Oregon Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Oregon Fire Sprinkler Coalition
Sticking to the Standard – NFPA 13D The Benefits of Staying Within the Scope Introduction Oregon Fire Sprinkler Coalition

13D…Born of Necessity America Burning – 1973:
Nation Commission on Fire Prevention and Control In a letter to the President: “…emphasize built-in fire safety-measures which can detect and extinguish fire…” “…believe a continuing federal focus on the fire problem is a necessity” Source: USFA

13D…Born of Necessity America Burning – 1973:
Nation Commission on Fire Prevention and Control report: “Appallingly, the richest and most technologically advanced nation in the world leads all the major industrialized countries in per capita deaths and property loss from fire.” Source: USFA

13D…Born of Necessity America Burning – 1973 Brought about:
NFIRS - National Fire Incident Reporting System USFA – US Fire Administration NFA – National Fire Academy

13D…Born of Necessity America Burning – 1973 Identified a need to:
Reduce fire deaths in America Make sprinklers more affordable Sprinklers at the time were too costly for residential applications Research to make sprinklers more aesthetically appealing

NFPA Answers the Call 1973 – NFPA
Based on the commission’s report (America Burning) Created a committee to: Develop a standard that would produce a reliable but inexpensive sprinkler system for residential occupancies

NFPA Answers the Call 1973 – NFPA
Subcommittee developed five philosophies for the standard: Cost is a major factor Life safety is the primary goal Design based on survivability 10 minute water supply Audible alarm Material compatible with residential construction techniques Protection areas based on historical data Source: Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook 2013

1978-1980 – Research and Tests USFA Began performing tests on:
Practicality of a type of residential sprinkler system Evaluation of sprinkler discharge rates and thermal sensitivity Full-scale fire testing Source: Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook 2013 Cote, A. E., “Final Report on Field Test and Evaluation of Residential Sprinkler Systems,” National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, July Cote, A., and Moore, D., “Field Test and Evaluation of Residential Sprinkler Systems, Los Angeles Test Series,” National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA, April 1980 Source: NFPA

A New Class of Sprinklers
Residential Sprinklers Developed from a new, researched understanding of tenability thresholds for: Carbon Monoxide Temperature Oxygen depletion Source: Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook 2013 Cote, A. E., “Final Report on Field Test and Evaluation of Residential Sprinkler Systems,” National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, July Cote, A., and Moore, D., “Field Test and Evaluation of Residential Sprinkler Systems, Los Angeles Test Series,” National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA, April 1980

Test Fire-Without Sprinklers
4000 3000 2000 1000 Carbon Monoxide PPM A concentration of as little as 0.04% (400 parts per million) carbon monoxide in the air can be fatal. In the fire test conducted in the unprotected Living Room, the carbon monoxide levels became toxic in as little as four minutes. Time (sec.) Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

Test Fire-With Sprinklers
4000 3000 2000 1000 Carbon Monoxide PPM In the fire test conducted in the Living Room protected by fire sprinklers, the carbon monoxide levels produced did not come close to toxic levels. Time (sec.) Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

Test Fire-Without Sprinklers
1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 3” Below Ceiling 60” Above Floor 36” Above Floor Temp. In the fire test conducted in the unprotected Living Room, the temperatures at head height became dangerous after 2 ½ minutes. The temperatures at 36” above the floor became dangerous after 3 minutes. Time (sec.) Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

Test Fire-With Sprinklers
140 120 100 80 60 40 20 3” Below Ceiling 60” Above Floor 36” Above Floor Temp. In the fire test conducted in the Living Room protected by fire sprinklers, the temperatures at head height did not come close to dangerous levels. Time (sec.) Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

Let’s take a quick peek at the three NFPA Fire Sprinkler Standards…

Three Sprinkler Standards Each Serving A Different Purpose
NFPA 13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems Applies to: Factories Business occupancies Mercantile Care facilities Residential (full protection) Simply, anywhere that 13D and 13R are not applicable

NFPA 13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems Purpose - The purpose of this standard shall be to provide a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire through standardization of design, installation, and testing requirements for sprinkler systems, including private fire service mains, based on sound engineering principles, test data, and field experience. Commentary from NFPA Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook 2013: The purpose of NFPA 13 is to provide a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire. However, as with most life safety systems, the overall level of protection to life and property provided by sprinkler systems is difficult to precisely quantify. For example, accurate mathematical predictions that everyone exposed to a rapidly spreading flammable liquids fire in a fully sprinklered processing plant would escape without harm, or that property damage could be limited to a specific dollar value or to a percentage of the overall building area, cannot be made. However, life safety and property protection in buildings are both known to be greatly enhanced by the presence of an automatic sprinkler system complying with NFPA 13. Detailed fire data is collected and analyzed by NFPA’s Fire Analysis and Research Division and is available at NFPA’s One-Stop Data Shop (see Multiple Sprinklers Activating – Full Protection

NFPA 13R – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies Applies to: Hotels / motels Dormitories Multi-family (apartments) Buildings to be 4 stories, or 60 ft. in height max.

