NFPA 13, Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

Contents 

Preface  

About the Editors 

NFPA 13 Summary of Technical Changes 

Chapters 

1 Administration 

2 Referenced Publications 

3 Definitions 

4 General Requirements 

5 Water Supplies 

6 Installation Underground Piping 

7 Requirements for System Components and Hardware 

8 System Types and Requirements 

9 Sprinkler Location Requirements 

10 Installation Requirements for Standard Pendent, Upright, and Sidewall Spray Sprinklers 

11 Installation Requirements for Extended Coverage Upright, Pendent, Sidewall Spray Sprinkler 

12 Installation Requirements for Residential Sprinklers 

13 Installation Requirements for CMSA Sprinklers 

14 Installation Requirements for Early Suppression Fast-Response Sprinklers 

15 Installation Requirements for Special Sprinklers  

16 Installation of Piping, Valves and Appurtenances 

17 Installation Requirements for Hanging and Support of System Piping 

18 Installation Requirements for Seismic Protection 

19 Design Approaches 

20 General Requirements for Storage 

21 Protection of High Piled Storage Using Control Mode Density Area (CMDA) Sprinklers 

22 CMSA Requirements for Storage Applications 

23 ESFR Requirements for Storage Applications 

24 Alternative Sprinkler System Designs for Chapters 20 Through 25 

25 Protection of Rack Storage Using In-Rack Sprinklers 

26 Special Designs of Storage Protection 

27 Special Occupancy Requirements 

28 Plans and Calculations 

29 Systems Acceptance 

30 Existing System Modifications 

31 Marine Systems 

32 System Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance 

Annexes   

A Explanatory Material 

B Miscellaneous Topics 

C Explanation of Test Data and Procedures for Rack Storage 

D Sprinkler System Information from the 2021 Edition of the Life Safety Code 

E Development of the Design Approach to Conform with SEI/ASCE 7 

F Informational References 

Index  

Important Notices and Legal Disclaimers

Important information about NFPA codes and standards available

NFPA® Handbooks are your 'Roadmap to the Codes' with insights and graphics that answer code questions. View these sample pages for a preview of the valuable information you'll access including complete code or standard text; explanatory commentary highlighted in a second color; hundreds of full-color photos, charts, tables and illustrations to clarify concepts; and much more.

Preview the 2022 NFPA 13, Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

2019 Edition

Editors: David R. Hague, P.E., and Chad R.W. Duffy, P.E.

Completely revised to support the reorganized Standard, the essential Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook helps you implement the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 smoothly and efficiently.

In a major update, NFPA 13 has been fully reorganized by structuring the technical content in the order you need to do your job. Improve your ability to navigate and apply the milestone 2019 edition of NFPA 13 using the Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook. Unique in the field, the Handbook provides essential know-how and support for all aspects of your work. It's loaded with guidance, expertise, color visuals, and information -- to help ensure you're better prepared to conduct accurate and efficient system design, installation, and testing.

Access the complete NFPA 13 text -- plus commentary from the foremost experts in fire sprinkler engineering, fire testing, and applications today.

The Handbook is your roadmap to the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 and the latest research-based requirements for system design, installation, and acceptance testing. It includes the full, reformatted Standard text along with commentary written by leading industry experts including Wes Baker, Tracey Bellamy, Bob Caputo, Mark Fessenden, Mark Hopkins, Larry Keeping, Kevin Kelly, William Smith, Victoria Valentine, and Terry Victor.

Help reduce risks and avoid fire loss with a wealth of support you won't find anyplace else.

• Hundreds of full-color photos, graphics, and detailed illustrations clarify concepts.
• Artwork provides a detailed look at the starting and stopping points of several NFPA systems including underground mains (NFPA 24) storage tanks (NFPA 22), fixed water spray systems (NFPA 15), fire pumps (NFPA 20), fire sprinklers (NFPA 13), and standpipes (NFPA 14).
• Checklists and worksheets include a plans review feature from the AHJ perspective 
• Project workflow diagrams and flowcharts illustrate the progress of a sprinkler project.
• Decision trees on protection for storage shows you how to choose the right sprinkler strategy for any facility.

Other features clarify concepts and make information more accessible.

• Ask the AHJ and FAQs help installers avoid common errors.
• Designer's Corner features take a deep dive into design topics.
• Updated line art improves your understanding of connections.
• Closer Look feature provides further information on specific subjects or issues.

Steer clear of issues that could compromise sprinkler operation with the 2019 edition of the Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook.

This essential water-based fire protection resource was developed for engineers, designers, contractors, inspectors, and AHJs. (Print, 1,278 pp., 2019)

2016 Edition

Editor: Matt Klaus

Written by sprinkler industry leaders and redesigned for greater usability, the 2016 NFPA 13 Handbook helps you implement the new industry standard.

To accompany the milestone 2016 NFPA 13, NFPA® presents the fully redesigned new Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook. Current with the 2016 NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems and the latest sprinkler technology, the Handbook helps you apply scientifically-based solutions that reduce risks and fire loss.

Written by the foremost experts in fire sprinkler engineering, fire testing, and applications, this full-color resource is packed with expertise, color visuals, and information that prepares you to conduct accurate and efficient system design, installation, and testing. Get equipped with essential know-how and support!

Here's how the NFPA 13 Handbook assists designers, engineers, contractors, and installers on the job:

• Complete 2016 NFPA 13 text brings you up-to-code with the latest research-based requirements for system design, installation, and acceptance testing.
• Exclusive commentary explaining the intent behind provisions is written by leading industry experts, including Wes Baker, Tracey Bellamy, Bob Caputo, John Denhardt, John Deutsch, Jim Biggins, Roland Huggins, and Pete Schwab.
• Hundreds of full-color photos, graphics, and detailed illustrations clarify concepts.
• New artwork provides a detailed look at the starting and stopping points of several NFPA systems including underground mains (NFPA 24) storage tanks (NFPA 22), fixed water spray systems (NFPA 15), fire pumps (NFPA 20), fire sprinklers (NFPA 13), and standpipes (NFPA 14).
• Expanded checklists and worksheets include a new plans review feature from the AHJ perspective written by David Lowrey.
• NFPA 13 Lessons at the back of some chapters include new storage lessons by James Golinveaux, and hanging and bracing lessons by John Deutsch.
• Project workflow diagrams and flowcharts illustrate the progress of a sprinkler project step-by-step.
• Decision trees on protection for storage shows users how to choose the right sprinkler strategy for any facility.

• Supplements address the European Experience wtih Fire Sprinklers; an overview of technical changes from the 2013 and 2016 editions of NFPA 13; the Evolution of Storage Sprinkler Standards; and Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System.

New design features improve navigation and make information more accessible.

• Ask the AHJ FAQs help installers avoid common errors.
• Designer’s Corner features take a deep dive into design topics.
• Updated line art improves your understanding of connections.
• Historical Note feature reviews some of the background behind material in the handbook.
• Research Note feature spotlights material based on research in the field.
• Closer Look feature provides further information on specific subjects or issues.
• FPRF Spotlight covers research by the Fire Protection Research Foundation directly impacting NFPA 13 code changes for 2016.

Understand vital concepts before installation and help ensure every step is done right.

Steer clear of issues that could compromise sprinkler operation with NFPA's 2016 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook. It's the single most essential water-based fire protection resource ever developed for engineers, designers, contractors, inspectors, and AHJs. (Hardbound, 1,254 pp., 2016)

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eForms Table of Contents

• Owner's Information Certificate
• Seismic Bracing Calculation Form
• Hydraulic Report Sheets
• Storage Sprinkler Design Checklist
• Plan Review Checklist
• Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping
• Contractor's Material and Test Certificate for Underground Piping
• Sprinkler System General Information

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