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.
The identical specifications are included in NFPA 13, and according to the 13 annex, any “area, structure, or building that poses a degree of hazard greater than that normal to the general occupancy of the building or structure.” These consist of heat-producing devices, toxics, flammable materials, and poisonous or corrosive substances.”
The sprinkler piping must still be secured against mechanical damage, but there is no requirement to protect it from fire using sprinklers if it does not pass through a hazardous area. If there are no sprinklers in the area, someone has previously used them.
It can be concluded that a fire in the space is not intended to be controlled by sprinklers. The worst-case scenario for a fire starting in this location is that it causes the main to fail and water to leak.
NFPA 13 does include language that exempts systems containing less than 40 gallons of antifreeze. However, when the antifreeze product listing states that the Darcy-Weisbach formula for friction loss is to be used without a volume restriction, it becomes necessary, regardless of what the installation standard allows. As a result, the necessity for all systems to use Darcy-Weisbach is part of the UL Listing Standards. The products must be used in compliance with the listing standards, which, in this case, supersede the requirements of NFPA 13.
The NFPA 13D does not apply to this structure because it only covers “one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes.” The specified multi-family construction does not appear to meet this requirement.
Furthermore, it was indicated that this facility will be developed in line with the 2018 International Residential Code; however, based on the description, this structure does not appear to be covered by the residential code (see R101.2).
Section 903.2.8 of the 2018 International Building Code states that NFPA 13D systems are permissible in Group R-3, Group R-4, Condition 1, and small care facilities. There is insufficient evidence to determine if these classifications apply to the building in issue.
Question 3 (b). Is it permissible to use multipurpose piping systems in accordance with NFPA 13R?
Answer: No, only NFPA 13D covers multipurpose systems. NFPA 13R makes no mention of this system type, and while it is not expressly forbidden, multipurpose systems are not covered by this standard. It should be noted that, as stated in Section 9.6 of the 2016 version of NFPA 13R, common domestic/fire mains are permitted.
When sprinklers are present, the building code frequently provides a 1-hour reduction in the hourly fire resistance rating (2-hour down to 1-hour, for example). However, the presence of an EH1-rated fire sprinkler system does not correspond to a 2-hour horizontal fire barrier (or fire wall) rating.
Because of the surroundings that deluge systems normally protect, full flow trip assessments of deluge systems are performed more frequently than preaction and dry systems. The possibility of debris entering the system through open sprinklers or nozzles raises the possibility of blockages.
When testing a deluge system, a gauge at the furthest distant nozzle or sprinkler must be used to compare pressures with the gauge at the deluge system. This is done to see whether there are any obstructions in the system and to ensure that the nozzles or sprinklers are properly aligned. This cannot be accomplished effectively with just air.
The outdoor steps are exempt from hose connections in all cases with the 2018 and 2021 versions of the IBC, but be careful to check the rest of the section for additional hose connection locations. Check local ordinances for any changes to Section 905.4 that may necessitate hose hookups.
The next edition of NFPA 13 may, however, incorporate new criteria for high ceilings.
Proposals for the 2025 edition of NFPA 13 have been made that would include new standards for density requirements and minimum K factors for ceilings exceeding 30 feet in height. However, these suggested adjustments do not apply to light hazard systems. There are no accepted changes at this time since the future edition of NFPA 13 is still in the revision cycle.
Because the query refers to NFPA 13R, this standard does limit the ceiling height for residential sprinklers to 24 feet in Section 7.1.1.3.1. Quick response sprinklers, on the other hand, are permissible in NFPA 13R when placed in accordance with NFPA 13. Sprinklers might be removed from the ceiling if the building featured an atrium and the ceiling height was greater than 55 feet. The 55-foot height restriction does not appear in the sprinkler standard or building codes.
Automated control valves were addressed beginning in the 2019 edition (see Section 16.9.4) and continued until the 2022 edition (see Section 7.6.2). This part and the ones that follow say that you can have a listed automated water control valve assembly with a reliable position indication that is connected to a remote supervisory station. The automated water control valve must also be able to be operated manually as well as automatically (Section 7.6.2.2).
Monitoring or supervision of the system consists of two major aspects: waterflow alarms and valve supervision.
NFPA 13 only requires a local alarm for waterflow alarms. The aforementioned water motor gong would meet this requirement. This criterion is addressed in Section 17.1.1 of the 2016 version of NFPA 13.
Section 8.16.1.1.2 of NFPA 13 specifies the standards for control valve supervision.
According to this rule, all sprinkler system valves must be supervised by one of the four methods listed below:
- Alarm at the Central Station.
- An audible signal in a regularly monitored area.
- Stuck in the open position.
- Enclosed in a fenced enclosure and examined on a weekly basis.
However, as previously indicated, building and life safety regulations often have stricter monitoring and supervision requirements than NFPA 13, and the building codes’ more stringent requirements must be followed.
The International Building Code (2018), for example, requires all valves and waterflow switches to be “electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit” in Section 903.4.
Section 903.4.2 for alarms needs an approved audible device on the building’s outside. The next part of this clause states: “Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.”
Section 8.16.4.1, captioned “Protection of Piping Against Freezing,” must, however, be reviewed.
When the system is vulnerable to freezing and temperatures cannot be maintained at 40 degrees or higher, a dry system must be constructed (Section 8.16.4.1.1). This section, however, goes on to illustrate many exceptions to this need.
Section 8.16.4.1.5 may apply in this scenario. This clause permits the construction of wet systems in areas where “a professional engineer’s heat loss calculations verify that the system will not freeze.”
There is no violation of the standard if the engineer of record has completed these heat loss calculations and verified that the plumbing would not freeze. It is prudent to have this statement in writing.
Courtesy: Roland Asp, CET, TechNotes
