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Last Revised: January 1998

JOINT MFB/MCC GUIDELINE 010 - Design and

Installation of Wall Wetting Systems
1. Scope
This document has been prepared as a basis for engineers and designers to provide guidance on the
design and installation of automatic wall wetting sprinkler systems.

2. Introduction
Wall wetting sprinkler systems are utilised where the proximity of new or existing structures to a fire
source feature are inadequate to satisfy the requirements of the Building Code of Australia, Part C3
or where inferior walls (ie, those not meeting the FRL requirements of the regulations) are installed.
Wall wetting systems provide a deemed to comply fire resistance level on an inferior wall required to
be fire rated by the regulations. The inferior wall may be constructed of any material, however, wall
wetting systems incorporating glazed construction are the most commonly installed. The fire
resistance level is achieved by the action of water delivered onto the inferior wall so as to provide a
constant flow of water across the surface of the wall.
The Building Code of Australia Part C3 requires such openings to be protected by internal or
external wall wetting sprinklers. The protection of inferior walls is normally part of a modificaion or
dispensation process. The Building Code of Australia does not specify any details of wall wetting
sprinklers and the application of AS 2118.2 for these systems is inappropriate. As a result, there has
not previously been a consistent approach to the installation of these systems.

3. Objectives
The principal objective of this guideline is to provide a practical reference document for designers
and regulators for use in the design and installation of wall wetting systems. This specification does
not replace the process of obtaining regulatory approval for the provision of wall wetting systems. In
addition, this paper aims to ensure that the primary fire protection systems to which the wall wetting
system is connected are not compromised by the design.
Where modification or dispensation has been granted requiring the use of wall wetting systems, the
Building Control Branch of the City of Melbourne and the Fire Safety Department of the
Metropolitan Fire Brigade will support the use of systems designed and installed in accordance with
this document.

4. Background
Many papers exist which indicate the suitability of glass wall wetting systems, however a proven
method of construction or test has not been developed. Appendix A contains a bibliography of the
papers researched for this guideline in an effort to standardise some of the systems used in these
tests.
When exposed in a fire, glass characteristically fails due to either:
a) Radiant heat induced failure; or
b) Direct flame contact induced failure.

© Metropolitan Fire & Emergency Services Boards Structural Fire Safety Ph. (03) 9420 3874
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During radiant heat exposure, differing radiation levels cause internal stresses and differing thermal
expansion of the glass surface. Failure can occur when temperature differences are as low as
approximately 40oC. In wall wetting systems, sprinkler heads are designed to activate and fully wet
the surface before radiation effects cause glass failure. Water flow then maintains the glass at a
constant temperature thus maintaining the smoke and heat barrier.
However, where direct flame contact is made with the glass, thermal shock causing stresses between
the hot and cool side of the glass occurs. This causes rapid cracking and failure of the glass
irrespective of whether or not general heating has taken place. Increased glass thickness may
accelerate this type of failure. In this instance, heat build up will not be sufficient to activate the
sprinkler head and the smoke and heat barrier integrity is immediately compromised. This
characteristic has been highlighted in a number of tests.
Glass wall wetting systems are not suitable for all applications and a proven reliable method of
constructing a satisfactory glass wall wetting system has not been developed. In particular, the fire
load adjacent to the glass wall has a substantial impact on the effectiveness of this type of system to
achieve its objectives. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade and City of Melbourne therefore make no
representations or otherwise as to the effectiveness of glass wall wetting systems to withstand the
effects of fire for the required period of time.

5. Construction Of Glazing Walls

Glass walls shall be toughened safety glass or wired safety glass with a minimum thickness of 10
mm or equivalent. The glass shall be held in place with steel framing and incorporate a gasket or
silicon system which permits the framing to deflect sufficiently without causing glass failure.
The glass shall be installed to provide a flush vertical surface over the total wall area. The maximum
permitted depth of transoms, mullions or other projections is 20 mm to ensure adequate water run
down over the glass. Where frames exceeding this dimension are required to divide glass walls,
additional sprinkler heads shall be positioned to ensure all areas of the glass are fully wetted upon
activation of the sprinklers. If necessary, tests should be undertaken to determine the performance of
wall wetting systems which vary from these requirements.
Glass walls shall be constructed to provide a smoke proof barrier between the floor and ceiling.
Ceiling spaces above the glass wall shall have a barrier constructed to provide a FRL of not less than
60/60/_.
Any doors in the wall shall be self closing smoke or fire doors complying with the Building Code of
Australia. Window furnishings which inhibit the application of water are not permitted between the
sprinkler head and the glass wall.

