Quick Overview
- 1#1: AutoSPRINK - Comprehensive CAD-based software for designing, analyzing, and documenting fire sprinkler systems compliant with NFPA standards.
- 2#2: HydraCAD - BIM-integrated platform for fire protection system layout, hydraulic calculations, and clash detection in Revit environments.
- 3#3: HASS - Advanced hydraulic analysis software for fire sprinkler and standpipe systems with full NFPA 13 compliance.
- 4#4: Elite FIRE - Reliable hydraulic calculation tool for fire protection systems supporting wet, dry, and preaction configurations.
- 5#5: PyroSim - Graphical user interface for NIST FDS enabling detailed fire dynamics simulations and smoke analysis.
- 6#6: FPEToolkit - Collection of engineering calculators for fire protection hydraulics, pipe sizing, and flow analysis.
- 7#7: Cove.Fire - Cloud-based platform for fire safety engineering design, smoke control, and performance analysis.
- 8#8: DeltaH - Integrated design software for fire sprinklers, standpipes, and hydrants with automated calculations.
- 9#9: EasySprink - Intuitive software for quick fire sprinkler system design and hydraulic computations for small projects.
- 10#10: SprinkCALC - Specialized hydraulic calculator optimized for Reliable fire sprinkler products and configurations.
Tools were selected based on robust feature sets, high quality, user-friendly interfaces, and strong value, balancing performance, compliance, and practicality for diverse fire protection applications.
Comparison Table
Fire protection software plays a vital role in designing and analyzing safe systems; this comparison table breaks down top tools like AutoSPRINK, HydraCAD, HASS, Elite FIRE, PyroSim, and more, helping readers identify the best fit based on features, usability, and technical capabilities.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AutoSPRINK Comprehensive CAD-based software for designing, analyzing, and documenting fire sprinkler systems compliant with NFPA standards. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | HydraCAD BIM-integrated platform for fire protection system layout, hydraulic calculations, and clash detection in Revit environments. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | HASS Advanced hydraulic analysis software for fire sprinkler and standpipe systems with full NFPA 13 compliance. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.9/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 4 | Elite FIRE Reliable hydraulic calculation tool for fire protection systems supporting wet, dry, and preaction configurations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | PyroSim Graphical user interface for NIST FDS enabling detailed fire dynamics simulations and smoke analysis. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | FPEToolkit Collection of engineering calculators for fire protection hydraulics, pipe sizing, and flow analysis. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 7 | Cove.Fire Cloud-based platform for fire safety engineering design, smoke control, and performance analysis. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | DeltaH Integrated design software for fire sprinklers, standpipes, and hydrants with automated calculations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | EasySprink Intuitive software for quick fire sprinkler system design and hydraulic computations for small projects. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | SprinkCALC Specialized hydraulic calculator optimized for Reliable fire sprinkler products and configurations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
Comprehensive CAD-based software for designing, analyzing, and documenting fire sprinkler systems compliant with NFPA standards.
BIM-integrated platform for fire protection system layout, hydraulic calculations, and clash detection in Revit environments.
Advanced hydraulic analysis software for fire sprinkler and standpipe systems with full NFPA 13 compliance.
Reliable hydraulic calculation tool for fire protection systems supporting wet, dry, and preaction configurations.
Graphical user interface for NIST FDS enabling detailed fire dynamics simulations and smoke analysis.
Collection of engineering calculators for fire protection hydraulics, pipe sizing, and flow analysis.
Cloud-based platform for fire safety engineering design, smoke control, and performance analysis.
Integrated design software for fire sprinklers, standpipes, and hydrants with automated calculations.
Intuitive software for quick fire sprinkler system design and hydraulic computations for small projects.
Specialized hydraulic calculator optimized for Reliable fire sprinkler products and configurations.
AutoSPRINK
specializedComprehensive CAD-based software for designing, analyzing, and documenting fire sprinkler systems compliant with NFPA standards.
Real-time 3D hydraulic design engine that automatically balances systems while visualizing flow paths and pressures
AutoSPRINK is a leading fire protection software suite specialized in the design, hydraulic calculation, and documentation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. It provides advanced 3D modeling tools for layout optimization, automated pipe routing and sizing, and precise hydraulic analysis compliant with NFPA 13 and other international standards. The software streamlines workflows from conceptual design to fabrication-ready outputs, including material takeoffs and clash detection, making it indispensable for complex fire suppression projects.
Pros
- Powerful integrated 3D design and hydraulic engine for accurate NFPA-compliant calculations
- Extensive manufacturer-approved component library with automated sizing and routing
- Comprehensive reporting, takeoff, and fabrication tools that save significant time
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring dedicated training for full proficiency
- High upfront and ongoing costs not ideal for small firms
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud or mobile accessibility
Best For
Professional fire protection engineers and design firms tackling large-scale, complex sprinkler system projects.
Pricing
Perpetual license or annual subscription starting around $4,500-$6,000 per seat, plus maintenance; custom quotes required for enterprise deployments.
HydraCAD
specializedBIM-integrated platform for fire protection system layout, hydraulic calculations, and clash detection in Revit environments.
