Home  >  Browse Products By Topic  >  Fire Protection Systems

NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 and 2019 Editions

2022 NFPA 13 Standard - Current Edition
In purchasing digital access through a PDF or subscription service, you are purchasing a single-user license to access content only by the named account holder. Certain restrictions apply.

NFPA Members save an additional 10%.

Item #: NFPA_13
Price: $0.00
Edition:
Digital Access with NFPA LiNK® Plans starting at $11.99/month
Standard Formats Available:

Handbook Formats Available:

Spanish Standard Formats Available:
eForms:
2016 Edition Plans starting at $11.99/month
Editions Prior to 2016 Plans starting at $11.99/month
Quantity:
  • Description

    Help ensure safer and more effective installation of sprinkler systems with the 2022 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

    Develop sprinkler defense for any occupancy using the most up-to-date standard. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, can help you locate and apply the latest requirements for automatic sprinkler system design, installation, and acceptance testing; hanging and bracing systems; and underground piping.

    Help prevent fire deaths and property loss with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

    Enhance your ability to apply requirements for automatic fire sprinklers, for more effective design, installation, and code enforcement. The 2022 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, is the transformative next step for designers, engineers, contractors, and installers involved with water-based fire protection in today's world.

    The latest edition of this safety standard underwent a philosophical change and moved away from the use of density/area curves in favor of single point density design options for new systems, although existing systems can still use density/area curves.

    Significant changes to the 2022 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, include the following:

    • New supplementary requirements for nitrogen generators were added.
    • New definitions were added and several existing definitions were modified.
    • In Chapter 4, several revisions were made to delineate miscellaneous and low-piled storage requirements.
    • In Chapter 8, supervision requirements for dry pipe systems were added.
    • In Chapter 9, requirements were added to address the use of intermediate temperature residential and quick-response sprinklers; a new section on small temporarily occupied spaces was added to address conditions where pods are installed; and obstruction criteria were added for suspended or floor-mounted obstructions in ordinary hazard occupancies.
    • In Chapter 14, the early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler location criteria were modified; obstruction requirements were revised to align with the results of a current Fire Protection Research Foundation report.
    • In Chapter 16, the process for determining whether freeze protection is needed was modified to require the use of the lowest mean temperature for one day, obtained for an approved source, and no longer permits the use of the isothermal map; criteria were added to address the protection of piping subject to mechanical damage.
    • In Chapter 20, criteria on multiple-row rack depth were added.
    • In Chapter 25, the content was rewritten and reorganized for clarity; this chapter now covers the single point density change.
    • In Chapter 26, special design criteria for storage applications were combined into this new chapter.

    Help professionals develop fire sprinkler defenses for any occupancy by ordering the updated edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, today. (Print, 612 pp., 2022)

    Interested in the 2016 NFPA 13 edition? Find it here.
    For editions prior to 2016, find them here.

  • Table of Contents (2022 Current Edition)

