Key Dry Riser Requirements
If you have been told that you require a dry riser in your building or your current dry riser doesn’t meet the latest British standards and your unsure where to start, we have listed a few key dry riser requirements you should take in to consideration and the most common questions we receive.
What distance does my external box have to be from the road and can in be on the inside of my building?
Your inlet breaching valve should be situated in a prominent position and no more than 18 metres away from fire brigade access point.Dependent on your building design you can have the breaching box internally as long as it meets the 18 metre rule and you get it passed of by building control.
Do I require Landing valves on every floor?
British standards say yes you do including ground floor, unless Building control are happy to leave out the ground floor valve, which is usually when the fire brigade access point is less than 45 metres to the furthest point in the furthest room in the building.
I can’t core holes due to structural issues?
Dry risers can be installed externally on the outside of a building, with holes only required through the brick rather than the slab.
How many dry risers do I need in my building?
Dry risers should be no more than 45 metres apart, unless you have a sprinkler system then it’s 60 metres.
I have a sprinkler system do i still need a dry riser?
Yes, sprinklers are mainly installed within apartments or office spaces and don’t always cover communal areas, both systems work hand in hand. Dry risers also have the ability to give out a higher volume of water when required.
Does my dry riser have to be in a standard dry riser cabinet?
Not necessarily, if you lack space and require the dry riser to be installed within a cupboard area with other services this is ok, as long as it is in a suitable position with correct signage.
How much space do I need for a dry riser?
The pipework itself is 114mm, with a standard male valve from the back of pipe to the front edge of the valve is 450mm. This can be reduced using Right angled flanged valves.
Does my dry riser need to be within a fire enclosure?
Yes, the position of the dry riser should ideally be within the fire lobby area or similar location, and any holes or penetrations made to allow for installation should have fire collars or sealant installed.
Who certifies the system?
The company who installed the dry riser should pressure test to 12 bar of water for a minimum of 15 minutes, then issue you with certification. On going maintenance should be carried out from date of commissioning, with a 6 monthly visual inspection and 12 mostly hydraulic pressure test.
If you have any more queries or we haven’t answered any off your questions please feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to give you some friendly advise.
