In TS EN 12845+A2:2026 commissioning is Clause 19 and consists of two subheadings: 19.1 Commissioning tests (TS p.120 / EN p.117) and 19.2 Completion certificate and documents (TS p.121 / EN p.118). This article gives the structure of the clause as it stands, reproduces the test pressures and durations with their source, and summarises the informative Annex J measures that apply where the system is out of service during commissioning.
The structure of Clause 19
| Clause | Heading |
|---|---|
| 19.1 | Commissioning tests |
| 19.1.1 | Pipework |
| 19.1.1.1 | Dry pipework |
| 19.1.1.2 | All pipework |
| 19.1.2 | Equipment |
| 19.1.3 | Water supplies |
| 19.2 | Completion certificate and documents |
There is no 19.3 or 19.4 in Clause 19, and there is no flushing provision. Flushing connections are in Clause 15.6 (TS p.112 / EN p.109), and the standard gives no flushing velocity or flow rate.
19.1.1.1: Pneumatic test of dry pipework
The standard (TS p.120 / EN p.117): Dry pipework shall be tested pneumatically to a pressure of no less than 2.5 bar for no less than 24 h. Any leakage that results in a loss of pressure greater than 0.15 bar for the 24 h shall be corrected.
If climatic conditions do not allow the hydrostatic test specified in 19.1.1.2 to be carried out immediately after the pneumatic test, it should be carried out as soon as conditions permit.
| Quantity | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum test pressure | 2.5 bar |
| Minimum duration | 24 h |
| Maximum permitted pressure loss | 0.15 bar / 24 h |
19.1.1.2: Hydrostatic test of all pipework
The standard (TS p.120 / EN p.117): All installation pipework shall be hydrostatically tested for no less than 2 h, to a pressure of no less than 15 bar, or 1.5 times the maximum pressure to which the system will be subjected (both measured at the installation control valves), whichever is the greater.
Any faults disclosed, such as permanent distortion, rupture or leakage, shall be corrected and the test repeated.
Care shall be taken not to subject any system components to pressure higher than those recommended by the supplier.
| Quantity | Value |
|---|---|
| Test pressure | 15 bar or 1.5 × maximum system pressure (whichever is the greater) |
| Point of measurement | The installation control valves |
| Minimum duration | 2 h |
The standard gives no separate hydrostatic pressure or duration for underground pipework; 19.1.1.2 applies to "all installation pipework".
For comparison, the informative Annex K (TS p.162 / EN p.159) recommends, for the inspection after 25 years, that the pipework be thoroughly flushed and hydrostatically tested to the maximum static pressure or 12 bar, whichever is the higher. That is a different threshold from the commissioning test.
19.1.2: Equipment
The standard (TS p.120 / EN p.117): The system shall be tested once as specified in 20.2.2 and 20.3.2 (i.e. making the tests which will be made on a routine weekly and quarterly basis) and any faults shall be corrected.
The two test packages that Clause 19.1.2 effectively calls up are these:
Clause 20.2.2 Weekly routine (TS p.122-123 / EN p.119-120):
- 20.2.2.2: all water and air pressure gauge readings on installations, trunk mains and pressure tanks; all water levels in elevated private reservoirs, rivers, canals, lakes and water storage tanks (including pump priming water tanks and pressure tanks); the correct position of all main stop valves. NOTE: the pressure in the pipework in dry, alternate and pre-action installations should not fall at a rate of more than 1.0 bar per week.
- 20.2.2.3: each water motor alarm shall be sounded for no less than 30 s.
- 20.2.2.4: on automatic pump sets, the fuel and engine lubricating oil levels are checked; the water pressure on the starting device is reduced, simulating the condition of automatic starting; when the pump set starts, the starting pressure is checked and recorded; on diesel pumps, the oil pressure and the flow of cooling water through open circuit cooling systems are checked.
- 20.2.2.5: the engine is run for 20 min (or for the time recommended by the supplier), then stopped and immediately restarted using the manual start test button; the water level in the primary circuit of closed circuit cooling systems is checked. Oil pressure, engine temperatures and coolant flow are monitored throughout the test; the oil hoses are checked and a general inspection is made for leakage of fuel, coolant or exhaust fumes.
- 20.2.2.6: heating systems to prevent freezing in the sprinkler system are checked for correct function.
Clause 20.3.2 Quarterly routine (TS p.123-124 / EN p.120-121): review of the hazard; sprinklers, multiple controls and sprayers; pipework and pipe supports; water supplies and their alarms (each water supply is tested with each control valve set in the system and the supply pressure at the appropriate flow shall be no less than the appropriate value in accordance with Clause 10); electrical supplies; stop valves; flow alarms; spare parts.
