is minimised, since every use of a water appliance verifies water pressure. Pressurised water at any fixture within the network indicates pressurised water to all fire sprinkler heads.
• Environmentally responsible. The freshwater system is greener. Potentially hazardous to health, water in Class 2 systems will be required to be replenished every 12 months. Tanks must be emptied and cleaned and old water disposed.
• Less Pollution. As with other sprinkler systems, it takes far less water to put out a fire in it's initial stages, than one that has already taken hold. The acceptance of the freshwater system will have a beneficial impact on the environment in terms of reducing water usage and minimising the pollution effects of fire.
• Better plumbing system. Not only is it self-flushing, the system is installed to a calculated design drawing in which all pressures are known. Plumbing fixtures are therefore supplied with water at a guaranteed pressure, designed with sprinkler head requirements in mind.
• Industry Standards Not Compromised. At water authority level, officials may be granting relaxations in bye-laws in relation to Class 2 sprinkler systems due to compelling personal grounds, unaware that the Class 1 integrated system exists. The Class 1 system protects life but does not compromise Water Authority standards in any way by exposing the public to health risks.