EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026
(Main + Amendment)Fixed firefighting systems - Components for sprinkler and water spray systems - Part 12: Pumps
- Abstract
This document specifies requirements for single stage and multi-stage centrifugal pumps with mechanical seal or soft packing for use in automatic sprinkler systems and is for use with EN 12845 and EN 17451 .
This document is applicable for the following pumps, independent of installed orientation (vertical, horizontal or sloped according to the manufacturer indications):
- end suction pumps (close coupled or long coupled) of the back pull-out type pump;
- axial horizontal split case pumps;
- ring section pumps including multistage single or multi outlet;
- single or multistage inline pumps (pump with inlet and outlet in line);
- submersible motor borehole pumps.
This document is also applicable to vertical turbine pumps.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 07-Jul-2026
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 191 - Fixed firefighting systems
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 191/WG 5 - Sprinkler systems
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 08-Jul-2026
- Due Date
- 21-Aug-2027
- Completion Date
- 08-Jul-2026
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 is a CEN European Standard for pumps used in automatic sprinkler systems and water spray systems. It specifies requirements for single-stage and multi-stage centrifugal pumps with mechanical seal or soft packing, for use with EN 12845 and EN 17451. The document focuses on pump performance, materials, casing strength, leakage, marking, and the technical documentation the manufacturer must provide.
What does EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 specify?
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 specifies requirements for sprinkler pumps, including the pump types it covers, the tests used to assess them, and the marking and documentation that must accompany them. It is organized into Scope, Normative references, Terms and definitions, Assessment methods and criteria, and Marking and documentation, with two informative annexes.
The scope covers pumps in any installed orientation, as allowed by the manufacturer.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Example pump characteristic curve sheets |
| Annex B | Specimen of a manufacturer’s nameplate |
The standard applies to end suction pumps, axial horizontal split case pumps, ring section pumps, single or multistage inline pumps, submersible motor borehole pumps, and vertical turbine pumps. That matters in practice because the document is aimed at real sprinkler pump configurations, not just one pump design.
What are the key requirements of EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026?
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 sets out how pump performance is assessed, what materials are acceptable, how casing strength and leakage are checked, and what information must appear on the pump and in the manufacturer’s documents.
Performance and test curves
Clause 4.1 requires characteristic curves at rated speed, with flow, power, NPSHr, and delivery head measured in accordance with EN ISO 9906:2012, Grade 2, and Grade 2B uncertainty applied. The curve data must show enough of the operating range to demonstrate non-overloading behavior or the point at which NPSHr reaches 16 m.
In practice, this tells the manufacturer and the buyer what operating data must be tested and recorded before the pump can be accepted.
Speed, flow, and operating behavior
Clause 4.1.2 limits the rated speed to 3 600 1/min and requires the maximum allowable continuous speed to be at least 105 % of the rated speed. Clause 4.1.3 requires a stable H(Q) curve, continuous decline in head as flow increases, and the ability to supply 140 % of Qr at no less than 70 % of pressure at Qr.
For users, this is the basic check that the pump behaves predictably across the sprinkler duty range.
Minimum flow and closed-valve running
Clause 4.2 requires a 2 h closed-valve test at maximum impeller diameter and maximum allowable continuous speed, using the manufacturer’s declared minimum by-pass flow. The temperature rise across the pump must stay within 10 °C.
This matters because it checks whether the pump can survive low-flow or shut-valve conditions without damage.
Materials, casing strength, leakage, and stress
Clause 4.3 limits the materials for the pump body, shafts, and several wear and sealing parts. Clauses 4.4 and 4.5 require pressure resistance and hydrostatic leakage testing using EN 12162:2001+A1:2009, and the manufacturer must define the maximum allowable working pressure. Clause 4.6 requires documented shaft stress calculations and a risk analysis in accordance with EN 809.
In practice, these clauses control the pump’s construction, pressure capability, and the evidence needed to support safe operation.
Marking and documentation
Clause 5 requires a mechanically attached metal nameplate and a duplicate loose nameplate for pumps with submersible motors. The manufacturer must provide operating and maintenance instructions, assembly drawings, parts lists, material specifications, driver requirements, and characteristic curve sheets with the main test data.
This is what engineers, installers, and maintenance teams need to identify the pump, install it correctly, and keep a traceable record.
What terms does EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 define?
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 uses several technical terms and symbols that are central to pump selection and testing.
- Back pull-out type pump - a centrifugal pump design that lets the rotating assembly be removed without removing the pump casing from the piping.
- NPSH - net positive suction head, expressed in metres.
- NPSHr - net positive suction head required, expressed in metres and used to assess suction performance.
- Qr - rated flow of the pump, measured when tested in accordance with Clause 4.1.1.