NFPA 13R – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies Purpose - The purpose of this standard shall be to provide a sprinkler system that aids in the detection and control of residential fires and thus provides improved protection against injury, life loss, and property damage Commentary from NFPA Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook 2013: Various levels of sprinkler protection are available to provide life safety and property protection. This standard is designed to provide a high, but not absolute, level of life safety and a lesser level of property protection. Great er protection to both life and property could be achieved by sprinklering all areas in accordance with NFPA 13, which permits the use of residential sprinklers in residential areas. Th is standard recommends, but does not require, sprinklering of all areas in the building; it permits sprinklers to be omitted in certain areas. These areas have been proved by NFPA statistics to be those where the incidence of life loss from fires in residential occupancies is low. Such an approach provides a reasonable degree of fire safety. (See Table A.1.2 for deaths and injuries in multifamily residential buildings.) It should be recognized that the omission of sprinklers from certain areas could result in the development of untenable conditions in adjacent spaces. Where evacuation times could be delayed, additional sprinkler protection and other fire protection features, such as detection and compartmentation, could be necessary. Four Sprinklers Activating – Life / Property Protection

NFPA 13D – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One – and Two Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes Applies to: One and Two Family Dwellings Manufactured Homes Townhouses built to IRC 3.3.3 Dwelling. Any detached building, or any part of a townhouse structure that is separated from the remainder of the townhouse structure with fire resistance rated assemblies in accordance with local building code, that contains no more than two dwelling units intended to be used, rented, leased, let, or hired out to be occupied or that are occupied for habitation purposes. Handbook: One of the frequently asked questions regarding NFPA 13D is whether or not the document is appropriate to use for multiple townhouses, like the one shown in Exhibit I.1.4. The answer depends on how the townhouses are designed. If the townhouses are constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code, then the use of NFPA 13D is appropriate. If the townhouses are constructed in accordance with any building code in such a manner that each individual townhome is a separate building under the code, or such that every two townhomes are constructed as separate buildings, then it is also appropriate to use NFPA 13D. Only where the construction includes more than two dwelling units in a single building is the use of NFPA 13D not appropriate. The revised definition of dwelling in includes townhouses to clarify this issue.

NFPA 13D – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One – and Two Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes Purpose - The purpose of this standard shall be to provide a sprinkler system that aids in the detection and control of residential fires and thus provides improved protection against injury and life loss Commentary from NFPA Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook 2013: While the purpose of this standard is to provide improved protection against injury and loss of life, the use of these systems has demonstrated an ability to provide improved protection against property damage. Various levels of fire safety are available to dwelling occupants to provide life safety and property protection. Two Sprinklers Activating – Survivability

13D – You’ve come along way, baby…or have you?
No, not really…The 13D Standard has kept its focus since the beginning! Committee Statement from the 1975 Report on Comments for the proposed standard: “Cost and practicality of installation were major considerations in development of this standard” 13D has never strayed from those considerations

Becoming Our Own Barrier
A reminder that we all have a common goal: More compliant systems installed in more homes! We can become our own barrier as code officials: Confusion caused by misapplication of the standard Even with the best intentions! Let’s not forget that we are part of a large team… A ‘Let’s not tell them this isn’t required’ philosophy is counterproductive Even with the best of intentions, when we, as code officials, add extra requirements to a proven national standard, we might undermine a broader, collective goal, to get more systems installed in more homes. It’s that simple. Sometimes there is a ‘If the designer goes above and beyond the standard, let’s keep quiet, because the system will be better.’ This is sometimes a good thing, but if we want to get more systems in more homes, let’s be open, vocal advocates of the value built in to this standard. That is how we can be partners with sprinkler opponents – demonstrate that we recognize that money is a real factor.

It just seems crazy to have a system this simple…or does it?
Performance Objective of 13D: Protect the environment in the room of origin for 10 minutes Adding requirements, or ‘borrowing’ them from other sprinkler standards can undermine the simplicity of 13D 13D has a proven track record The purpose of the system is to control the environment in a compartment for 10 minutes. That’s All! All those cool property saving features of a 13 system are great, but adding them to a 13D system defeats the purpose of the standard, and ends up creating another barrier. Why is that? Because the focus in on saving lives, not saving property.

Adding Requirements That Aren’t in the Standard
13D is not intended to protect property as a primary performance objective 13D is intended to control the environment in a compartment fire for 10 minutes!

Residential Sprinklers A Proven Solution
Firefighter safety: Sprinklers are responsible for an estimated 65% reduction in firefighter fire ground injuries Property Loss: Sprinkler reduce direct property damage per fire by 69% Source: NFPA

The Failure Myth If the house burns to the ground, but the sprinklers served to get the occupants out, is it a failure? The purpose of the system is to save lives.

NFPA 13D A Standard Referenced by Codes
Codes point toward standards A Standard becomes code when it is referenced by an enabling document, such as a state building code Oregon Fire Code Based on IFC Oregon Structural Specialty Code Based on IBC Courtesy NFPA

NFPA 13D A Standard Referenced by Codes
Codes address when sprinklers apply: Access issues Grades Lot characteristics Tradeoffs Ordinances / Statutes Standards address how the sprinklers apply: Design criteria Sprinkler locations / spacing Materials allowed Connection to water supplies Courtesy NFPA

13D System Types Stand-Alone Type: A sprinkler system where the aboveground piping serves only fire sprinklers Pictures: HFSC * Stand-Alone Sprinkler System. A sprinkler system where the aboveground piping serves only fire sprinklers.

13D System Types Multi-Purpose System: A piping system intended to serve both domestic needs in excess of a single fixture and fire protection needs from one common piping system throughout the dwelling unit(s). Pictures: HFSC * Multipurpose Piping Sprinkler System. A piping system intended to serve both domestic needs in excess of a single fixture and fire protection needs from one common piping system throughout the dwelling unit(s).

13D System Types Passive Purge (Flow Through): A type of sprinkler system that serves a single toilet in addition to the fire sprinklers. * Passive Purge Sprinkler System. A type of sprinkler system that serves a single toilet in addition to the fire sprinklers.

