Are Fire Sprinklers Now Mandatory in UK Care Homes?

Care homes house some of the most vulnerable people in society, which is why fire protection standards across the UK continue to tighten.However, England and Wales do not follow the same rules — and Wales has had stronger sprinkler legislation for over a decade.

This guide explains the current fire sprinkler regulations care homes UK, with clear, fact-checked guidance on both England and Wales.

Fire Sprinkler Requirements in Wales

Wales has some of the strictest fire sprinkler laws in the UK, driven by the Domestic Fire Safety (Wales) Measure 2011.

✅ Sprinklers ARE mandatory in all new and converted care homes in Wales

Since 2016, automatic sprinkler systems have been a legal requirement in:

• All new care homes

• Any care home created through a material change of use

• Any major conversion that brings a building into “care home” status

This applies regardless of building size, height, or number of residents.

The legislation behind this

• Domestic Fire Safety (Wales) Measure 2011

• Regulation amendments introduced from April 2014 and fully implemented by 2016

Wales was the first UK nation to introduce national-level sprinkler requirements for domestic and residential buildings — including care homes.

What standard applies in Wales?

Most Welsh care homes fall under:

• BS 9251:2021 (domestic & residential sprinkler systems)

Larger or more complex care homes may require:

• BS EN 12845 (commercial/industrial grade systems)

Fire Sprinkler Requirements in England

England’s regulations changed more recently, and do not mirror Wales.

As of 2 March 2025, England now requires sprinklers in:

• All new care homes, regardless of height

• Care homes undergoing certain rebuilds, major refurbishments, or conversions

• Projects designed to BS 9991:2024 (which references automatic suppression for care homes)

These requirements come from updates to Approved Document B and the introduction of BS 9991:2024.

Existing care homes in England

They are not automatically required to retrofit sprinklers, unless triggered by:

• A major refurbishment

• A change of use

• A fire risk assessment (FRA) identifying sprinklers as necessary for vulnerable residents

• Conditions set by local fire and rescue services

  
  

Comparison: England vs Wales

Requirement	Wales	England (2025 Update)
Sprinklers required in all new care homes?	Yes, mandatory since 2016	Yes, mandatory from 2 March 2025
Required in conversions?	Yes	Yes, if a material change of use occurs
Existing care homes required to retrofit?	No automatic requirement	No automatic requirement
Legal basis	Domestic Fire Safety (Wales) Measure 2011	Approved Document B 2025 amendments, BS 9991:2024
Typically used standards	BS 9251, BS EN 12845	BS 9251, BS EN 12845

Why Sprinklers Are Prioritised in Care Homes Across the UK

Care homes present elevated fire risks due to:

• Residents with mobility challenges

• Slower or assisted evacuation requirements

• Complex, multi-room layouts

• High staffing ratios during peak hours

• Increased nighttime vulnerability

Sprinklers massively reduce fire growth, smoke spread and evacuation pressure — making them one of the most effective life safety measures.

What Care Home Owners in Wales and England Should Do Now

1. Confirm which regulations apply to your nation

Wales and England operate under different building regulations frameworks.

2. Update your fire risk assessment

Your FRA must consider residents’ ability to self-evacuate — a common reason sprinklers are required even if not legally mandated.

3. Speak to a competent sprinkler contractor

A specialist will determine whether BS 9251 or BS EN 12845 is appropriate.

4. Review planned works

Any refurbishments in both England and Wales may trigger updated compliance duties.

5. Keep full documentation

Insurers and regulators require:

• Test logs

• Maintenance records

• Design and installation certificates

• Commissioning documents

Conclusion

Under the current fire sprinkler regulations care homes UK, sprinklers are:

• Mandatory in all new and converted care homes in Wales (since 2016)

• Mandatory in all new care homes in England (from March 2025)

Existing homes in both nations are not automatically required to retrofit systems, but many do so voluntarily for safety, insurance and compliance reasons.

If you operate a care home in Wales or England and need guidance on your obligations, Concept Fire Sprinklers can provide compliant system design, installation and maintenance tailored to your building. Get in touch today!