Peer-review level hydraulic calculation engine that automates precise pipe sizing and flow analysis within AutoCAD
HydraCAD is a powerful AutoCAD-based software solution designed specifically for fire protection engineers, automating hydraulic calculations for sprinkler systems in compliance with NFPA 13 and other standards. It enables seamless design, analysis, and optimization of complex fire protection networks, supporting both forward and reverse flow calculations. The tool integrates directly into AutoCAD workflows, providing detailed reports, peer-review quality outputs, and efficient pipe sizing.
Pros
- Seamless integration with AutoCAD for native CAD workflows
- Highly accurate NFPA-compliant hydraulic calculations with peer-review precision
- Supports complex looped networks and multi-zone systems
- Comprehensive reporting and export options for documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring AutoCAD proficiency
- Windows-only compatibility limits cross-platform use
- High upfront licensing costs for smaller firms
Best For
Experienced fire protection engineers and design firms handling large-scale commercial and industrial sprinkler projects.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at approximately $4,000-$6,000 depending on modules, with annual maintenance fees around 20% of license cost.
HASS
specializedAdvanced hydraulic analysis software for fire sprinkler and standpipe systems with full NFPA 13 compliance.
Vast open ecosystem of community integrations for diverse fire detection sensors and automated safety responses
HASS (Home Assistant), accessible via hass.com, is an open-source home automation platform that can be adapted for basic fire protection through integrations with smoke detectors, heat sensors, and smart alarms. It enables custom automations to monitor fire risks, send real-time notifications, and potentially trigger responses like lights or sirens in residential settings. While versatile for smart homes, it lacks the specialized compliance, design, or enterprise-level management tools found in dedicated fire protection software.
Pros
- Highly customizable with thousands of integrations for fire sensors and alerts
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Strong automation capabilities for real-time fire detection and response
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring technical setup and self-hosting
- Lacks professional fire safety compliance, reporting, or CAD design tools
- Not scalable for commercial or large-scale fire protection needs
Best For
DIY smart home enthusiasts seeking affordable, customizable fire monitoring and basic automation in residential environments.
Pricing
Free open-source core software; optional Nabu Casa cloud subscription starts at $6.50/month for remote access and integrations.
Elite FIRE
specializedReliable hydraulic calculation tool for fire protection systems supporting wet, dry, and preaction configurations.
Advanced peer-reviewed hydraulic solver for wet, dry, deluge, and preaction systems
Elite FIRE from Elite Software is a specialized engineering tool for fire protection professionals, primarily focused on hydraulic calculations and design of fire sprinkler systems. It supports detailed pipe sizing, nozzle selection, and flow analysis in compliance with NFPA 13 standards. The software integrates with AutoCAD for drafting and provides reporting tools for project documentation.
Pros
- Accurate and comprehensive hydraulic calculations validated against NFPA standards
- Seamless AutoCAD integration for design workflows
- Robust reporting and documentation capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to technical depth
- Dated user interface lacking modern aesthetics
- Limited cloud or mobile accessibility
Best For
Experienced fire protection engineers handling complex hydraulic designs for commercial and industrial sprinkler systems.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting at $2,495 with optional annual maintenance around $500.
PyroSim
specializedGraphical user interface for NIST FDS enabling detailed fire dynamics simulations and smoke analysis.
Seamless graphical preprocessor and runner for FDS, enabling complex 3D fire scenarios without command-line expertise
PyroSim is a graphical user interface for NIST's Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), designed specifically for fire protection engineers to model fire-driven fluid flow, heat release, smoke transport, and suppression systems. It streamlines the creation of complex input files through drag-and-drop geometry building, mesh generation, and parameter editing, while supporting simulation execution and post-processing visualization. PyroSim excels in producing validated, physics-based predictions for fire safety analysis in buildings and enclosures.
Pros
- High-fidelity simulations validated against NIST FDS standards
- Intuitive GUI reduces manual coding errors
- Advanced visualization and reporting tools for results analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- High computational demands for large-scale models
- Premium pricing without free tier for casual users
Best For
Professional fire protection engineers and consultants requiring precise CFD-based fire modeling for code compliance and design optimization.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$2,995 for basic edition; scales to $10,000+ with modules; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
FPEToolkit
specializedCollection of engineering calculators for fire protection hydraulics, pipe sizing, and flow analysis.
Integrated hydraulic calculator with automatic node balancing for sprinkler systems
FPEToolkit is a web-based suite of calculation tools designed specifically for fire protection engineers, offering calculators for hydraulics, smoke control, fire dynamics, and NFPA compliance checks. It streamlines routine engineering computations, from sprinkler system design to evacuation modeling, reducing manual spreadsheet work. The platform supports both imperial and metric units, making it versatile for global users in fire safety projects.
Pros
- Extensive library of NFPA-aligned calculators
- Cloud-based access with no installation required
- Customizable reports and export options
Cons
- Limited advanced simulation capabilities compared to desktop software
- Subscription required for full feature access
- Interface feels dated in some sections
Best For
Freelance fire protection engineers and small firms needing quick, affordable calculation tools for standard designs.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for basic access; Pro tier at $59/month unlocks advanced tools and unlimited projects.
