Understanding the Transition from BS 8458 to EN 14972-17

Guidance from iCO^®

What it means for Water Mist and System Compliance.

A new European testing standard for water mist fire suppression EN 14972-17:2025 has just been published. As a result, the British Standard BS 8458:2015 is being formally withdrawn. This may sound concerning at first, but here’s what you need to know:

What it means:

EN 14972-17 is a new European standard that sets out how residential watermist systems should be tested.
Because the UK is part of the European standards body (CEN), BSI is obliged to withdraw the older BS 8458 now that the EN version has been released.

What it doesn’t mean:

It does not mean that systems designed, installed, or approved under BS 8458 are invalid.
It does not mean that water mist systems like iCO^® are suddenly noncompliant.
It does not mean there is a legal requirement to switch to EN14972-17 unless specifically required by a building control body or other regulator.

Guidance from the BSI

Direct from the British Standards Institution (BSI):

“It should not be inferred simply from the withdrawal of BS 8458:2015 that products manufactured to the standard or certification schemes developed to the standard can no longer be used or recognised.”

Committee Manager, BSI FSH/18/5 Water Mist Systems

The message from iCO^®

At iCO^®, we know changes to standards can raise questions, especially when projects are already underway or being designed. So let’s be clear:

“If you’ve got a BS 8458 system designed, installed, or in progress it’s still fully valid and compliant. There’s no requirement to switch to the new EN standard unless you’re specifically told to by building control or another statutory body.”

Guy Briscoe, Research & Development Director, iCO Products Ltd

This applies to:

Completed installations: No action needed – systems remain compliant and effective.
Live projects in progress: Systems specified to BS 8458 can continue as planned.
Future designs: BS 8458 remains an acceptable reference unless an authority requests EN 14972-17.

How iCO^® is responding

At iCO^®, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve:

We’re already working with the BRE, LPCB, and our certification partners to prepare for EN 14972-17. Our current water mist fire suppression system remains fully compliant, tested, and approved for use in domestic and residential buildings.

As always, we will keep fire suppression system installers and specifiers updated as more guidance becomes available.

Any Questions?

We are dedicated to advanced fire safety and fire suppression and are here to help. If you have any questions or require any further information, please get in touch at en*******@**********ts.com