Stuart Lloyd, will conduct this webinar on July 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. EST.

Program Description

This session provides a deep dive into the evolving landscape of global ESFR (Early Suppression Fast Response) sprinkler installation rules, drawing on Stuart Lloyd’s extensive experience as a committee member for NFPA 13, EN 12845, and UK LPC standards, as well as cutting-edge research from the Property Insurance Research Group (PIRG) and NFPA. Participants will explore how ESFR design schemes are developed, the risks of relying on engineering judgment outside defined standards, and the importance of understanding the pace and scope of updates across international codes. The session will highlight critical lessons from past and current design shifts, the need for extra protective measures beyond base design tables, and the ongoing global research shaping the future of ESFR system performance.

This program is designed for fire protection engineers, designers, consultants, insurers, AHJs, and other professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of the complexities, commonalities, and evolving differences in ESFR sprinkler system application worldwide.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain how ESFR (Early Suppression Fast Response) sprinkler design schemes are developed, including the role of fire testing, manufacturer competition, and system limitations.
  2. Recognize why engineering judgment should not be used to override or deviate from established ESFR design standards and understand the risks of noncompliance.
  3. Identify key changes and removed design approaches in NFPA 13 (2016–2019) and compare them to local or regional standards that may still retain outdated methods.
  4. Describe the importance of applying additional design measures—such as FM Global-derived requirements like the “9/10 heads” rule—to enhance system reliability beyond minimum design tables.
  5. Compare how different international standards (NFPA 13, EN 12845, UK LPC) update at varying paces, and discuss how to address gaps or inconsistencies by engaging with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), insurers, and technical consultants.
  6. Appreciate the ongoing role of global research (e.g., PIRG/NFPA projects) in informing ESFR system improvements and anticipate how future findings may shape evolving standards and best practices.

Stuart is the Global Practice Leader for Fire Protection at Zurich. He spent 15 years in the active fire protection system industry before joining Zurich UK in 2003.

He is a committee member of NFPA 13 (Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria), the EN 12845 working group and the UK’s RISCAuthority LPC rules committee. Beyond sprinklers, he participates in other UK and European fire protection system standards committees, he is a member of BAFSA and EFSN technical committees and the BRE Global fire suppression liaison group. Stuart is also a Zurich representative at NFPA Research Foundation (PIRG) meetings.

 

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