13D System Types Network System: A type of multipurpose system utilizing a common piping system supplying domestic fixtures and fire sprinklers where each sprinkler is supplied by a minimum of three separate paths * Network Sprinkler System. A type of multipurpose system utilizing a common piping system supplying domestic fixtures and fire sprinklers where each sprinkler is supplied by a minimum of three separate paths.

Design Principles Sprinklers in an easier design scenario
Design approach based on historical data Water supply is only required to accommodate two sprinklers for a 10 minute duration Even with that approach, 84% of the time, a single head controls the fire in this type of system If the largest room can be protected with a single sprinkler, the design can be based on one head flowing Source: NFPA

Design Principles Sprinklers in an easier design scenario
Sprinklers are located where loss of life historically occurs: Kitchens Bedrooms Living rooms / Corridors NFPA 13D was first adopted in 1975. The purpose of this standard shall be to provide a sprinkler system that aids in the detection and control of residential fires and thus provides improved protection against injury and life loss. The standard is designed to prevent flashover (total involvement) in the room of fire origin, where sprinklered, improving the chance for occupants to escape or be evacuated. By percentage, most civilian fire deaths are attributed to fires that begin in the living room/family room/den (24%), a bedroom (24%), or the kitchen (14%). NFPA 13D By percentage, most civilian fire deaths are caused by smoking materials (23%), radiated heat from operating equipment (13%), or arcing (13%). NFPA 13D By percentage, the item first ignited for most civilian fire deaths are upholstered furniture (19%) or mattress or bedding (13%). NFPA 13D Source: NFPA

Design Principles Sprinklers in an easier design scenario Calculations
13D Offers three calculations methods: Typical Hydraulic Calculations per NFPA 13 when: Looped Gridded Network Simplified Calcs When: Straight Run (Stand-alone or Multipurpose) Prescriptive Method When: From commentary I the 2013 Residential handbook: NFPA 13D provides three options for tree configuration sprinkler systems: the full calculation technique of NFPA 13, or one of two simplified techniques in or In order to use one of the simplified techniques in NFPA 13D, the city water main must be at least 4 in. (102 mm) in diameter. The simplified technique in starts with the first step of making sure that the maximum flow limits of system components are appropriate for the flow that will be needed for the sprinkler system. Some components, such as meters, valves, backflow devices, and relief valves, have flow limits associated with their use. Exceeding these values could result in improper system operation. Therefore, the designer must investigate whether the use of any system components is restricted by its flow limitation. In order to make this determination, the flow demand for the sprinkler systems first needs to be determined. Source: NFPA

Design Principles Design discharge
System needs to deliver .05 gpm over design area, or the listing of the head, whichever is greater Up to two sprinklers flowing: Sprinklers with greatest demand 24 ft ceiling maximum 8:12 pitch max, or use heads listed for pitched ceilings Decorative beams up to 14” deep (heads in beams, or in pockets) For each of the following situations, the number of sprinklers in the design area shall be all of the sprinklers within a compartment, up to a maximum of two sprinklers, that require the greatest hydraulic demand: (1) A flat, smooth, horizontal ceiling with no beams up to a maximum of 24 ft (7.3 m) above the floor. (2) A flat, horizontal beamed ceiling, with a maximum ceiling height of 24 ft (7.3 m), with beams up to 14 in. (355 mm) deep with pendent sprinklers under the beams. The compartment containing the beamed ceiling shall be a maximum of 600 ft2 (55 m2) in area. The highest sprinkler in the compartment shall be above all openings from the compartment into any communicating spaces. (3) A smooth, flat, sloped ceiling with no beams up to a maximum slope of 8 in 12. The highest portion of the ceiling shall not be more than 24 ft (7.3 m) above the floor. The highest sprinkler in the sloped portion of the ceiling shall be above all openings from the compartment containing the sloped ceiling into any communicating spaces. (4) A sloped ceiling with beams up to 14 in. (355 mm) deep with pendent sprinklers under the beams. The compartment containing the sloped, beamed ceiling shall be a maximum of 600 ft2 (55 m2) in area. The slope of the ceiling shall be between 2 in 12 and 8 in 12. The highest portion of the ceiling shall not be more than 24 ft (7.3 m) above the floor. The highest sprinkler in the sloped portion of the ceiling shall be above all openings from the compartment containing the sloped ceiling into any communicating spaces. (5) A sloped ceiling with beams of any depth with sidewall or pendent sprinklers in each pocket formed by the beams. The compartment containing the sloped, beamed ceiling shall be a maximum of 600 ft2 (55 m2) in area. The slope of the ceiling shall be between 2 in 12 and 8 in 12. The highest portion of the ceiling shall not be more than 24 ft (7.3 m) above the floor. :

Municipal Water Supplies
Works with the plumbing supply, not in addition to it: Only 7 PSI required for fire sprinklers Most domestic systems require 8 PSI (UPC, IPC) 16 GPM could supply a one head sprinkler design. Most average homes require a minimum of 18 GPM for domestic use (IRC) Most residential sprinkler systems will flow more, but a ¾” meter (35 GPM) will usually be plenty of water (2 sprinklers x 16 GPM = 32 GPM) Source: OPSC

Upgrading to a 1” meter isn’t the only option! 3/4” meters are a popular option for many Water Purveyors (35 GPM) A system can sometimes be designed using an existing 5/8” meter (20 GPM) Most average homes require a minimum of 18 GPM for domestic use IRC Table P [17.5 fixture units: 2 bathroom groups, 1 kitchen group, 1 laundry group and 2 hose bibs], and IRC Table P2903.6(1) Source: OPSC / IRC

An increasing number of Water Purveyors are starting to recognize that sprinklers use less water than the water used from unmetered fire hydrants that would otherwise be needed to suppress a fire in a home Sprinklers use 90% less water than the fire service would use if sprinklers weren’t installed. They reduce fire damage by 97% They reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 98%. Sprinklers also reduce wastewater pollution. Source: FM Global