19.1.3: Water supplies
The standard (TS p.120 / EN p.117): Water supplies shall be tested once as specified in 8.6, and diesel engine driven pumps shall be tested as specified in 20.2.2.5.
Clause 8.6.1 General (TS p.48 / EN p.45): the test facility specified in 8.5.2 shall be used. Each supply shall be tested independently, with all other supplies isolated. For both pre-calculated and fully calculated installations, the water supply shall be tested at least at the maximum demand flow of the installation.
Clause 8.6.2 Storage tank and pressure tank supplies (TS p.48 / EN p.45): the stop valves controlling the flow from the water supply to the installation shall be fully opened. Automatic pump set starting shall be checked by reducing the system pressure. The flow shall be verified in accordance with Clause 7. The supply pressure measured at the 'C' gauge shall be verified as being at least the appropriate value specified in Clause 7.
Clause 8.6.3 Town main, booster pump, elevated private reservoir and gravity tank supplies (TS p.49 / EN p.46): the stop valves shall be fully opened, automatic pump set starting shall be checked by reducing the system pressure, and the drain and test valve shall be adjusted to give the flow specified in Clause 7. Once the flow is steady, the supply pressure measured at the 'C' gauge shall be verified.
The test facility itself is defined in Clause 8.5 (TS p.47-48 / EN p.44-45): 8.5.1 requires sprinkler systems to be permanently provided with devices for measuring pressure and flow for checking compliance with 7.3 and Clause 10; pressure readings to be used for the pressure/flow test curve shall only be made by an accurate test gauge (± 1.6 %), and a minimum of three pressure/flow readings shall be carried out to create a test curve, plus a pressure reading with no flow. 8.5.2 requires the flow measuring device to be permanently installed at the pump house where the supply is by automatic pump sets, and 8.5.3 requires it to be permanently available on site (fixed or mobile) at the control valve sets where the supply is not by pumps, with facilities provided for the disposal of the test water.
19.2: Completion certificate and documents
The standard (TS p.121 / EN p.118): The installer of the system shall provide the user with the following:
- a completion certificate stating that the system conforms to all appropriate requirements of this standard, or giving details of any deviation from the requirements;
- a complete set of operating instructions and 'as-built' design documents, including identification of all valves and instruments used for testing and operation, together with a user's programme for inspection and checking (see 20.2) and a service and maintenance schedule (see 20.3).
The clause also contains a recommendation: unless other requirements exist in the jurisdiction of the installation, all installations, whether new or modified, should be inspected by a third party after completion, and the authorities should receive the resulting certificate of completion and the relevant design documents.
Apart from this, Clause 19.2 gives no item by item minimum content list for the certificate.
Its counterpart on the labelling side is Clause 18.2.7 (TS p.120 / EN p.117): all valves and instruments used for testing and operating the system shall be suitably labelled and the corresponding identification shall be included in the documentation.
While the system is out of service: Annex J
During commissioning, alteration and repair the system may not be fully operational. The informative Annex J (TS p.160-161 / EN p.157-158) gives the measures to be taken during that period.
J.1 Minimizing the effects (TS p.160 / EN p.157): maintenance, alterations and repair of systems which are not fully operational should be carried out so as to minimize the time and extent of non-operation. When an installation is rendered inoperative, the user should implement the following measures:
- a) The authorities and any central monitoring station should be informed.
- b) Alterations and repairs to an installation or its water supply (except where Annex F has been applied) should be carried out during normal working hours.
- c) Supervisory staff in the areas affected should be notified and the area should be patrolled continuously.
- d) Any hot work should be subject to a permit system. Smoking and naked lights should be prohibited in affected areas during the progress of the work.
- e) When an installation remains inoperative outside working hours, all fire doors and fire shutters should remain closed.
- f) Fire extinguishing appliances should be kept in readiness, with trained personnel available to handle them.
- g) As much as possible of the installation should be retained in an operative condition by blanking off the pipework feeding the part or parts where work is taking place.
- h) In the case of manufacturing premises, when the alterations or repairs are extensive, or it is necessary to disconnect a pipe exceeding 40 mm nominal diameter, or to overhaul or remove a main stop valve, alarm valve or non-return valve, every effort should be made to carry out the work while the machinery is stopped.
- i) Any pump set which is out of commission should be isolated by means of the valves provided.
- j) Where possible, parts of installations should be reinstated to provide some protection overnight by using blinders and blanks within the pipework; the blinders and blanks should be fitted with visible indicator tags, numbered and logged to aid timely removal.
J.2 Planned shut-down (TS p.160-161 / EN p.157-158): only the user should give permission for a sprinkler installation or zone to be shut down for any reason other than an emergency. Before a system is wholly or partly shut down, every part of the premises should be checked to ensure that there is no indication of fire.
