Bespoke Dry Riser Systems Designed to BS 9990:2015
When you’re developing a high-rise apartment block, a commercial site, or a complex mixed-use building, your fire safety infrastructure needs to be tailored with precision. A standard system won’t always deliver the flexibility or reliability that firefighters require. That’s where our expertise comes in.
Bespoke 4-Way Dry Riser Outlet (Pitcher Tee)
One of the key bespoke features we offer is the installation of 4-way dry riser outlet Pitcher Tee, commonly achieved using a pitcher tee configuration.
This allows multiple connection points for fire services, giving them increased capacity and control during emergency. In larger or more complex buildings, this can significantly improve response efficiency and water distribution.
These bespoke configurations are often required in:
Complex building layouts
Large-scale developments
Listed buildings (Grade I and Grade II)
Timber or sensitive structures where preserving the building fabric is critical
Note - bespoke dry riser items will require prior approval from the appropriate authorities.
Regular Dry Riser Outlet that will be connected on the 4 - way dry riser Pitcher Tee.
This is a regular flanged dry riser outlet valve, which can be used on most dry riser installations. These valves are in line with British Standard are manufactured using high quality materials.
Dry Riser Outlet Standard: CONFORMS TO BS5041 PART 2
Bespoke Finishes (Powder Coating)
In many modern or exposed installations, aesthetics is also high priority.
Dry riser pipework can be finished using bespoke powder coating, allowing systems to blend with the building’s design or architectural requirements.
Materials are sent to specialist manufacturers where they are coated to provide:
A quality finish
Additional corrosion resistance
Durability
We will be covering bespoke inlet and outlet cabinets in more detail in a future article. Of course, safety and compliance are never compromised.
Every system should be design and installed to the exact requirements of BS 9990:2015, the British Standard for non-automatic firefighting systems in buildings. From the correct siting of inlets and outlets, to ensuring reliable pressure and flow rates, to using high-quality materials that will stand the test of time, we make sure your system is both fully compliant and built to last.
Do I Need a Bespoke Dry Riser System?
The need for a bespoke dry riser system will depend on your building’s design and fire safety requirements.
Your local Fire Officer and Building Control will provide specific guidance on:
Whether a bespoke system is required
How it should be designed
What compliance measures must be met
Bespoke systems are typically required where standard designs cannot adequately support the building layout or fire safety strategy.
Regulations for Bespoke Dry Riser Systems (BS 9990:2015)
It is a legal requirement that any new dry riser should meet these standards. Don’t forget to comply with the following as a priority:
Dry risers should be installed in buildings where the floor is between 11 & 50 meters above ground level. This is roughly equivalent to buildings of between 3 – 17 storeys.
Operating pressure of 12 bar.
The run of horizontal connecting pipe is a maximum of 18 m in length.
Outlets should be located 800mm to the centre from finished floor for ease of access. This is a suitable height for firefighters to open and close the valve.
Design stage
Designs should be carried out in accordance with BS 9990:2015 and in line with your fire strategy proposal. The Breeching Inlet should be positioned within the external wall of a building and within 18 meters of fire appliance and visible. The connecting run should be no more than 18 metres, and should it exceed this distance, then hydraulic calculations should be carried out to ensure the system meets flow and pressure requirements.
Typically, breeching inlets and landing valves should be installed 800mm to its centre from the finished floor level. The bottom edge of all dry riser doors should be positioned between 400-600mm from finished floor level.
Further information surrounding BS9990:2015 can be found here.
Commissioning of Bespoke Dry Riser Systems
Dry riser testing and commissioning to bespoke systems is no different and it is essential to ensure the equipment is in good working order. The importance of a working dry riser cannot be underestimated. The Fire brigade depends on dry risers in their fight against fire. If they cannot quickly and easily access the equipment or if it is faulty, it may hamper their attempts to fight the fire so further endangers lives.
Once your bespoke dry riser installation is complete the contractor must provide a Certificate of Compliance to comply with BS 9990:2015. The Responsible Person must arrange for the dry riser to be maintained in line with BS9990. A visual inspection is required every 6 months, and a pressure test every 12 months.
Safety during the Bespoke Dry Riser installation
To ensure safety during the installation, it’s important that your contractor has the correct H&S policies and processes in place.
One of the leading H&S assessors recognised across the construction industry is CHAS accreditation.
CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) demonstrates that a company operates to strict health and safety standards and complies with current legislation. For the clients, this provides complete peace of mind that all work is carried out safely, professionally, and to a consistently high standard.
When installing dry riser systems, compliance is not only about meeting BS 9990:2015 requirements, it is equally important to ensure that all work on site is carried out safely, protecting both the workforce and the building.
An article will follow which will further explore H&S in construction.
Work With Specialists
Choosing Dry Riser One means working with a team of specialists who understand dry riser systems in detail.
We manage the full process, including:
Design
Installation
Testing
Ongoing maintenance (offering 5-year warranty contracts)
If your project requires a dry riser system that is both compliant and tailored to your building, speak to us today. We will help you create a bespoke solution that meets every requirement, fits your budget, and performs when it is needed most.
If you have any further questions or are unsure whether you require a bespoke system, please contact us at: enquiries@dryriserone.co.uk