Private / Stored Water Supplies
An easy solution for private water supplies (tanks and wells) 10 minute Duration: A typical scenario: 280 Gallon Tank (28 GPM x 10 Min) 7 minute Duration (Single story under 2000 Sq Ft): This can be as low as 196 Gallon Tank (28 GPM x 7 Min) Source: NFPA 13D

Private / Stored Water Supplies
Tanks and pumps not required to be listed In some scenarios, a tank and pump supply might be more cost effective than a meter upsizing fee and SDC charge Source: NFPA 13D

System Components and Features
System Alarms Two Alarm scenarios: Notification provided by NFPA 72 compliant Smoke Alarms, or Waterflow device and local bell (optional) OR +

Residential Sprinkler Heads Performance – Higher wall wetting Fuel loads are near walls in residential occupancies Controls the environment Greater coverage areas Faster response Easily applicable design criteria Design criteria maximizes a smaller water supply : NFPA

Residential Sprinkler Heads: Aesthetically Appealing There are many cutting-edge, flush type heads that blend into the ceiling Some manufacturers offer as many as 300 custom paint colors. :

Piping and Materials A variety of common material types All listed for potable water supplies CPVC 5.2.2* Pipe or tube used in sprinkler systems shall be of the materials specified in Table or shall be in accordance with Table Pipe or Tube Materials and Dimensions Materials and Dimensions Standard Standard Specification for Black and Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe for Fire Protection Use ASTM A 795 Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless ASTM A 53 Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe ANSI B36.10M Standard Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe ASTM A 135 Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube [Copper Tube (Drawn, Seamless)] ASTM B 75 Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube ASTM B 88 Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Seamless Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube ASTM B 251 Standard Specification for Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Soldering Applications of Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube ASTM B 813 Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding (BCuP, copper-phosphorus, or copper-phosphorus-silver brazing filler metal) AWS A5.8 Standard Specification for Solder Metal [alloy grades containing less than 0.2 percent lead as identified in ASTM B 32, Table 5, Section 1, and having a solidus temperature that exceeds 400°F (204°C)] ASTM B 32 Standard Specification for Seamless Red Brass Pipe ASTM B 43 PEX / Other Copper

Adding Requirements That Aren’t In the Standard
Geographic, Topographic, or Climatic considerations are a good reason! Have a demonstrated need? Municipal code There is a difference between amending a standard based on a demonstrated need, and misapplying the standard based on even the best intentions This picture was found in a story describing sprinkler requirements in IRC 2009 Code references: 7.1 Valves. 7.1.1 A single control valve arranged to shut off both the domestic system and the sprinkler system shall be installed unless a separate shutoff valve for the sprinkler system is installed in accordance with 7.1.2 The sprinkler system piping shall not have a separate control valve installed unless supervised by one of the following methods: (1) Central station, proprietary, or remote station alarm service (2) Local alarm service that causes the sounding of an audible signal at a constantly attended location (3) Valves that are locked open 7.3 Pressure Gauges. 7.3.1 Where a dry system is installed, a pressure gauge shall be installed to indicate system air pressure. 7.3.2 Where a pressure tank is used for the water supply, a pressure gauge shall be installed to indicate tank pressure. 7.6* Alarms. Local waterflow alarms shall be provided on all sprinkler systems in homes not equipped with smoke alarms or smoke detectors in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

Protection Areas Bathrooms No sprinkler required if under 55 Sq ft
Spaces having only a toilet or only a sink can each be considered a bathroom Wall finish not addressed (It is addressed in 13R and 13) 8.3.2 Sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms of 55 ft2 (5.1 m2) and less 3.3.1 Compartment. A space completely enclosed by walls and a ceiling. Each wall in the compartment is permitted to have openings to an adjoining space if the openings have a minimum lintel depth of 8 in. (203 mm) from the ceiling and the total width of the openings in a single wall does not exceed 8 ft (2.44 m) in width. A single opening of 36 in. (914 mm) or less in width without a lintel is permitted when there are no other openings to adjoining spaces. Handbook: Can the authority having jurisdiction accept a room with only a toilet as a bathroom? ANSWER: Yes. Spaces having only a toilet or only a sink can be considered as a bathroom for the purposes of NFPA 13D. Combustible fuel loading in most sm all bathrooms is typically low. At one time, NFPA 13D required bathrooms to have certain noncombustible fixtures or certain wall finishes in order for sprinklers to be omitted. But more recently, the committee has decided that the risk in single-family homes is similar for all bathrooms regardless of fixtures or wall finish, so these requirements have been removed. This situation is different in NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, where wall finish is still a concern. Source: NFPA 13D

Protection Areas Bathrooms
Adjoining bathrooms need adequate separation: 8” Minimum lintel Openings between compartments do not exceed 8 ft. in width A single opening, 36” in width, is permitted without 8” lintel 8.3.2 Sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms of 55 ft2 (5.1 m2) and less 3.3.1 Compartment. A space completely enclosed by walls and a ceiling. Each wall in the compartment is permitted to have openings to an adjoining space if the openings have a minimum lintel depth of 8 in. (203 mm) from the ceiling and the total width of the openings in a single wall does not exceed 8 ft (2.44 m) in width. A single opening of 36 in. (914 mm) or less in width without a lintel is permitted when there are no other openings to adjoining spaces. Handbook: Can the authority having jurisdiction accept a room with only a toilet as a bathroom? ANSWER: Yes. Spaces having only a toilet or only a sink can be considered as a bathroom for the purposes of NFPA 13D. Combustible fuel loading in most sm all bathrooms is typically low. At one time, NFPA 13D required bathrooms to have certain noncombustible fixtures or certain wall finishes in order for sprinklers to be omitted. But more recently, the committee has decided that the risk in single-family homes is similar for all bathrooms regardless of fixtures or wall finish, so these requirements have been removed. This situation is different in NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, where wall finish is still a concern. Source: NFPA 13D