J.3 Unplanned shut-down (TS p.161 / EN p.158): when an installation is rendered inoperative as a matter of urgency or by accident, the precautions in J.1 should be observed as far as they are applicable with the least possible delay. The authorities concerned should also be notified as soon as is possible.
J.4.1 Action following sprinkler operation (TS p.161 / EN p.158): following shut-down after operation of an installation, the operated sprinkler heads should be replaced by heads of the correct type and temperature rating, and the water supply restored. Unopened sprinklers around the area in which operation took place should be checked for damage by heat or other cause and replaced as necessary. The water to an installation or zone of an installation that has operated should not be shut off until all fire has been extinguished. The decision to shut down an installation or zone which has operated because of a fire should be taken only by the fire service. Components removed from the system should be retained by the user for possible examination by an authority.
Field note
The wording of Clause 19.1.2, "the system shall be tested once as specified in 20.2.2 and 20.3.2", takes the commissioning protocol out of the realm of a separate document: the weekly and quarterly routine forms are filled in for the first time at commissioning and the same forms are repeated throughout operation. This makes the commissioning records comparable with the maintenance records in the same format. (This paragraph is engineering commentary.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does EN 12845 define the hydrostatic test?
TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause 19.1.1.2 (TS p.120 / EN p.117): all installation pipework shall be hydrostatically tested for no less than 2 h, to a pressure of no less than 15 bar, or 1.5 times the maximum pressure to which the system will be subjected (both measured at the installation control valves), whichever is the greater. Any faults disclosed, such as permanent distortion, rupture or leakage, shall be corrected and the test repeated. Care shall be taken not to subject any system component to a pressure higher than that recommended by the supplier.
How is dry pipework tested?
Clause 19.1.1.1 (TS p.120 / EN p.117): dry pipework shall be tested pneumatically to a pressure of no less than 2.5 bar for no less than 24 h. Any leakage that results in a loss of pressure greater than 0.15 bar for the 24 h shall be corrected. If climatic conditions do not allow the hydrostatic test specified in 19.1.1.2 to be carried out immediately after the pneumatic test, it should be carried out as soon as conditions permit.
Does Clause 19 contain a flushing provision?
No. Clause 19.1 is headed 'Commissioning tests' and consists of three subclauses: 19.1.1 Pipework, 19.1.2 Equipment, 19.1.3 Water supplies. Flushing connections are governed by Clause 15.6 (TS p.112 / EN p.109), and the standard gives no flushing velocity or flow rate.
What does the completion certificate contain?
Clause 19.2 (TS p.121 / EN p.118) requires the installer to provide the user with a completion certificate stating that the system conforms to all appropriate requirements of the standard, or giving details of any deviation from the requirements; and a complete set of operating instructions and 'as-built' design documents, including identification of all valves and instruments used for testing and operation, together with a user's programme for inspection and checking (see 20.2) and a service and maintenance schedule (see 20.3).
Can hot work be carried out while the system is out of service?
Annex J.1 d) (informative, TS p.160 / EN p.157): any hot work should be subject to a permit system. Smoking and naked lights should be prohibited in affected areas during the progress of the work. Hot work is therefore not prohibited but made subject to a permit; what is prohibited is smoking and naked lights.
References
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clauses 19.1.1.1, 19.1.1.2, 19.1.2, 19.1.3 (TS p.120 / EN p.117)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause 19.2 Completion certificate and documents (TS p.121 / EN p.118)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause 18.2.7 Testing and operating devices (TS p.120 / EN p.117)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause 8.5.1 Test facility devices (TS p.47-48 / EN p.44-45)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clauses 8.5.2, 8.5.3, 8.6.1, 8.6.2 (TS p.48 / EN p.45)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause 8.6.3 (TS p.49 / EN p.46)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause 15.6 Flushing connections (TS p.112 / EN p.109)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause 20.2.2 Weekly routine (TS p.122-123 / EN p.119-120)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Clause 20.3.2 Quarterly routine (TS p.123-124 / EN p.120-121)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Annex J (informative), J.1 and J.2 (TS p.160 / EN p.157)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Annex J, continuation of J.2, J.3, J.4.1 (TS p.161 / EN p.158)
- TS EN 12845+A2:2026 Annex K (informative) (TS p.162 / EN p.159)
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Download MEP Calc on the App StoreTS EN 12845+A2:2026 (EN 12845:2015+A2:2026) Fixed firefighting systems — Automatic sprinkler systems — Design, installation and maintenance; TS EN 12845-2:2025 (EN 12845-2:2024) ESFR and CMSA sprinkler systems. Every figure in this article is taken from the published standard text; clause, table and page references are listed under References. General information only, not a substitute for the standard or for a design review.