SEISMIC PROTECTION OF SPRINKLER INSTALLATIONS AS COMPONENTS OF FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
With the newly published CEN/TS 17551 standard, the seismic protection of fire sprinkler installations is becoming mandatory.
In our country, where active fault lines and first-degree earthquake zones are widespread, the Building Earthquake Code, finalized and published in 2018, has provided a detailed, world-class regulation for the seismic protection of buildings and structural elements. However, as observed after earthquakes both in Türkiye and worldwide, even in cases where there is no structural damage, non-structural building systems (such as fire suppression systems, ventilation systems, etc.) can suffer serious damage. These earthquake-triggered failures can lead to significant loss of life and property.
For example, according to a report published by the Kobe Fire Department following the 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan, 41% of buildings without structural damage experienced damage to their fire sprinkler systems, rendering them inoperable.
If existing fire suppression systems are not properly protected during an earthquake—specifically through seismic bracing systems (rigid seismic bracing) in accordance with applicable regulations—it is inevitable that these systems will be damaged and become unusable. This situation directly contributes to increased loss of life and property.
In recent years, efforts have been intensified in Türkiye to emphasize the importance and priority of protecting non-structural elements (fire sprinkler systems, ventilation systems, etc.) against earthquakes through seismic bracing (seismic hangers). Especially for projects such as city hospitals, schools, and strategically important industrial facilities, specific technical specifications and applications are increasingly being required in both public and private investments.
The study initiated by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) was completed in January 2021 and published in March 2021 under the title CEN/TS 17551 – Seismic Protection Standards for Fire Sprinkler Systems.
Within the scope of CEN/TS 17551, which member countries—including Türkiye—are obliged to declare in accordance with the provisions of the CEN International Agreement, the requirements for the seismic protection of fire sprinkler systems and fixed fire suppression installations are defined.
What Will Change with CEN/TS 17551?
First of all, it should be noted that until now, there has unfortunately been no written and binding standard in Türkiye specifically addressing seismic protection for fire sprinkler systems. With the introduction of CEN/TS 17551, the following requirements for fire sprinkler installations become mandatory:
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Limitation of sprinkler systems with seismic bracing against earthquake loads and differential movements that may occur during an earthquake;
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Increasing the flexibility of the entire system to accommodate these loads and movements;
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Providing the necessary clearance distances between sprinkler pipes and walls, floors, and other structural elements;
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Using anchoring and fixing elements resistant to seismic loads to prevent overturning, sliding, or separation;
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Using appropriate pipe jointing methods to prevent potential leaks and discharges;
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Calculating the required seismic loads and seismic bracing in accordance with CEN/TS 17551, and designing fire sprinkler system projects within the framework of the relevant standards.
Details regarding the above topics and calculations are explained comprehensively in the various sections of CEN/TS 17551.
One of the most important points emphasized throughout the standard is the protection of fire sprinkler systems—critical after an earthquake—against seismic loads using appropriate, standardized methods.
Previously in Türkiye, seismic bracing applications for non-structural systems were generally based on non-mandatory American-origin standards such as IBC (International Building Code), NFPA 13, or FM (Factory Mutual Loss Prevention Data Sheet 2.8). These standards were used on a voluntary basis and, as mentioned earlier, did not carry any binding legal obligation.
Türkiye became a full member of CEN and CENELEC in 2012, and standardization activities conducted within these organizations are followed by Mirror Technical Committees (MTC) established by TSE. Published standards can therefore be adopted as Turkish Standards.
With the newly published CEN/TS 17551 standard, to which Türkiye is a party, it has now become mandatory to:
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Perform the necessary engineering and seismic load calculations for fire sprinkler systems,
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Prepare seismic bracing designs in compliance with the standard, and
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Implement these designs accordingly.
This marks a significant step forward in ensuring the operational continuity and safety of fire sprinkler systems before, during, and after seismic events.