Protection Areas Closets Sprinklers not required in: Clothes closets
Linen Closets Pantries These conditions must be met: 24 Sq ft. max Shortest dimension does not exceed 3 ft. Walls and ceilings protected 8.3.3 Sprinkler s shall not be required in cl othes closets, linen closets, and pantries that meet all of the following conditions: (1) The area of the spa ce does not exceed 24 ft2 (2.2 m2). (2) The shortest dimension does not exceed 3 f t (0.9 m). (3) The walls and ceilings are surfaced with noncombustible or limited-combustible materials as defined in NFPA 220. Handbook: Small closets are usually impractical places to install sprinklers because of their relatively small size. When mechanical equipment or laundry machines are placed in the closet, the closet is no longer considered a clothes closet, linen closet, or pantry, so the exception of is no longer valid and sprinklers must be installed in the closet. 3.3.1 Compartment. A space completely enclosed by walls and a ceiling. Each wall in the compartment is permitted to have openings to an adjoining space if the openings have a minimum lintel depth of 8 in. (203 mm) from the ceiling and the total width of the openings in a single wall does not exceed 8 ft (2.44 m) in width. A single opening of 36 in. (914 mm) or less in width without a lintel is permitted when there are no other openings to adjoining spaces. Source: NFPA 13D

Protection Areas Closets Not Accesible from the Dweling Unit
Sprinklers not required in: Closets in garages Exterior closets Breezeway closets These conditions must be met: No fuel-fired equipment Electric-powered equipment is permissible 8.3.8 Sprinklers shall not be required in closets in garages and exterior closets (regardless of size) located on exterior balconies, exterior breezeways/corridors, or accessed from outdoors where the closet does not have doors or unprotected penetrations directly into the dwelling unit. Hand book: This provision is new to the 2013 edition of the standard and is consistent with the technical committee’s opinion that sprinklers should not be required in spaces subject to cold temperature or spaces in which statistics do not indicate a significant occurrence of fire or fatality. The assumption here is that a barrier exists between the exterior closet and the dwelling unit, and that openings and penetrations between the two are appropriately protected. Also see Source: NFPA 13D

Protection Areas Unheated, Covered Projections
Sometimes called ‘enclosed entries’, ‘mud rooms’, ‘foyers’ Not required if: Unheated Not the only means of egress 8.3.6 Sprinklers shall not be required in covered, unheated projections of the building at entrances/exits as long as the dwelling unit has another means of egress. Handbook: The original edition and many subsequent editions of NFPA 13D allowed sprinklers to be omitted from entry foyers because many of these foyers were 16 ft to 20 ft (4.9 m to 6.1 m) high in some homes and the original residential sprinklers were not listed for use at such heights. The committee was concerned about requiring residential sprinklers in spaces beyond the sprinkler’s listing limitations. Coupled with the understanding that fatal fires seldom occur in these entrance foyers, the omission of sprinklers in these spaces is consistent with the life safety objectives of the standard. Over the years, fire tests revealed that residential sprinklers could be used in these higher ceiling spaces and that, since these spaces were usually heated, sprinkler protection could be achieved inexpensively. When the committee considered requiring sprinklers in entrance foyers, it was brought to the committee’s attention that even though the rule was originally written for tall two-story entryways, it was also frequently used for unheated enclosed porches and projections from the building, such as mud rooms, used as a separation between the outdoors and indoors in homes in cold climates. When the committee developed language requiring sprinklers in the heated two-story entryways, they rewrote the section so that sprinklers could continue to be omitted from these small entryway spaces that are unheated, provided another means of egress from the dwelling is provided. See Exhibit I.8.8 for an example of the type of entryway discussed in this section. Source: NFPA 13D

Protection Areas Garages Sprinklers not required in:
Open, attached porches Carports Similar structures 8.3.4* Sprinklers shall not be required in garages, open attached porches, carports, and similar structures. A Although NFPA 13D does not require garages to be sprinklered, some aut horities having jurisdiction take it upon themselves to add this requirement locally. I n such circumstances, residential or quick-response sprinklers with a two-sprinkler design in the garage wi th the same piping used in the rest of the dwelling can be used. It is recognized that residential sprinklers have not been te sted specifically for fires in garages, but field experience has shown that the sprinklers help to alert occupants to the fact that there is a fire, to reduce the possibility of flashover, and to improve the chances for occupants to escape. Handbook: Many people are surprised to find that NFPA 13D does not require sprinklers in garages. But the simple truth is that very few deadly fires start in garages. A simple cost–benefit analysis shows that the extra expense of placing sprinklers in garages does not provide an equal balance of protection due to the fact that most garages are not heated and the sprinkler system would need to be a dry system or an antifreeze system in many geographic regions. This cost–benefit analysis, together with the fact that most codes require a 1-hour fire resistance rating for the walls between the garage and the rest of the home, led the committee to permit sprinklers to be omitted from garages. However, as the annex note states, many authorities having jurisdiction want to see sprinklers in garages, so the annex provides some input as to how such a space might be sprinklered. The idea of putting residential sprinklers in a garage, or using dry horizontal sidewall sprinklers, might not completely protect the garage, but it might be sufficient to provide extra time for evacuation and might help sound an alarm if the sprinkler system has a waterflow alarm. Source: NFPA 13D

