It is where above ground vertical supply pipes (system risers) connect the water supply to the fire sprinkler system’s cross and/or feed mains and where the system’s pressure and water are monitored and controlled. These system risers contain the pressure gauges, control valves, water flow alarms, and main drains for the sprinkler system.

Riser rooms do not technically have to be true rooms, according to the IFC (International Fire Code). Still, there are regulations for the environment in which the fire sprinkler system’s risers are kept to ensure that the pipes remain sound, operational, and readily accessible.

The riser room provides one, easily identified, and accessible location for all of a facility’s fire sprinkler and fire protection equipment. It will often include most or all of the following:

How does ahot water recirculating pumpwork

As stated above, the riser room is essentially the control center for a building’s fire sprinkler system and plays a pivotal role in the overall fire protection of that facility.

Besides meeting NFPA standards, riser rooms must also comply with ICC’s International Building Code (IBC) and their International Fire Code (IFC), and unique and often more extensive requirements set by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). Your local codes may dictate what must be included or excluded from your property’s riser room.

Yet most take for granted where that life and property-saving water comes from and how it gets to those sprinklers in the first place:

Topics: Fire Protection, Fire Sprinkler Systems

The short answer to this question is: No. Neither the NFPA nor the ICC (International Code Council) requires that a proper riser room be provided for a fire sprinkler system’s risers. A system’s risers may be in a hallway or on the outside of a building. Where the reliance on a fire sprinkler system may not be as strong, a designated room may not be provided or necessary. However, if a riser room is provided, it must comply with ICC, NFPA, and local codes. More on that in a moment.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.

Hot watertank

Riser rooms serve the purpose of allowing maintenance workers and emergency personnel to quickly and easily access the fire sprinkler system’s controls for maintenance and emergency purposes.

Ultimately, all codes regulating the design and details of the fire sprinkler system riser room are intended to ensure the protection of the equipment and easy access for both maintenance and emergency personnel.

As previously stated, local ordinances and your AHJ will likely have further details and additional regulations for your facility’s riser room, and it is of utmost importance you work with your AHJ as you design your riser room. This will not only prevent you from being hit with fines but will also ensure the safety of your facility and those inside.

Hot water recirculating pumpinstallation diagram

If you need help designing or maintaining your fire sprinkler risers or riser room, Koorsen Fire & Security can help. With over 70 years of experience and highly trained technicians, they will ensure that your fire sprinkler system is operating at its best to keep your property and people safe. Give Koorsen a call today.

As many local codes provide more specific requirements that expand on NFPA, IBC (International Building Code) and IFC (International Fire Code) codes, you should check with your local AHJ to ensure that your property’s set up will pass requirements.

A properly designed, easily accessible, clearly marked riser room makes an enormous difference during an emergency and can be what prevents a small fire from becoming a life-altering tragedy.

Many of us are grateful for the overhead fire sprinkler systems that protect our workplaces, schools, places of worship, frequent shopping haunts, and more.