iCO^® Becomes the First UK Manufacturer to Complete BS EN 14972-17 Fire Testing

iCO^® has become the first UK manufacturer to successfully complete independent fire testing to BS EN 14972-17, marking a significant milestone in the development and validation of residential and domestic water mist fire suppression systems. 

The testing programme verifies the performance of iCO^® water mist nozzles at installation heights of up to 3.5 metres, under the residential and domestic fire test conditions formally defined within BS EN 14972-17. The standard establishes repeatable, scenario-based fire tests designed to more accurately reflect real-world residential fire risks.

This achievement provides robust, third-party validation of water mist nozzle performance under a recognised European fire test protocol, moving beyond design intent or theoretical alignment.

Independent Verification at Baltic Fire Laboratory

All fire testing was conducted at Baltic Fire Laboratory, an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited fire research facility specifically accredited for the BS EN 14972-17 test method. This accreditation confirms the laboratory’s technical competence, procedural control and ability to deliver consistent, repeatable fire suppression test results.

Test outcomes are independently verified and supported by ILAC-MRA signed test reports, providing internationally recognised assurance for regulators, designers, installers, insurers and approving authorities.

Raising the Bar for Residential Water Mist Systems

BS EN 14972-17 represents a critical step forward in defining realistic, repeatable fire test conditions for residential and domestic environments. Successfully completing testing to this standard demonstrates iCO^®’s commitment to evidence-based system design, rigorous independent validation and alignment with emerging European fire safety frameworks.

By achieving this UK first, iCO^® continues to support greater confidence in water mist technology as a credible, high-performance fire protection solution for residential applications, including apartments, care home settings and complex housing layouts.

Supporting the Future of Fire Safety

The BS EN 14972-17 testing programme forms part of iCO^®’s wider research and development strategy, focused on improving system reliability, transparency and performance through independently verified fire test data.

The findings from the BS EN 14972-17 testing programme are being used to inform iCO^®’s ongoing product development, system design guidance and technical documentation, ensuring future solutions are underpinned by formally verified fire test evidence. This evidence-led approach supports clearer, more consistent decision-making for designers, installers and approving authorities, and reinforces iCO^®’s commitment to continuous improvement in fire safety engineering.

During the programme, Guy Briscoe (iCO® R&D Director), met with Bogdan Raciega, (Director at Baltic Fire Laboratory), to discuss the future direction of residential water mist fire protection in the UK and Europe. A full discussion will be released in an upcoming episode of Silent Hero.