The History of Dry Risers
BS 9990:2015 is the current British Standard that covers the design, installation, testing and maintenance of dry riser systems. It sets out the requirements and guidance for ensuring dry risers in the UK are installed, tested and maintained correctly, helping building owners, managing agents and responsible persons meet their fire safety obligations.
But what about their origins? Where did dry riser systems begin, and how have they developed over time?
1950s
We can find evidence of dry riser systems all the way back to the 19th century. The first dry risers were introduced in the 1950s when high-rise buildings began to appear in our major city skylines. These early systems were relatively simple and consisted of basic vertical pipe configurations that ran through the building, typically with landing valves on each floor.
Following evolution, the system often lacked the necessity for high-performance firefighting. The pipes were essentially hollow, with water being pumped into them from an external source, but without any reliable process.
While these early systems provided a basic means of water delivery, they had some limitations in terms of flow rate, pressure regulation, and the ability to monitor system. So, the dry risers had to be improved.
1960s
As the building industry advanced, the design of dry riser systems had to follow. The 1960s and 1970s marked a period of significant improvement in both materials and mechanics. Valve design improved to provide more reliable operation. The non-return valves were introduced that helped maintain pressure and prevent backflow. This was the time when galvanised steel became the preferred material for pipes, offering greater durability, resistance to corrosion, and higher structural integrity. The improvements in valve mechanics and materials enhanced the overall reliability of the system, making it more capable of meeting the demands of larger, more complex buildings.
1970s (BS 5041)
BS 5041 was one of the earliest British Standards relating to dry riser equipment. This British Standard was mostly component explanatory. Overall, 1980s-1990s introduced a digital monitoring systems and stricter codes, it marked a further evolution in the dry riser system, with the introduction of digital monitoring technologies and stricter installation codes. The introduction of digital and automated monitoring systems allowed building managers, facility managers and fire services to track the status of dry riser systems. This development significantly improved maintenance practices by enabling predictive maintenance and timely repairs.
2000s (BS 9990:2015)
The latest major British Standard for dry risers is BS 9990:2015. This standard brought together clear guidance on the design, installation, testing and maintenance of non-automatic firefighting systems, including dry risers.
BS 5041 was one of the earlier British Standard series relating to fire hydrant systems equipment. Several parts were relevant to dry riser systems, including BS 5041-2:1987 for landing valves for dry risers, BS 5041-3:1975 for breeching inlets, BS 5041-4 for cabinets and landing valves, and BS 5041-5:1974 for cabinets for foam inlets and dry riser inlets. These standards were mainly component-focused, whereas BS 9990:2015 provided broader guidance covering the design, installation, testing and maintenance of complete non-automatic firefighting systems, including both wet and dry fire mains.
Since the introduction of BS 9990:2015, the UK has had clearer and more comprehensive guidance for the installation, testing and maintenance of non-automatic firefighting systems, including dry risers.
Key requirements of BS 9990:2015 include:
Dry risers are mandatory in buildings over 18 metres tall.
Cabinets must be positioned 400mm–600mm above the finished floor level.
If this placement is not possible, agreements with the local authority must be documented.
Inlet valves should be within 18 metres of the fire appliance and clearly marked.
Landing valves must be provided on each floor, and positioned 800mm above the floor.
Regular inspections and maintenance are required.
Visual inspections should be carried out every six months, with annual testing at 12 bar pressure.
Detailed records of tests, maintenance and repairs must be maintained.
2020s
The BSI standards development process follows six key stages: proposal, draft, public comments, comment resolution, approval and publication. The Draft for Public Comment ran until 5 April 2026 and is now closed. Dry Riser One Ltd participated in the DPC process, contributing during the public consultation stage before the standard moves through comment resolution, approval and final publication. Publication of the final BS 9990 standard is anticipated on 28 October 2026.
The British Standards Institution (BSI) will progress the draft through its FSH/18 Fixed firefighting systems committee. The draft will supersede BS 9990:2015. It will provide recommendations for non-automatic firefighting systems, including wet and dry fire mains. Additionally, it will cover good practice relating to their design, installation, testing and maintenance and will recognise the provision of fire mains as an essential element of fire protection in large and complex buildings.