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6. Specification
6.1 Introduction
Wall wetting systems may be installed internally or externally. It is therefore important for the
sprinklers to be located on the correct side of the glazing; ie. on the side from which protection is
required. Internal protection is intended to prevent the fire transferring from the subject building or
compartment, while external protection is intended to protect the building from fire from another
source. The appropriate design choice is dependent upon each application and should be discussed
with the relevant Regulatory Authority.
The wall wetting system may be designed in accordance with the following options:
a) As part of an installed AS 2118.1 automatic fire sprinkler system;
b) As part of the installed fire hydrant system;
c) With a dedicated pipe reticulation system incorporating a separate tapping;
d) Utilising a combined domestic and wall wetting tapping.
The water supply requirements for each system configuration is detailed within Section 7.

6.2 General
Section 6.2 applies to all wall wetting systems. The provisions contained herein are designed on the
basis of linear flooding rates which allow for water run down on the vertical surface of the wall.
Where the height of the inferior wall exceeds one (1) storey, sprinkler heads are required to be
located at every storey.
6.2.1 Sprinkler heads shall be positioned not greater than 300 mm from the wall requiring
protection. The wall wetting system shall be designed to achieve the following discharge rates:
a) 5 l/min per lineal metre of wall for an internal wall wetting system where an automatic fire
sprinkler system in accordance with AS 2118.1 is installed throughout the building; or
b) 10 l/min per lineal metre where the building is not protected by an AS 2118.1 sprinkler system,
or where the wall wetting sprinklers are located externally.
6.2.2 Two (2) types of sprinkler heads are permitted:
a) Conventional pendant sprinkler heads, where it shall be assumed that 45% of the sprinkler
discharge is directed at the wall. The sprinkler heads shall be positioned 2 m to 3 m apart.
b) Pendant sidewall sprinkler heads, where it shall be assumed that 90% of the sprinkler
discharge is directed at the wall. The sidewall sprinkler heads shall be positioned 2 m to 4 m
apart.
Sprinkler heads shall be nominal 15 mm orifice and shall be mounted such that the deflector is level
or a maximum of 100 mm below the top of the wall or glazing.

6.3 Internal wall wetting systems in sprinklered premises

Where the building is fully sprinkler protected in accordance with AS 2118.1, the wall wetting
system may be directly connected to the sprinkler system. In this case, the assumed area of operation
for the combined sprinkler and wall wetting system shall be the most hydraulically disadvantaged
area in accordance with AS 2118.1. For the purposes of this calculation, the water applied to the
inferior wall shall not form part of the design density of discharge required by AS 2118.1.
If conventional heads are utilised, additional wall wetting sprinklers need not be installed provided
the dimensions and discharge requirements specified are achieved.
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6.4 Internal wall wetting systems in unsprinklered premises

Sprinkler heads shall be positioned 2 m to 3 m apart, and not greater than 300 mm from the wall
requiring protection.
The wall wetting system shall be designed to achieve a discharge of 10 l/min per linear meter,
assuming 45% water application for conventional pendant heads and 90% application for pendant
sidewall heads. Water supply configuration shall comply with Section 6. The wall wetting system
shall be designed to achieve, at the most hydraulically disadvantaged length of wall, the assumed
length of wall of operation given in Table 6.3 below:

Hazard classification in accordance with AS 2118.1 Length of wall of operation (m)

Light Hazard 20
Ordinary Hazard Category I 20
Ordinary Hazard Category II 30
Ordinary Hazard Category III 45
Any Higher Hazard Class 60
Table 6.3 - Length of wall of operation

6.5 External wall wetting systems

Sprinkler heads shall be positioned between 2 m and 3 m apart, or above each individual window
(provided each window is not greater than 3m in width) as applicable. Each sprinkler head shall be
provided with a heat collector plate of not less than 200 mm diameter. The head shall be not greater
than 80 mm from the wall requiring protection so as to minimise the effects of wind on the
application of water. The sprinkler deflector shall be located such that it is level with the top of the
glass or wall. The system shall be designed to achieve a discharge of 10 l/min per linear metre,
assuming 45% water application for conventional pendant heads and 90% application for pendant
sidewall heads.
The assumed area of operation for external wall wetting systems is based upon the fire source feature
which is adjacent. Approval should be obtained from the relevant Regulatory Authority before
proceeding with the design. Water supply configurations shall comply with Section 7.