Protection Areas Attics and Other Spaces Sprinklers not required in:
Attics (with or without storage) Penthouse equipment rooms Elevator machine rooms Concealed spaces not intended for living 8.3.5 Sprinklers shall not be required in attics with or without storage, penthouse equipment rooms, elevator machine rooms, c oncealed spaces dedicated exclusively to and containing only dwelling unit ventilation equipment, floor/ceiling spaces, elevator shafts, crawl spaces, and other concealed spaces that are not used or intended for living purposes. Handbook: The provisions regarding the omission of sprinkler coverage in attics has been modified for the 2013 edition. It has been clarified that sprinklers are not required in any attics, regardless of whether the attic is used for storage. Subsection has also been modified for the 2013 edition with regard to spaces containing fuel-fired equipment. See the commentary to and Source: NFPA 13D

Protection Areas Attics and Other Spaces
If such spaces contain fuel-fired equipment: When equipment is above all occupied spaces, no sprinkler required If equipment is at or below occupied space, provide at least one sprinkler above equipment, or: At the wall separating the space with the fuel-fired equipment from the occupied space Such spaces that contain fuel-fired equipment shall also comply with or Where the fuel-fired equipment is above all of the occupied areas of the dwelling unit, no sprinkler protection shall be r equired in the concealed space. Where fuel-fired equipment is below or on the same level as occupied areas of the dwelling unit, at least one quick-response intermediate temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment or at the wall separating th e space with the fuel-fired equipment from the occupied space. Handbook: In most cases, sprinklers can b e omitted from concealed spaces. However, mechanical equipment for the home is often located in these concealed spaces. If the mechanical equipment is only electrical in nature, then fire and life safety concerns are less significant. But if the equipment burns fuel such as coal, wood, gas, or oil, then additional concerns are raised. Fuel-fired equipment represents a significant fire hazard and ignition source. The provisions regarding the sprinkler protection of spaces containing fuel-fired equipment have been significantly revised for the 2013 edition. For situations where the fuel-fired equipment is in an attic or concealed space above the occupied portions of the dwelling unit, the fire is not expected to cause untenable conditions in the occupied space before occupants can escape. Therefore, allows for the omission of sprinklers in these cases. Note that this provision only applies to attics and concealed spaces, not closets. See and for specific provisions regarding the sprinkler protection of closets. Where the fuel-fired equipment is in a concealed space between occupied floors, under an occupied floor, or next to an occupied portion of the dwelling unit, sprinkler protection is necessary. Since the 2010 edition, the concept has been included to allow a single quick response intermediate rated sprinkler over the fuel-fired equipment so that the rest of the concealed space could remain unsprinklered. The 2013 edition retains this provision, and adds an option for providing a quick response intermediate rated sprinkler at the wall separating the space with the fuel-fire equipment from the occupied space. Source: NFPA 13D

Sprinkler Position and Placement
Obstructions to discharge Light Fixtures / non-continuous obstructions – 36” from center of fixture. Examples include: Light fixtures Ceiling fans Area of fan blades less than 50% Pendent sprinklers shall be located at least 3 ft (914 mm) away from obstructions such as ceiling fans and light fixtures unless the requirements of are met. The distance shall be measured from the center of the sprinkler to the center of the obstruction. Where the sprinkler cannot be located 3 ft (914 mm) away from the obstruction (as measured from the center of the obstruction), an additional sprinkler shall be located on the other side of the obstruction. Where the area of the fan blades encompass more than 50 percent of the area of the plan view, the sprinkler shall be installed in accordance with

Obstructions to discharge Closets / Compartments under 400 cubic feet: Single sprinkler at highest point without regard to obstructions Includes rooms with mechanical equipment Examples: Spaces under stairs Closets large enough to require a sprinkler Laundry / HVAC closets Closets. In all closets and compartments, including those housing mechanical equipment, that are not larger than 400 ft3 (11.3 m3) in size, a single sprinkler at the highest ceiling space shall be sufficient without regard to obstructions or minimum distances to wall. Handbook: This rule is intended to facilitate the placement of sprinklers in closets with multiple elevations, such as those closets found under stairs and pitched roofs. Without this provision, multiple sprinklers would be needed in certain cases in accordance with the obstruction rules. However, experience suggests that fire development within a small confined space, such as a closet, is not comparable with that of a larger space and that fire control can be achieved without multiple sprinklers. Because the closet is smaller than the listed area of coverage of the sprinkler, there is a greater discharge rate per square unit area onto the floor of the closet. The smaller volume of space will tend to trap heat from a developing fire at the ceiling of the closet, accelerating activation of the sprinkler. Building features such as shelves within the closet will also have less of an overall obstructive effect in the smaller volume space. For the 2013 edition, was expanded to include all compartments 400 ft3 (11.3 m3) or less in volume. Therefore the section is no longer limited to closets. Additionally, the section was revised to exempt the spacing rules in relation to walls for sprinklers located in these small compartments.

Shadow Areas Shadow areas permitted in the protection area of a sprinkler as long as the cumulative dry areas do not exceed 15 sq. ft. For the 2013 edition, the concept of shadow areas was introduced to NFPA 13D. Shadow areas pertain to the sections of the floor area obstructed from sprinkler discharge, which will remain relatively dry during sprinkler activation. If shadow areas reach a certain size, concerns arise regarding the sprinkler system’s ability to control a fire. Therefore, limits are placed on the size of the shadow area. The shadow area concept is based upon the effect of the “Three Times Rule” in NFPA 13 with respect to the maximum size of the floor area that will not receive the direct application of water due to obstructions. Additionally, it addresses dry areas that are created by obstructions other than columns and bottom chords of truss webs, such as walls and other partitions. Although not explicitly quantified, dry areas are permitted by NFPA 13 through the application of the Three Times Rule. According to this provision, sprinklers can be placed a minimum distance equal to three times the width of certain obstructions, such as columns or the bottom of bar joists, so that sufficient sprinkler discharge can be sprayed around the obstruction and reach the other side of the obstruction. However, even using the Three Times Rule of sprinkler placement criteria, a certain sized floor area behind the obstruction is blocked from the intended sprinkler discharge and remains dry. The size limitation of 15 ft2 (1.4 m2) was determined through sprinkler discharge testing in which a pendent sprinkler was placed in the center of a 15-ft 15-ft (4.6 m 4.6 m) room with an 8-in. (203-mm) wide column located 24 in. (610 mm) from the sprinkler. This positioning is consistent with the Three Times Rule provisions for standard spray sprinklers. The results of this testing indicated a dry area of approximately 15 ft2 (1.4 m2) behind the column. It was argued that if this size dry area provided for intended sprinkler system performance, then it should be applied to other types of obstructions such as walls and partitions Pendant Head – Plan View

Shadow Areas Shadow areas permitted in the protection area of a sprinkler as long as the cumulative dry areas do not exceed 15 sq. ft. For the 2013 edition, the concept of shadow areas was introduced to NFPA 13D. Shadow areas pertain to the sections of the floor area obstructed from sprinkler discharge, which will remain relatively dry during sprinkler activation. If shadow areas reach a certain size, concerns arise regarding the sprinkler system’s ability to control a fire. Therefore, limits are placed on the size of the shadow area. The shadow area concept is based upon the effect of the “Three Times Rule” in NFPA 13 with respect to the maximum size of the floor area that will not receive the direct application of water due to obstructions. Additionally, it addresses dry areas that are created by obstructions other than columns and bottom chords of truss webs, such as walls and other partitions. Although not explicitly quantified, dry areas are permitted by NFPA 13 through the application of the Three Times Rule. According to this provision, sprinklers can be placed a minimum distance equal to three times the width of certain obstructions, such as columns or the bottom of bar joists, so that sufficient sprinkler discharge can be sprayed around the obstruction and reach the other side of the obstruction. However, even using the Three Times Rule of sprinkler placement criteria, a certain sized floor area behind the obstruction is blocked from the intended sprinkler discharge and remains dry. The size limitation of 15 ft2 (1.4 m2) was determined through sprinkler discharge testing in which a pendent sprinkler was placed in the center of a 15-ft 15-ft (4.6 m 4.6 m) room with an 8-in. (203-mm) wide column located 24 in. (610 mm) from the sprinkler. This positioning is consistent with the Three Times Rule provisions for standard spray sprinklers. The results of this testing indicated a dry area of approximately 15 ft2 (1.4 m2) behind the column. It was argued that if this size dry area provided for intended sprinkler system performance, then it should be applied to other types of obstructions such as walls and partitions Sidewall Head – Plan View

Testing and Acceptance
Hydrostatic Tests Two-hour test at normal system operating pressure: Leakage detected by: Drop in pressure gauge, or Visual inspection of piping System permitted to be tested with plugs or caps installed instead of sprinkler heads No additional test required after heads installed Where a fire department pumper connection is not provided, the system shall be hydrostatically tested at normal system operating pressure without evidence of leakage. Where a fire department pumper connection is provided, the system shall pass a hydro static pressure test perf ormed in accordance with NFPA 13. Evidence of leakage shall be determined by a drop in pressure at a gauge over a period of 2 hours or by visually checking the piping system for leakage. When systems are being hydrostatically tested, the test shall be permitted to be conducted with sprinklers or plugs installed in the fittings Any plugs used during the hydrostatic testing shall be replaced with sprinklers after the test is completed. No additional hydrostatic testing sha ll be required after the sprinklers are installed.

Operational Tests For typical, wet systems, no operational test is addressed if there is no waterflow switch installed If a pump is installed, an operational flow test is required Concerned about the water supply? Carry a gauge and valve assembly that can provide a pressure reading 11.2.2* Pump Tests. A The flow of water is necessary to make sure that the pump does not get damaged during testing. The use of a timer to keep the pump running is not recommended because the timer will allow the pump to run when no water is flowing. The pump needs to run for the entire duration without interruption, including not tripping the circuit breaker. Prior to system acceptance, a system utilizing a pump shall be tested by opening the drain/test connection.

Pressure Gauges Only Required when: A pressure tank is installed Dry system installed Any pressure reducing device is installed 7.2.6* Where a pressure-reducing or pressure-regulating valve is installed on a stand alone system, a pressure gauge and a test connection with an orifice at least as large as the smallest orifice sprinkler on the system shall be installed downstream of the device. 7.3 Pressure Gauges. 7.3.1 Where a dry system is installed, a pressure gauge shall be installed to indicate system air pressure. 7.3.2 Where a pressure tank is used for the water supply, a pressure gauge shall be installed to indicate tank pressure.

Bucket Tests What is it? Water is flowed into a bucket to verify adequacy of system (measure volume per minute) Not addressed in the standard Viable option if water supply cannot be verified Manufacturer requirement for Pex

System Documentation Design Documentation
Documentation shall be available upon request to ensure adequate water supply, listed devices, and adequate sprinkler coverage have been addressed 4.5* Documentation Documentation shall be available upon request to ensure adequate water supply, listed devices, and adequate sprinkler coverage have been addressed. Handbook: NFPA 13D has never required the production of formal plans and calculations, which is very different from the other sprinkler standards. Fire sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13D are simple enough that they should not need formal plans and calculations. An installer who knows the rules should be able to work within those rules and have flexibility to respond to the changes that occur frequently in residential construction. However, many code officials are uncomfortable with the concept of having sprinkler systems installed without any kind of plan review. To address these concerns, Section 4.5 and its accompanying Annex A material provide for the collection of basic system information that is to be available if requested. This information listed in the annex is intended to suggest sufficient flexibility in the approval process so that changes on the job site (consistent with the rules of NFPA 13D) can be incorporated into the system without needing to resubmit the plans for additional approvals. Also, it is hoped that the simplified calculation techniques recognized by NFPA 13D are allowed by whatever plan review process is in place, if there is one.

System Documentation Design Documentation
13D has never required working plans To address AHJ concerns over the lack of a plan review, the Annex provides a list: 4.5* Documentation Documentation shall be available upon request to ensure adequate water supply, listed devices, and adequate sprinkler coverage have been addressed. Handbook: NFPA 13D has never required the production of formal plans and calculations, which is very different from the other sprinkler standards. Fire sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13D are simple enough that they should not need formal plans and calculations. An installer who knows the rules should be able to work within those rules and have flexibility to respond to the changes that occur frequently in residential construction. However, many code officials are uncomfortable with the concept of having sprinkler systems installed without any kind of plan review. To address these concerns, Section 4.5 and its accompanying Annex A material provide for the collection of basic system information that is to be available if requested. This information listed in the annex is intended to suggest sufficient flexibility in the approval process so that changes on the job site (consistent with the rules of NFPA 13D) can be incorporated into the system without needing to resubmit the plans for additional approvals. Also, it is hoped that the simplified calculation techniques recognized by NFPA 13D are allowed by whatever plan review process is in place, if there is one.

System Documentation Design Documentation (1) Address (if known)
A.4.5 A scaled drawing where required should show the following: (1) Address (if known) (2) Size and type of domestic line, including length to city connection (3) Water meter size (4) Current static water pressure (5) Interior walls (6) Model, manufacturer, temperature, orifice size, and spacing requirements of sprinklers (7) Type of pipe (8) Hanger spacing requirement per the pipe manufacturer (9) Riser detail (10) Installing contractor information (11) Preliminary hydraulic calculations Handbook: NFPA 13D has never required the production of formal plans and calculations, which is very different from the other sprinkler standards. Fire sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13D are simple enough that they should not need formal plans and calculations. An installer who knows the rules should be able to work within those rules and have flexibility to respond to the changes that occur frequently in residential construction. However, many code officials are uncomfortable with the concept of having sprinkler systems installed without any kind of plan review. To address these concerns, Section 4.5 and its accompanying Annex A material provide for the collection of basic system information that is to be available if requested. This information listed in the annex is intended to suggest sufficient flexibility in the approval process so that changes on the job site (consistent with the rules of NFPA 13D) can be incorporated into the system without needing to resubmit the plans for additional approvals. Also, it is hoped that the simplified calculation techniques recognized by NFPA 13D are allowed by whatever plan review process is in place, if there is one.

System Documentation Guidance From the 13D Handbook:
“This information listed in the annex is intended to suggest sufficient flexibility in the approval process so that changes on the job site (consistent with the rules of NFPA 13D) can be incorporated into the system without needing to resubmit the plans for additional approvals” 4.5* Documentation Documentation shall be available upon request to ensure adequate water supply, listed devices, and adequate sprinkler coverage have been addressed. Handbook: NFPA 13D has never required the production of formal plans and calculations, which is very different from the other sprinkler standards. Fire sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13D are simple enough that they should not need formal plans and calculations. An installer who knows the rules should be able to work within those rules and have flexibility to respond to the changes that occur frequently in residential construction. However, many code officials are uncomfortable with the concept of having sprinkler systems installed without any kind of plan review. To address these concerns, Section 4.5 and its accompanying Annex A material provide for the collection of basic system information that is to be available if requested. This information listed in the annex is intended to suggest sufficient flexibility in the approval process so that changes on the job site (consistent with the rules of NFPA 13D) can be incorporated into the system without needing to resubmit the plans for additional approvals. Also, it is hoped that the simplified calculation techniques recognized by NFPA 13D are allowed by whatever plan review process is in place, if there is one.

System Maintenance A Maintenance Friendly System - Requirements
13D Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) The maintenance requirements are simple: Walk the sprinklers periodically (no specific time requirement) to look for: Obstructions to discharge (storage, etc) Painted or damaged heads Annual backflow test, if device is installed (not typically required) Source: NFPA 13D

System Maintenance A Maintenance Friendly System - Recommendations
13D Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) The maintenance recommendations are also simple: Annual flow test if a waterflow detector and bell are installed (optional devices) Annual backflow test, if device is installed (backflow device not typically required) Annual inspection by a qualified contractor Source: NFPA 13D

Becoming Our Own Barrier
A reminder that we all have a common goal: More compliant systems installed in more homes! We can become our own barrier as code officials: Confusion caused by misapplication of the standard Even with the best intentions! Let’s not forget we are part of a large team… Even with the best of intentions, when we, as code officials, add extra requirements to a proven national standard, we might undermine a broader, collective goal, to get more systems installed in more homes. It’s that simple. Sometimes there is a ‘If the designer goes above and beyond the standard, let’s keep quiet, because the system will be better.’ This is sometimes a good thing, but if we want to get more systems in more homes, let’s be open, vocal advocates of the value built in to this standard. That is how we can be partners with sprinkler opponents – demonstrate that we recognize that money is a real factor.

Conclusion 13D is designed to be an achievable balance between protection and cost

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