NFPA13R

N.F.P.A. 13R

Justin Bohlmann

FIR-204

Table of Contents

• What is NFPA 13R?• Grandfather Clause• Identification• Types of Sprinkler Systems

– Wet-Pipe– Dry and Pre-action

• Sprinkler Heads– Upright– Pendant – Sidewall

• An Overview of The Sprinkler System

• Rated Pressure• Temperature

• The use of reconditioned equipment

• Post Indicator Valve• Protection from Hazards• Working Plans• Testing • Water Supply • Fire Department Connection • Water Flow Alarms • Where are Sprinklers Not

Needed? • Maintenance • Source Page

What is N.F.P.A 13R?

• This standard covers the design and installation of Automatic Sprinkler Systems in residential occupancies up to and including four stories in height

Grandfather Clause

• 1.3 Retroactivity– Unless otherwise specified, the provisions of

this standard shall not apply to facilities, equipment, structures, or installations that existed or were approved for construction or installation prior to the effective date of the standard

Identification

• Sprinkler Systems

• Control, Drain, and Test Valves – Securing the Sign– What needs to be on the sign

Types of Sprinkler Systems

• Wet Pipe

• Pre-action

• Dry Pipe

Wet Pipe

• May be used were piping is installed in areas that can be reliably maintained at a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit

Dry and Pre-action

• These systems are used when piping cannot be maintained at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or greater

• Where these systems are installed they shall be installed under N.F.P.A. 13 (The Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems )

Upright and Pendant Sprinkler Heads

• Heads that have not been listed with specific positioning criteria shall be positioned so that the deflectors are within 1in.-4in from the ceiling

• Must be located 3 ft from obstructions

– Center of obstruction to the center of the head– Where heads cannot be placed 3ft from an obstruction

they shall be placed at either side of the obstruction

Sidewall Sprinkler Heads

• Sidewall heads shall be located so that their deflectors are 4in.-6in. From the ceiling

• Must be located 5 ft from obstructions – Center of obstruction to the center of the head– Where heads cannot be placed 5ft from an

obstruction they shall be placed at either side of the obstruction

The Sprinkler System

Rated Pressure

• Manufacturers recommendations for sprinkler heads – Follow unless they are less than

• 175 psi for aboveground• 150 psi for underground

• Piping • 175 psi

• Fittings • 175 psi

Temperature

• Sprinkler heads must be color coded in accordance with Table 5.1.1.5.1

– Corrosion resistive heads

– Recessed, flushed, or concealed sprinklers

– Liquid in bulb-type sprinklers

Reconditioned Equipment

• Valves and Devices

• Sprinkler Heads

Post Indicator Valve

Protection

• Corrosion

• Freezing

• Hazardous Areas

Working Plans

• Must be approved by the AHJ

• Changes from original plan must also be approved through the AHJ

• These plans must provide:– Plan of each floor– Easily duplicated

Working Plans

• Indicate:– Name of owner and occupant – Location– Point of compass– Ceiling construction– Location of fire walls and partitions – Occupancy – Concealed spaces

Working Plans

• Indicate ( Con’t):– Areas where there are no sprinklers – Size of the city main – Make and manufacture's of the sprinklers – Number of sprinklers – Location of alarm bells – All control valves and connections – Underground piping – Name and address of contractor

Testing

• Installer must perform all required tests prior to submitting request for approval

• The AHJ is required to be present during the conduction of testing for approval

• Hydrostatic Pressure

Water Supply

• Every system must have at least one automatic supply of water and it must be able to supply a system demand for at least 30 min.

• If a fire pump is installed it must be installed under NFPA 20 The Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection

Fire Department Connection (FDC)

• At least one fire department connection shall be provided for buildings that exceed 2000 square ft

• They must be:– At least 1 ½ in orifice size – Must be labeled for what building or area it

covers or protects

Sprinkler Head Specifications

• If a sprinkler is to be located in an area with a temperature less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit the head shall be an ordinary temperature rated sprinkler

• If the temperature exceeds 101 degrees Fahrenheit then an intermediate-rated sprinkler must be used

Sprinkler Head Specifications

• Sprinklers located under direct sunlight or in unventilated areas such as attics or storage closets, shall be of an intermediate temperature classification

Water Flow Alarms

• An alarm shall be installed to notify the occupants of a water flow in the building

• If the building is maintained by an Automatic Fire Detection System the water flow alarm shall be connected to the system

Where are Sprinklers not Needed?

• In Bathrooms which do not exceed 55ft• In closets, and pantries under the following

conditions:– The area does not exceed 24ft. – The walls and ceilings are surfaced with

noncombustible or limited combustible materials

• Porches, Balconies, or stairs that are open and attached

Maintenance

• The owner shall be required for the maintenance and the condition of the sprinkler system and shall keep it in normal condition

• Systems shall be inspected, tested, and maintained under the direction of NFPA 25 The standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

Sources

• N.F.P.A 13R The Standard For The Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height

• N.F.P.A. Handbook Sec. 10 Ch. 11 Pg. 185 Automatic Sprinkler Systems

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