7. Water Supply Arrangements

The following water supply arrangements provide options for the water source of the wall wetting
system, except where installed as part of the automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with
section 6.2 of this document.
7.1 Connection to fire hydrant mains
Wall wetting systems may be connected to the installed fire hydrant system provided the following
conditions are met:
1. An isolation valve is required where the wall-wetting system connects to the hydrant mains
and this valve must be:
a) strapped and locked in the open position;
b) marked to identify the purpose of the valve;
c) connected to any supervisory circuit or fire indicator panel installed in the building;
d) located in a position approved by the Chief Officer.

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2. The minimum capability of the water supply must allow for the simultaneous operation of
the wall wetting system as determined in the relevant section of this document and the
hydrant demand required in accordance with AS 2419.1.

7.2 Independent mains connection

Wall wetting systems may be connected directly to towns mains via a dedicated pipe reticulation
system provided a readily accessible isolating valve is installed in a prominent location approved by
the regulatory Authority. This valve must be:
a) strapped and locked in the open position;
b) marked to identify the purpose of the valve;
c) connected to any supervisory circuit or fire indicator panel installed in the building; and
d) located in a position approved by the relevant building surveyor.
For design purposes, the water characteristics at the towns main shall be taken as the minimum static
conditions, 67% of the maximum static conditions or that which is available 95% of the time as
determined by the relevant water supply authority.
Valving and tapping arrangements shall comply with the requirements of the relevant Water Supply
Authority.
Approval should be obtained from the relevant Regulatory Authority to determine water supply
arrangements where pumps and/or tanks are necessary to achieve the design requirements.

7.3 Combined domestic tapping

Wall wetting systems may utilise a towns main tapping combined with the domestic reticulation
system provided the following conditions are met:
a) The tapping configuration complies with the Building Code of Australia Specification E1.2
Figure 2;
b) The towns main tapping size shall be determined by adding the domestic demand (determined
in accordance with AS 3500) to the wall wetting demand, but in any case shall not be less than
32 mm diameter.
For design purposes, the water characteristics at the towns main shall be taken as the minimum static
conditions, 67% of the maximum static conditions or that which is available 95% of the time as
determined by the relevant water supply authority.
Valving and tapping arrangements shall comply with the requirements of the relevant Water Supply
Authority.

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8. Approval Requirements
Building approval via the modification or dispensation process is necessary for the use of wall
wetting systems in lieu of walls with the required fire resistance level. The following details shall be
submitted for the approval of the relevant Regulatory Authority prior to installation:

a) Detailed installation drawings (scale 1:100 or as approved);

b) System configuration;
c) Glazing construction;
d) Whether the building is sprinkler protected;
e) AS 2118.1 hazard classification;
f) The assumed length of wall of operation;
g) Total wall wetting system proposed;
h) Type of sprinkler head to be used;
i) Schematic diagram of the wall wetting system;
j) Hydraulic analysis of the design proving available water supply and required discharge density.

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9. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Glazings against fire;

W. Klein

Drencher installations in buildings;

City of South Melbourne

The use of conventional pendant pattern sprinkler heads as wall wetting sprinklers;
J.F. Kennedy, M.P. Delany

Water drenching of tempered glass used to attenuate radiant heat;

Technical Record 498, EBS

Fire tests on window assemblies protected by automatic sprinklers;

J.K. Richardson, I. Oleszkiewicz

The use of drenchers to provide fire protection to glazing;

A.M. Porter, J.R. Barnfield

Glass and glazing systems;

S. Howe

Fire endurance of sprinklered glass walls;

D. Beason

Fire exposure of glazing;

A.K. Kim

The effect of water flow rate on the protection of fire rated window assemblies;
G.D. Lougheed, A.K. Kim, G.P. Crampton

The effects of sprinkler location and activation time on the protection of glazing systems;
A.K. Kim, B.C. Taber

A new use for sprinklers: protecting window assemblies;

Andrew K. Kim