Current UK fire alarm regulations state that all business premises must have 'an appropriate fire detection system'. That means that if there is a fire, there needs to be a way for that fire to be easily detected and occupants can be warned.
The results of a fire risk assessment will be different for all businesses. However, reports from the Fire & Rescue Service show that 85% of SMEs that have experienced a fire cease trading within 18 months. This means that taking necessary action now, to protect your business in the future, could make a big difference.

Automatic fire sprinkler systems represent a crucial component of active fire protection. Research conducted by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has demonstrated that sprinklers successfully operated as intended in 94% of fire incidents in both residential and non-residential structures, managing to control or extinguish fires in 99% of cases.
Despite the mounting evidence showcasing the effectiveness of sprinkler systems, the United Kingdom seems to be lagging behind its European counterparts in terms of comprehensive regulation concerning sprinklers.

- When are fire sprinklers required in Commercial Buildings:
Understanding the UK legislation surrounding the necessity of fire sprinklers in commercial buildings can be somewhat challenging. The guidance stipulates those businesses occupying buildings with a fire area of 20,000 square meters or more, which are not compartmentalized, are legally obligated to have a sprinkler system in place. For smaller businesses, the guidelines may seem less clear.
It's worth noting that all UK businesses employing more than five people or open to the public are required by law to conduct a fire risk assessment for their premises. Based on the findings of this assessment, a business may be advised to install tailored fire sprinkler systems, even if there is no specific legal requirement or fire safety mandate necessitating sprinkler installations in commercial establishments.
This inconsistency was brought to light in 2018 by the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety led by Dame Judith Hackett. The review emphasized that the regulatory system was "not fit for purpose" and suggested that England's sprinkler laws were falling behind those in Europe, where some countries now mandate sprinkler systems for commercial spaces as small as 3,000 square meters.

- When are fire sprinklers required in Residential Buildings:
Prior to 2020, statutory guidance in England recommended the installation of sprinkler systems only in buildings taller than 30 meters constructed since 2007. Existing high-rise structures were required to install sprinkler systems if there was a fundamental change in the structure or use of the building.

However, in May 2020, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities introduced amendments to the guidance through Approved Document B (fire safety) volume 1. These amendments revised the height requirement for sprinklers, stating that "blocks of flats with a top storey more than 11 meters above ground level should have a sprinkler system installed throughout the building."
These sprinkler systems must adhere to BS 9251 (or BS EN 12845 for residential blocks of flats not covered by BS 9251). BS 9251 is the British Standard for installing sprinkler systems and includes various building types like individual dwellings, houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs), boarding houses, blocks of flats, and residential care premises.
Currently, there is no legal obligation for existing buildings constructed before 2007 to install potentially life-saving sprinklers. There is also a lack of comprehensive guidance regarding sprinklers in newly constructed schools, with the Fire Protection Association (FPA) expressing concerns about the Department for Education's proposed changes to Building Bulletin 100: Fire Safety Design for Schools.

Fire sprinklers are highly effective at controlling and often extinguishing fires. Studies have shown that they can reduce the risk of death by approximately 80% and significantly reduce property damage.

Fire sprinklers release a relatively small amount of water, and they are designed to target the fire source. While some water damage may occur, it is usually far less than the damage caused by an uncontrolled fire or firefighting efforts.

Yes, it is possible to retrofit fire sprinklers in existing buildings. However, the feasibility and cost can vary depending on the structure and its intended use.

Fire sprinklers should be inspected and maintained regularly according to standard and manufacturer recommendations. This typically involves inspections by approved professionals.

The cost of installing fire sprinklers can vary widely depending on factors such as building size, design, and complexity. While there is an initial cost, it's important to consider the potential savings in lives and property protection.

Depending on the type of system, most Fire sprinklers are designed to respond to heat, not smoke or minor temperature fluctuations. The chances of accidental activation are very low.

Typically, the building owner or manager is responsible for ensuring fire sprinklers are properly maintained and inspected.

Penalties for non-compliance can vary, but they often include fines and legal action. Non-compliance can also result in increased insurance premiums and increased risk in case of a fire.

Yes, there are various types of fire sprinkler systems, including wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge systems. The choice depends on the specific needs of the building and risk.

Some fire sprinkler systems are town’s main fed and do not rely on electricity. However, there are also electrically operated systems with backup power supplies to ensure functionality during outages.
Sprinkler systems in this category should be ‘provided with a back-up power supply and automatic changeover functionality’. This means two power supplies should feed the sprinkler system. A mains supply as the primary power source, and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as a secondary power source, with an automatic transfer switch to transfer the load from mains to UPS in the event of a mains power failure while the sprinkler is in use.
Since the Grenfell tragedy in 2017, a lot of money has been spent on making high-rise buildings safer for their residents and those in the building. This has largely been achieved through regulatory updates surrounding life safety equipment.
A reliable power supply is critical during an emergency as most life safety systems are reliant upon electricity to operate. A drop or fluctuation in power could result in the failure of these life-critical systems resulting in a risk to life.

You can find information on fire sprinklers and related regulations from local fire authorities, building control departments, and fire safety organizations in the UK.