Overview
EN 14972-2:2026 is a European standard published by CEN that defines the test protocol for water mist systems with automatic nozzles in shopping areas and adjacent storage spaces. The standard is dedicated to fixed firefighting systems, specifically focusing on water mist technologies and their ability to control and suppress fire scenarios typical for retail environments. EN 14972-2 is applicable where there are horizontal, solid, flat ceilings at heights of 2.6 meters or above. Movable storage, such as racks or shelves, do not fall within its scope.
As shopping areas pose unique fire risks due to a combination of merchandise, storage configurations, and public occupancy, this standard supports both manufacturers and end users in evaluating and verifying fire suppression performance for these critical applications.
Key Topics
- Fire performance evaluation: Test methods and acceptance criteria for water mist systems in shopping and adjacent storage areas.
- Scope limitations: Applies only to installations under solid, flat, horizontal ceilings of at least 2.6 meters height; excludes movable racks and shelves.
- Test arrangements: Specification for both rack storage (ST5/ST6) and block storage (ST1) setups using defined fuel packages (cardboard boxes with polystyrene cups) under controlled conditions.
- Automatic nozzle systems: Only automatic, ceiling-mounted nozzle arrangements are tested according to detailed spacing and layout requirements.
- Reference performance comparison: Fire performance of water mist systems is referenced against conventional automatic sprinkler systems according to harmonized methods.
- Instrumentation and measurement: Includes the use of thermocouples, pressure sensors, and time logging to evaluate temperature, pressure, and event sequence during the tests.
- Test environment: Criteria for appropriate test hall dimensions, ventilation, and climate control to ensure repeatable and reliable test results.
Applications
EN 14972-2:2026 is vital for stakeholders involved in the design, installation, and approval of fire protection systems for shopping centers, retail stores, supermarkets, and attached storage areas. Practical implementation of this standard offers several key benefits:
- Regulatory compliance: Ensures fire protection installations meet recognized European performance benchmarks, facilitating approvals and certification.
- Risk mitigation: Helps owners and operators select water mist systems proven effective for real-world shopping area fire risks, protecting property and occupants.
- System validation: Provides manufacturers and system integrators with clear test protocols to verify product suitability and performance prior to market entry.
- Harmonization: Aligns testing requirements across Europe, supporting market access for suppliers and standardized acceptance by authorities.
- Quality assurance: Maintains a high level of safety by incorporating robust, repeatable testing procedures referenced against established sprinkler system benchmarks.
Shopping areas, adjacent storage rooms, archives, libraries, and other similar environments can utilize this standard for reliable evaluation and validation of water mist fire suppression technologies.
Related Standards
For comprehensive fire safety and system evaluation, the following related standards are typically referenced alongside EN 14972-2:
- EN 14972-1:2020 - Fixed firefighting systems - Water mist systems - Part 1: Design, installation, inspection, and maintenance
- EN 12845 - Fixed firefighting systems - Automatic sprinkler systems - Design, installation, and maintenance
- EN ISO/IEC 17025 – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
Additional parts of EN 14972 series address protocols for offices, hotels, garages, machinery, cable tunnels, kitchens, and more, further supporting industry-specific fire protection needs.
By adhering to EN 14972-2:2026, organizations foster safer retail environments, support effective system selection, and contribute to a harmonized approach to fire safety in European shopping areas.