- Q0 - zero-flow condition, meaning closed-valve flow.
- pallw - maximum allowable casing working pressure.
- H(Q) - the head-versus-flow characteristic curve used to show pump behavior over its operating range.
Who uses EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026?
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 is used by pump manufacturers, test laboratories, sprinkler system designers, and installers working with automatic sprinkler systems. It is also relevant to quality managers, specifiers, and buyers who need to verify pump performance data, material declarations, nameplate information, and pressure capability.
Because the document is linked to EN 12845 and EN 17451, it is especially useful where pump sets are being designed, assembled, installed, or commissioned for fixed firefighting systems.
What changed in EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 from the previous edition?
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 supersedes EN 12259-12:2023 and includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 13 May 2026. The foreword states that the text changed by the amendment is identified in the document.
Which standards are used with EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026?
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 refers to several standards that support testing, terminology, safety, and system design.
- EN 809 - common safety requirements for pumps and pump units.
- EN 12162:2001+A1:2009 - hydrostatic testing procedure and pressure/leakage test basis.
- EN 12845 - design, installation, and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems.
- EN ISO 9906:2012 - hydraulic performance acceptance tests for rotodynamic pumps.
- EN ISO 17769-1 - general pump terms, definitions, quantities, symbols, and units.
- ISO 3069:2000 - cavity dimensions for mechanical seals and soft packing in end-suction centrifugal pumps.
- EN 17451 - design, assembly, installation, and commissioning of pump sets for automatic sprinkler systems.
What does the EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 document contain?
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 contains assessment methods for characteristic curves, minimum flow, materials, casing strength, leakage, and stress calculations, followed by marking and documentation requirements. It also includes a table for minimum character dimensions on markings and example curve sheets in Annex A.
Annex B gives a specimen manufacturer’s nameplate, which helps users compare real pump labels with the required information. The document also includes figures and worked examples for curve presentation, which are useful when reviewing test reports or preparing product documentation.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 29-Apr-2026
- Effective Date
- 22-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 22-Jul-2026
- Refers
EN 12162:2001+A1:2009 - Liquid pumps - Safety requirements - Procedure for hydrostatic testing - Effective Date
- 22-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 22-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 22-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 22-Jul-2026
- Referred By
CEN/TS 14972:2011 - Fixed firefighting systems - Watermist systems - Design and installation - Effective Date
- 15-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 15-Jul-2026
- Effective Date
- 29-Apr-2026
- Effective Date
- 29-Apr-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Fixed firefighting systems - Components for sprinkler and water spray systems - Part 12: Pumps". This standard covers: This document specifies requirements for single stage and multi-stage centrifugal pumps with mechanical seal or soft packing for use in automatic sprinkler systems and is for use with EN 12845 and EN 17451 . This document is applicable for the following pumps, independent of installed orientation (vertical, horizontal or sloped according to the manufacturer indications): - end suction pumps (close coupled or long coupled) of the back pull-out type pump; - axial horizontal split case pumps; - ring section pumps including multistage single or multi outlet; - single or multistage inline pumps (pump with inlet and outlet in line); - submersible motor borehole pumps. This document is also applicable to vertical turbine pumps.
This document specifies requirements for single stage and multi-stage centrifugal pumps with mechanical seal or soft packing for use in automatic sprinkler systems and is for use with EN 12845 and EN 17451 . This document is applicable for the following pumps, independent of installed orientation (vertical, horizontal or sloped according to the manufacturer indications): - end suction pumps (close coupled or long coupled) of the back pull-out type pump; - axial horizontal split case pumps; - ring section pumps including multistage single or multi outlet; - single or multistage inline pumps (pump with inlet and outlet in line); - submersible motor borehole pumps. This document is also applicable to vertical turbine pumps.