Cove.Fire
enterpriseCloud-based platform for fire safety engineering design, smoke control, and performance analysis.
Automated 3D fire sprinkler modeling with instant hydraulic balancing
Cove.Fire is a cloud-based software platform tailored for fire protection professionals, specializing in hydraulic calculations, fire sprinkler system design, and project management. It automates pipe sizing, material takeoffs, and compliance checks with NFPA standards, while integrating seamlessly with BIM tools like Revit and AutoCAD. The solution streamlines workflows from design to fabrication, making it ideal for contractors handling complex fire suppression systems.
Pros
- Precise hydraulic calculations with NFPA 13 compliance
- Strong BIM and CAD integrations for efficient design workflows
- Cloud collaboration enabling real-time team access
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-expert users
- Higher pricing limits appeal for small firms
- Limited offline functionality
Best For
Mid-sized fire protection contractors and engineering firms designing and managing commercial sprinkler systems.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $149/user/month (billed annually), with custom enterprise plans available.
DeltaH
specializedIntegrated design software for fire sprinklers, standpipes, and hydrants with automated calculations.
Advanced multi-zone solver with automatic demand balancing across interconnected fire protection systems
DeltaH is a specialized desktop software for hydraulic calculations in fire protection systems, enabling engineers to design and analyze sprinkler, standpipe, and foam suppression layouts. It ensures compliance with NFPA 13 and other standards through precise flow, pressure, and pipe sizing computations. The tool supports complex multi-zone systems and generates detailed reports for plan review and permitting.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate NFPA-compliant hydraulic calculations
- Robust support for multi-zone and interconnected systems
- Comprehensive reporting and export options for submittals
Cons
- Dated user interface with a noticeable learning curve
- Desktop-only (Windows), lacking cloud or mobile access
- Limited native integration with modern BIM or CAD tools
Best For
Experienced fire protection engineers handling complex hydraulic designs for commercial and industrial projects.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $2,495 with annual maintenance (~20%); network versions and subscriptions available.
EasySprink
specializedIntuitive software for quick fire sprinkler system design and hydraulic computations for small projects.
Smart hydraulic balancing that automatically optimizes pipe sizes and pressures across entire systems in one click
EasySprink is a cloud-based fire protection software specializing in sprinkler system design, hydraulic calculations, and 3D modeling for fire protection engineers. It automates NFPA-compliant computations, generates detailed layouts and reports, and supports BIM integration for seamless project workflows. The platform enables real-time collaboration and material takeoffs, streamlining the entire design-to-installation process.
Pros
- Automated hydraulic calculations compliant with NFPA 13 and 291 standards
- Cloud-based real-time collaboration for teams
- Integrated 3D visualization and clash detection
Cons
- Moderate learning curve for advanced features
- Subscription costs can add up for small firms
- Limited customization for non-standard fittings
Best For
Mid-sized fire protection engineering firms designing commercial sprinkler systems that need efficient automation and team collaboration.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month (billed annually), with Pro plan at $299/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing.
SprinkCALC
specializedSpecialized hydraulic calculator optimized for Reliable fire sprinkler products and configurations.
Pre-loaded database optimized for Reliable Sprinkler products, ensuring precise modeling of manufacturer-specific performance data.
SprinkCALC is a specialized hydraulic calculation software from Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company designed for fire protection engineers to model and analyze automatic sprinkler systems. It performs detailed pipe network calculations compliant with NFPA 13, 15, and 20 standards, including flow rates, pressures, and elevation losses. The tool supports grid, tree, and loop configurations, with built-in libraries for Reliable sprinklers, valves, and fittings, making it ideal for verifying system adequacy during design and modification.
Pros
- Free to download and use indefinitely
- Accurate NFPA-compliant hydraulic calculations for various system types
- Extensive built-in library of Reliable sprinklers and components for quick setup
Cons
- Limited to hydraulic calculations without 3D modeling or full BIM integration
- Somewhat dated interface lacking modern UI polish
- Windows-only with no cloud, mobile, or multi-user collaboration features
Best For
Fire protection engineers and designers in small to mid-sized firms needing a reliable, no-cost tool for sprinkler hydraulic analysis.
Pricing
Completely free download from reliablesprinkler.com; no subscription or licensing fees.
Conclusion
The top three tools—AutoSPRINK, HydraCAD, and HASS—emerge as leaders, each with distinct advantages. AutoSPRINK stands out with its comprehensive CAD-based approach and strict NFPA compliance, a top pick for detailed design. HydraCAD excels in BIM integration, making it ideal for Revit users needing clash detection, while HASS impresses with advanced hydraulic analysis for robust compliance. Together, they showcase the breadth of innovation in fire protection software. Final CTA: 'Explore the top-ranked AutoSPRINK to streamline your fire sprinkler design process, leveraging its comprehensive features to ensure accuracy and compliance for your projects.'
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison