NFPA 13, Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

Contents

Preface  

Acknowledgments  

About the Contributors  

About the Editor  

 

Chapter 1 Administration

1.1 Scope

1.2 Purpose

1.3 Application

1.4 Retroactivity

1.5 Equivalency

1.6 Units and Symbols

1.7 New Technology

 

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

2.1 General

2.2 NFPA Publications

2.3 Other Publications

2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections

 

Chapter 3 Definitions

3.1 General

3.2 NFPA Official Definitions

3.3 General Definitions

 

Chapter 4 General Requirements

4.1 Level of Protection

4.2 Owner’s Certificate

4.3 Classification of Hazard

4.4 Hose Connections

4.5 System Protection Area Limitations

4.6 Water Supply Information

4.7 Additives

4.8 Air, Nitrogen, or Other Approved Gas

4.9 Support of Nonsprinkler System Components

4.10 Noncombustible Materials and Limited-Combustible Materials

 

Chapter 5 Water Supplies

5.1 General

5.2 Types

 

Chapter 6 Installation of Underground Piping

6.1 Piping

6.2 Fittings

6.3 Connection of Pipe, Fittings, and Appurtenances

6.4 Protection of Private Fire Service Mains

6.5 Grounding and Bonding

6.6 Restraint

6.7 Steep Grades

6.8 Installation Requirements

6.9 Backfilling

6.10 Testing and Acceptance

 

Chapter 7 Requirements for System Components and Hardware

7.1 General

7.2 Sprinklers

7.3 Aboveground Pipe and Tube

7.4 Fittings

7.5 Joining of Pipe and Fittings

7.6 Valves

7.7 Waterflow Alarm Devices

7.8 Additives and Coatings

 

Chapter 8 System Types and Requirements

8.1 Wet Pipe Systems

8.2 Dry Pipe Systems

8.3 Preaction Systems and Deluge Systems

8.4 Combined Dry Pipe and Preaction Systems for Piers, Terminals, and Wharves

8.5 Multi-Cycle Systems

8.6 Antifreeze Systems

8.7 Outside Sprinklers for Protection Against Exposure Fires (Exposure Protection Sprinkler Systems)

8.8 Refrigerated Spaces

8.9 Commercial-Type Cooking Equipment and Ventilation

8.10 Pilot Line Detectors

 

Chapter 9 Sprinkler Location Requirements

9.1 Basic Requirements

9.2 Allowable Sprinkler Omission Locations

9.3 Special Situations

9.4 Use of Sprinklers

9.5 Position, Location, Spacing, and Use of Sprinklers

 

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

10.1 General

10.2 Standard Pendent and Upright Spray Sprinklers

10.3 Sidewall Standard Spray Sprinklers

 

Chapter 11 Installation Requirements for Extended Coverage Upright, Pendent, and Sidewall Spray Sprinklers

11.1 General

11.2 Extended Coverage Upright and Pendent Spray Sprinklers

11.3 Extended Coverage Sidewall Spray Sprinklers

 

Chapter 12 Installation Requirements for Residential Sprinklers

12.1 General

 

Chapter 13 Installation Requirements for CMSA Sprinklers

13.1 General

13.2 CMSA Sprinklers

 

Chapter 14 Installation Requirements for Early Suppression Fast-Response Sprinklers

14.1 General

14.2 Early Suppression Fast-Response Sprinklers

 

Chapter 15 Installation Requirements for Special Sprinklers

15.1 Open Sprinklers

15.2 Special Sprinklers

15.3 Dry Sprinklers

15.4 Old-Style Sprinklers

 

Chapter 16 Installation of Piping, Valves, and Appurtenances

16.1 Basic Requirements

16.2 Sprinkler Installation

16.3 Piping Installation

16.4 Protection of Piping

16.5 Protection of Risers Subject to Mechanical Damage

16.6 Provision for Flushing Systems

16.7 Air Venting

16.8 Fitting Installation

16.9 Valves

16.10 Drainage

16.11 System Attachments

16.12 Fire Department Connections

16.13 Gauges

16.14 System Connections

16.15 Hose Connections

16.16 Electrical Bonding and Grounding

16.17 Signs

 

Chapter 17 Installation Requirements for Hanging and Support of System Piping

17.1 General

17.2 Hanger Components

17.3 Trapeze Hangers

17.4 Installation of Pipe Hangers

17.5 Pipe Stands

 

Chapter 18 Installation Requirements for Seismic Protection

18.1 Protection of Piping Against Damage Where Subject to Earthquakes

18.2 Flexible Couplings

18.3 Seismic Separation Assembly

18.4 Clearance

18.5 Sway Bracing

18.6 Restraint of Branch Lines

18.7 Hangers and Fasteners Subject to Earthquakes

18.8 Pipe Stands Subject to Earthquakes

 

Chapter 19 Design Approaches

19.1 General

19.2 General Design Approaches

19.3 Occupancy Hazard Fire Control Approach for Spray Sprinklers

19.4 Special Design Approaches

19.5 Deluge Systems

 

Chapter 20 General Requirements for Storage

20.1 General

20.2 Protection of Storage

20.3 Classification of Commodities

20.4 Commodity Classes

20.5 Storage Arrangement

20.6 Building Construction and Storage: Heights and Clearance

20.7 Unsprinklered Combustible Concealed Spaces

20.8 Room Design Method

20.9 High-Expansion Foam Systems

20.10 Adjacent Hazards or Design Methods

20.11 Hose Connections

20.12 Hose Stream Allowance and Water Supply Duration

20.13 Discharge Considerations: General

20.14 Protection of Idle Pallets

20.15 Column Protection: Rack Storage and Rubber Tire Storage

 

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

21.1 General

21.2 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Palletized, Solid-Piled, Bin Box, Shelf, or Back-to-Back Shelf Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities

21.3 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Palletized, Solid-Piled, Bin Box, Shelf, or Back-to-Back Shelf Storage of Plastic and Rubber Commodities

21.4 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Rack Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities

21.5 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Single-, Double-, and Multiple-Row Racks for Group A Plastic Commodities Stored Up to and Including 25 ft (7.6 m) in Height

21.6 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Rack Storage Rubber Tires

21.7 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Roll Paper Storage

21.8 Special Design for Rack Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities and Group A Plastics Stored Up to and Including 25 ft (7.6 m) in Height

21.9 Sprinkler Design Criteria for Storage and Display of Class I Through Class IV Commodities, Cartoned Nonexpanded Group A Plastics and Nonexpanded Exposed Group A Plastics in Retail Stores

21.10 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Baled Cotton Storage

21.11 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Carton Records Storage with Catwalk Access

21.12 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Compact Storage of Commodities Consisting of Paper Files, Magazines, Books, and Similar Documents in Folders and Miscellaneous Supplies with No More Than 5 Percent Plastics Up to 8 ft (2.4 m) High

 

Chapter 22 CMSA Requirements for Storage Applications

22.1 General

22.2 Palletized and Solid-Piled Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities

22.3 Palletized and Solid-Piled Storage of Nonexpanded and Expanded Group A Plastic Commodities

22.4 Single-, Double-, and Multiple-Row Rack Storage for Class I Through Class IV Commodities

22.5 Single-, Double-, and Multiple-Row Racks of Group A Plastic Commodities

22.6 Rubber Tires

22.7 Roll Paper Storage

 

Chapter 23 ESFR Requirements for Storage Applications

23.1 General

23.2 ESFR Design Criteria

23.3 Early Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) Sprinklers for Palletized or Solid-Piled Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities

23.4 Early Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) Sprinklers for Palletized or Solid-Piled Storage of Group A Plastic Commodities

23.5 Early Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) Sprinklers for Rack Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities

23.6 Early Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) Sprinklers for Rack Storage of Group A Plastic Commodities

23.7 Protection of Exposed Expanded Group A Plastics

23.8 ESFR Protection of Rack Storage of Rubber Tires

23.9 Early Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) Sprinklers for Protection of Roll Paper Storage

23.10 Plastic Motor Vehicle Components

23.11 Sprinkler Design Criteria for Storage and Display of Class I Through Class IV Commodities, Cartoned Nonexpanded Group A Plastics and Nonexpanded Exposed Group A Plastics in Retail Stores

23.12 Protection of High Bay Records Storage

23.13 Slatted Shelves

 

Chapter 24 Alternative Sprinkler System Designs for Chapters 20 Through 25

24.1 General

24.2 Sprinkler Design Criteria for Palletized and Solid-Piled, Storage of Class I Through Class IV and Plastic Commodities

24.3 Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Open-Frame Rack Storage of Class I Through Class IV and Plastic Commodities

24.4 Hose Stream Allowance and Water Supply Duration

24.5 Minimum Obstruction Criteria

 

Chapter 25 Protection of Rack Storage Using In-Rack Sprinklers

25.1 General Requirements of In-Rack Sprinklers

25.2 Ceiling-Level Sprinkler Design Criteria in Combination with In-Rack Sprinklers

25.3 In-Rack Sprinkler Characteristics

25.4 Vertical Spacing and Location of In-Rack Sprinklers

25.5 Horizontal Location and Spacing of In-Rack Sprinklers

25.6 Protection of Racks with Solid Shelves

25.7 Horizontal Barriers in Combination with In-Rack Sprinklers

25.8 Alternative In-Rack Sprinkler Protection Options That Are Independent of the Ceiling Sprinkler Design

25.9 In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangements in Combination with CMDA Sprinklers at Ceiling Level

25.10 In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangements in Combination with CMSA Sprinklers at Ceiling Level

25.11 In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangements in Combination with ESFR Sprinklers at Ceiling Level

25.12 Design Criteria for In-Rack Sprinklers in Combination with Ceiling-Level Sprinklers

 

Chapter 26 Special Occupancy Requirements

26.1 General

26.2 Flammable and Combustible Liquids

26.3 Aerosol Products

26.4 Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials

26.5 Solvent Extraction Plants

26.6 Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines

26.7 Nitrate Film

26.8 Laboratories Using Chemicals

26.9 Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes

26.10 Acetylene Cylinder Charging Plants

26.11 Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code

26.12 Utility LP-Gas Plants

26.13 Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

26.14 Protection of Information Technology Equipment

26.15 Standard on Incinerators, and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment

26.16 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces

26.17 Health Care Facilities Code, Class A Hyperbaric Chambers

26.18 Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems

26.19 Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Soundstages, Approved Production Facilities, and Production Locations

26.20 Animal Housing Facilities

26.21 Water Cooling Towers

26.22 Standard for the Construction and Fire Protection of Marine Terminals, Piers, and Wharves

26.23 Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities

26.24 Aircraft Hangars

26.25 Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling Ramp Drainage, and Loading Walkways

26.26 Aircraft Engine Test Facilities

26.27 Advanced Light Water Reactor Electric Generating Plants

26.28 Light Water Nuclear Power Plants

26.29 Code for the Protection of Cultural Resource Properties — Museums, Libraries, and Places of Worship

26.30 National Electrical Code

26.31 Fire Protection of Telecommunication Facilities

26.32 Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids

26.33 Hypobaric Facilities

26.34 Coal Mines

26.35 Metal/Nonmetal Mining and Metal Mineral Processing Facilities

26.36 Hazardous Materials Code

 

Chapter 27 Plans and Calculations

27.1 Working Plans

27.2 Hydraulic Calculation Procedures

27.3 Hose Allowance

27.4 Hydraulic Calculation Forms

27.5 Pipe Schedules

 

Chapter 28 Systems Acceptance

28.1 Approval of Sprinkler Systems and Private Fire Service Mains

28.2 Acceptance Requirements

28.3 Automated Inspection and Testing Devices and Equipment

28.4 Instructions

28.5 Hydraulic Design Information Sign (Hydraulic Data Nameplate)

28.6 General Information Sign

 

Chapter 29 Existing System Modifications

29.1 General

29.2 Components

29.3 Sprinklers

29.4 Revamping of Pipe Schedule Systems

29.5 Revamping of Hydraulic Design Systems

29.6 System Design

29.7 Testing

 

Chapter 30 Marine Systems

30.1 General

30.2 System Components, Hardware, and Use

30.3 System Requirements

30.4 Installation Requirements

30.5 Design Approaches

30.6 Plans and Calculations

30.7 Water Supplies

30.8 System Acceptance

30.9 System Instructions and Maintenance

 

Chapter 31 System Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

31.1 General

 

Annexes

Annex A Explanatory Material

Annex B Miscellaneous Topics

Annex C Explanation of Test Data and Procedures for Rack Storage

Annex D Sprinkler System Information from the 2018 Edition of the Life Safety Code

Annex E Development of the Design Approach to Conform with ASCE/SEI 7 and Suggested Conversion Factor Adjustments for Locations Outside the United States

Annex F Informational References

 

Index  

2016­–2019 Roadmap

Important Notices and Legal Disclaimers

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Preview the 2019 NFPA 13, Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

Watch this video clip by Matt Klaus discussing changes to the 2016 edition of NFPA 13 from previous editions.

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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