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.20 - Fire protection. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12259-12:2023, EN ISO 17769-1:2012, EN 12845:2015+A2:2026, EN 12162:2001+A1:2009, EN ISO 9906:2012, EN 809:1998+A1:2009, ISO 3069:2000, CEN/TS 14972:2011, CEN/TS 12101-11:2022, EN 12259-15:2025, EN 14972-1:2020+A1:2025. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2026
Vgrajene naprave za gašenje - Sestavni deli sprinklerskih sistemov in sistemov s
pršečo vodo - 12. del: Črpalke (vključuje dopolnilo A1)
Fixed firefighting systems - Components for sprinkler and water spray systems - Part 12:
Pumps
Ortsfeste Brandbekämpfungsanlagen - Bauteile für Sprinkler- und Sprühwasseranlagen -
Teil 12: Sprinklerpumpen
Installations fixes de lutte contre l'incendie - Composants des systèmes d'extinction du
type sprinkleur et à pulvérisation d'eau - Partie 12 : Pompes
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026
ICS:
13.220.10 Gašenje požara Fire-fighting
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 12259-12:2023+A1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
July 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.220.20 Supersedes EN 12259-12:2023
English Version
Fixed firefighting systems - Components for sprinkler and
water spray systems - Part 12: Pumps
Installations fixes de lutte contre l'incendie - Ortsfeste Brandbekämpfungsanlagen - Bauteile für
Composants des systèmes d'extinction du type Sprinkler- und Sprühwasseranlagen - Teil 12:
sprinkleur et à pulvérisation d'eau - Partie 12 : Pompes Sprinklerpumpen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 23 July 2023 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 13 May 2026.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms . 4
3.1 Terms and definitions . 4
3.2 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 5
4 Assessment methods and criteria . 5
4.1 Characteristic curves, minimum flow and rotational speed tests . 5
4.1.1 Assessment method . 5
4.1.2 Criteria for rotational speed . 6
4.1.3 Criteria for characteristic curves . 6
4.2 Minimum flow . 7
4.2.1 Assessment method . 7
4.2.2 Criteria . 7
4.3 Pump materials . 7
4.3.1 Assessment method . 7
4.3.2 Criteria . 7
4.4 Pump casing strength . 7
4.4.1 Assessment method . 7
4.4.2 Criteria . 7
4.5 Pump leakage test . 8
4.5.1 Assessment method . 8
4.5.2 Criteria . 8
4.6 Stress calculations . 8
4.6.1 Assessment method . 8
4.6.2 Criteria . 8
5 Marking and documentation . 8
5.1 General . 8
5.2 Marking . 9
5.3 Documentation . 9
Annex A (informative) Example pump characteristic curve sheets .11
Annex B (informative) Specimen of manufacturer’s name plate .14
Bibliography .15
European foreword
This document (EN 12259-12:2023+A1:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 191
“Fixed firefighting systems”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2027, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by January 2027.
This document includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 13 May 2026.
This document supersedes !EN 12259-12:2023".
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags !".
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for single stage and multi-stage centrifugal pumps with
mechanical seal or soft packing for use in automatic sprinkler systems and is for use with EN 12845 and
EN 17451.
This document is applicable for the following pumps, independent of installed orientation (vertical,
horizontal or sloped according to the manufacturer indications):
— end suction pumps (close coupled or long coupled) of the back pull-out type pump;
— axial horizontal split case pumps;
— ring section pumps including multistage single or multi outlet;
— single or multistage inline pumps (pump with inlet and outlet in line);
— submersible motor borehole pumps.
This document is also applicable to vertical turbine pumps.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 809, Pumps and pump units for liquids — Common safety requirements
EN 12162:2001+A1:2009, Liquid pumps - Safety requirements - Procedure for hydrostatic testing
EN 12845, Fixed firefighting systems — Automatic sprinkler systems — Design, installation and
maintenance
EN ISO 9906:2012, Rotodynamic pumps - Hydraulic performance acceptance tests - Grades 1, 2 and 3 (ISO
9906:2012)
EN ISO 17769-1, Liquid pumps and installation - General terms, definitions, quantities, letter symbols and
units - Part 1: Liquid pumps (ISO 17769-1)
ISO 3069:2000, End-suction centrifugal pumps — Dimensions of cavities for mechanical seals and for soft
packing
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 12845, EN ISO 17769-1 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1.1
back pull-out type pump
centrifugal pump design type which allows the rotating assembly to be pulled out of the pump casing
without having to remove the pump casing from the piping
3.2 Symbols and abbreviated terms
NPSH net positive suction head in m
NPSHr net positive suction head required in m
Q rated flow of the pump in l/min when tested in accordance 4.1.1
r
!Deleted text."
Q
zero flow condition in l/min (closed valve)
p
maximum allowable casing working pressure in bar
allw
4 Assessment methods and criteria
4.1 Characteristic curves, minimum flow and rotational speed tests
4.1.1 Assessment method
Pump characteristic curves shall be drawn for the rated speed condition. The highest flow to be shown in
the curves shall be sufficient to demonstrate a non-overloading power characteristic or a flow
corresponding to at least NPSHr of 16 m.
In case of non-overloading power characteristic, all curves shall be shown including values which are
minimum 15 % higher than the flow at the maximum power consumption.
The flow, power consumption, NPSHr and the corresponding delivery head shall be determined in
accordance with EN ISO 9906:2012, Grade 2. The measurement uncertainty as specified in
EN ISO 9906:2012, Grade 2B shall be applied.
NOTE For examples, see Annex A.
...