Summary: The FAQs cover a wide range of circumstances and complexities relating to NFPA 13 and other applicable codes. They address issues such as piping location in unsprinkled spaces, antifreeze usage, fire system classifications for residential buildings, sprinkler system capabilities, testing requirements for deluge systems, standpipe requirements in specific structures, and the use of remote-controlled valves.

The FAQs also cover the intricacies of concealed sprinklers, ceiling height constraints for sprinkler omission in light dangers, changes in storage protection standards, system monitoring requirements, and concerns for putting wet drops in chilled rooms. Each question includes thorough answers, citations to relevant code parts, and interpretations to help clear up various circumstances and compliance difficulties. This thorough compilation intends to provide experts negotiating fire protection regulations and NFPA 13 principles in various building and system design scenarios with practical insights and interpretations.

1. Main Pipe in an Unsprinkled Space. Description- An old unsprinklered building is being refurbished, and a variance has been granted to cover only two small residential areas with the 2010 edition of NFPA 13R. Water will be delivered into the structure from over 300 feet away from the parts to be protected. Question 1. Is it considered ``hazardous`` for the sprinkler main to go through unprotected regions, and are sprinklers required to protect this piping?

2. Darcy-Weisbach and Listed Antifreeze. Description- The Darcy-Weisbach Formula is required by NFPA 13 for antifreeze systems larger than 40 gallons. However, according to the new UL (Underwriters Laboratory) specified antifreeze cutsheets, the Darcy-Weisbach Formula should be utilized regardless of size. Question 2. Is it necessary to use the Darcy-Weisbach method when utilizing the newly listed antifreeze solutions if the total capacity of the antifreeze is less than 40 gallons?

3. NFPA 13R vs NFPA 13D System Multipurpose Piping System. Description- A fire sprinkler system will be installed in a two-story residential building with nine apartments. The facility will be built in line with the International Residential Code (IRC) of 2018. Question 3 (a). Is it possible for a fire code official to grant a waiver from a 13R system to a 13D system for the mentioned building?

4. 2-Hour Rated Enclosure. Description- This topic concerns whether the capabilities of this particular sprinkler system are compatible with the fire resistance standards for the room's above structure. Question 4. Would an extra hazard category 1 (EH1) ceiling sprinkler system give the 2-hour rating for the roof/ceiling in a 2-hour rated room?

5. Air Testing of Deluge Systems. Description- Annual full flow trip tests are required by NFPA 25 for deluge systems. Question 5. Is it permissible to substitute an air test for the wet test required by NFPA 13?

6. Standpipes for 13R Building with Only Exterior Stairs. Description- Standpipes are needed for structures of four floors or more in the 2018 edition of the International Building Code (IBC). IBC Section 905.4 specifies the hose valve locations for a Class 1 standpipe. Question 6. Is a standpipe still required in an NFPA 13R structure with just external exit stairs, no interior exit stairs, and no additional mandatory hose valve locations?

7. Maximum Ceiling Height. Description- This question requests clarification on any stated threshold in these fire protection guidelines for ceiling height exemptions for sprinkler installation in light-hazard zones. Question 7. Is there a ceiling height limit for light hazards that would allow sprinklers to be omitted?

8. Remote Controlled Valves. Description- Domestic water systems can be outfitted with a remote-control water shut-off. Is this permissible with fire sprinkler systems? Question 8. Is it permissible to use remote-controlled valves under NFPA 13?

9. Deflector Distance for Obstructions with Concealed Sprinklers. Description- This inquiry seeks to clarify the precise point of measurement for the deflector's distance in concealed sprinkler systems in the presence of impediments. Question 9. Is the maximum deflector distance above the bottom of an obstruction measured from the ceiling (before the deflector descends) or from the bottom of the deflector (after the deflector drops) when employing concealed sprinklers?

10. Plastic Storage 2016 vs 2022 NFPA-13 standards. Description- A warehouse with a 35-foot ceiling that will store Group A exposed unexpanded plastic on the floor to a height of 20 feet. According to the 2016 and 2019 editions, a suitable sprinkler design for this configuration was 12 K-16.8 pendent ESFR (early suppression fast response) (12 at 52 psi). However, this is not permitted in the 2022 edition of NFPA 13. Question 10. Is this to say that they conducted experiments that demonstrated that his criterion (12 at 52 K-16.8) will not work?

11.Monitoring of NFPA 13 Systems. Description- Does this system meet the monitoring criteria of NFPA 13 in a rural project with only a water motor gong? Question 11. Is electrical monitoring of sprinkler systems required by NFPA 13? A project is simply a water motor gong; however, it is located in a rural location.

12. Refrigerated Areas at 38 Degrees. Description- Let’s say to install normal wet drops through the roof of an IMP ceiling `{`similar to Figure A.8.4.9.1(b) - NFPA 13 2016 edition`}`. The temperature within the room will be kept constant at 38 degrees. According to the project's engineer of record, the heads should not freeze due to heat carried from the supply piping installed in the interstitial space above the IMP ceiling. Question 12. Will installing wet drops in the IMP ceilings technically violate Table 8.4.9.1(a)?

Courtesy: Roland Asp, CET, TechNotes