    NFPA® 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 Edition

    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 System Protection Area Limitations.
    4.5 Water Supply Information.
    4.6 Additives.
    4.7 Air, Nitrogen, or Other Approved Gas.
    4.8 Support of Nonsprinkler System Components.
    4.9 Noncombustible Materials and Limited-Combustible Materials.
    Chapter 5 Water Supplies
    5.1 General.
    5.2 Types.
    Chapter 6 Installation 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.
    7.9 Automated Inspection and Testing Devices and Equipment.
    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, Sidewall Spray Sprinkler
    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.
    15.5 Attic Sprinklers.
    15.6 Electrically Operated 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 Occupancy Hazard Fire Control Approach for Spray Sprinklers.
    19.3 Special Design Approaches.
    19.4 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 Protection Criteria for Roll Paper Storage.
    20.7 Plastic Motor Vehicle Components.
    20.8 High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) Fans.
    20.9 Building Construction and Storage: Heights and Clearance.
    20.10 Unsprinklered Combustible Concealed Spaces.
    20.11 Room Design Method.
    20.12 High-Expansion Foam Systems.
    20.13 Adjacent Hazards or Design Methods.
    20.14 Hose Connections.
    20.15 Hose Stream Allowance and Water Supply Duration.
    20.16 Discharge Considerations: General.
    20.17 Protection of Idle Pallets.
    20.18 Column Protection: Rack Storage and Rubber Tire Storage.
    20.19 Protection of Racks with Solid Shelves.
    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 of Group A Plastic Commodities Stored Over 25 ft (7.6 m) in Height for Single-, Double-, and Multiple-Row Racks.
    21.7 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Storage of Rubber Tires.
    21.8 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Roll Paper Storage.
    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 RackStorage 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 ESFR Sprinklers for Palletized,Solid-Piled, or Rack Storage of Class I Through Class IV and Group A Plastic Commodities.
    23.4 Protection of Exposed Expanded Group A Plastics.
    23.5 ESFR Protection of Rack Storage of Rubber Tires.
    23.6 ESFR Sprinklers for Protection of Roll Paper Storage.
    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 for Ceiling and In-Rack Sprinklers Protecting Rack Storage.
    25.2 Protection of Miscellaneous and Low-Piled Rack Storage Using In-Rack Sprinklers.
    25.3 In-Rack Sprinkler Protection in Combination with CMDA Ceiling-Level Sprinklers.
    25.4 In-Rack Sprinkler Protection in Combination with CMSA Ceiling-Level Sprinklers.
    25.5 In-Rack Sprinkler Protection in Combination with ESFR Ceiling-Level Sprinklers.
    25.6 In-Rack Sprinkler Protection Options Independent of Ceiling-Level Sprinklers.
    25.7 Evaluation or Modification of Existing Protection for Miscellaneous and Low-Piled Rack Storage Using In-Rack Sprinklers.
    25.8 Evaluation or Modification of Existing CMDA Ceiling-Level Sprinkler Rack Storage Protection of Class I through Class IV Commodities Over 12 ft (3.7 m) and Up to and Including 25 ft (7.6 m) in Height Using In-Rack Sprinklers.
    Chapter 26 Special Designs of Storage Protection
    26.1 General.
    26.2 Plastic Motor Vehicle Components.
    26.3 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.
    26.4 Special Design for Rack Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities and Group A Plastics Stored Up to and Including 20 ft (6.1 m) in Height.
    26.5 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Baled Cotton Storage.
    26.6 Control Mode Density/Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Cartoned Records Storage with Catwalk Access.
    26.7 Control Mode Density/Area 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.
    26.8 Protection of High Bay Records Storage.
    26.9 Special Design for Palletized, Solid-Piled, Bin Box, or Shelf Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities.
    Chapter 27 Special Occupancy Requirements
    27.1 General.
    27.2 Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
    27.3 Aerosol Products.
    27.4 Drycleaning Facilities.
    27.5 Spray Applications Using Flammable or Combustible Materials.
    27.6 Dipping, Coating, and Printing Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Liquids.
    27.7 Solvent Extraction Plants.
    27.8 Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines.
    27.9 Cellulose Nitrate Film.
    27.10 Laboratories Using Chemicals.
    27.11 Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes.
    27.12 Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code.
    27.13 Utility LP-Gas Plants.
    27.14 Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
    27.15 Information Technology Equipment.
    27.16 Telecommunication Facilities.
    27.17 Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment.
    27.18 Ovens and Furnaces.
    27.19 Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids.
    27.20 Class A Hyperbaric Chambers.
    27.21 Coal Mines.
    27.22 Metal/Nonmetal Mining and Metal Mineral Processing Facilities.
    27.23 Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems.
    27.24 Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Soundstages, Approved Production Facilities, and Production Locations.
    27.25 Animal Housing Facilities.
    27.26 Water Cooling Towers.
    27.27 Marine Terminals, Piers, and Wharves.
    27.28 Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities.
    27.29 Hazardous Materials Code.
    27.30 Aircraft Hangars.
    27.31 Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling Ramp Drainage, and Loading Walkways.
    27.32 Aircraft Engine Test Facilities.
    27.33 Advanced Light Water Reactor Electric Generating Plants.
    27.34 Light Water Nuclear Power Plants.
    27.35 Cultural Resource Properties — Museums, Libraries, and Places of Worship.
    Chapter 28 Plans and Calculations
    28.1 Working Plans.
    28.2 Hydraulic Calculation Procedures.
    28.3 Hose Allowance.
    28.4 Hydraulic Calculation Forms.
    28.5 Pipe Schedules.
    Chapter 29 Systems Acceptance
    29.1 Approval of Sprinkler Systems and Private Fire Service Mains.
    29.2 Acceptance Requirements.
    29.3 Instructions.
    29.4 Hydraulic Design Information Sign (Hydraulic Data Nameplate).
    29.5 Pipe Schedule Design Information Sign (Nameplate).
    29.6 General Information Sign.
    Chapter 30 Existing System Modifications
    30.1 General.
    30.2 Components.
    30.3 Sprinklers.
    30.4 Revamping of Pipe Schedule Systems.
    30.5 Existing Systems Area/Density Curves.
    30.6 Revamping of Hydraulic Design Systems.
    30.7 System Design.
    30.8 Testing.
    Chapter 31 Marine Systems
    31.1 General.
    31.2 System Components, Hardware, and Use.
    31.3 System Requirements.
    31.4 Installation Requirements.
    31.5 Design Approaches.
    31.6 Plans and Calculations.
    31.7 Water Supplies.
    31.8 System Acceptance.
    31.9 System Instructions and Maintenance.
    Chapter 32 System Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
    32.1 General.
    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 2021 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
  • 2019 Edition

    2019 Edition

    Introducing a clearer, more concise, and more effective tool for the installation of sprinkler systems: The 2019 edition of NFPA 13.

    Develop sprinkler defense for any occupancy using the most up-to-date standard -- now completely reorganized based on user needs in the modern built environment. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, has undergone more than 60 revision cycles, reflecting more than 120 years of fire experience and new water-based fire protection technologies. Organizationally, the standard was ready for a change! A task group of water-based fire protection experts tackled the challenge and the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 is the result.

    In a major update, NFPA 13 has been fully reorganized by structuring the technical content in the order you need to do your job.

    NFPA 13 is reorganized from cover to cover, creating clear separations in subject matter and a more logical flow for sprinkler system planning and design. This edition of NFPA 13 makes it easier to locate and apply the latest requirements for automatic sprinkler system design, installation, and acceptance testing; hanging and bracing systems; underground piping; and seismic protection.

    The updated NFPA 13 helps designers, engineers, contractors, and installers work smarter to develop fire sprinkler defense for any occupancy.

    • Content is organized logically by sprinkler technology, storage method, commodity, and how you perform your job.
    • Chapter titles are more descriptive and reflect the terminology in use today.
    • Duplicate content has been removed to help eliminate confusion.
    • A section-to-section number comparison of the 2016 edition to the 2019 edition helps you navigate the reorganized Standard.

    NFPA 13 continues to support your hard work to help prevent fire deaths and property loss.

    Improve your ability to apply requirements for automatic fire sprinklers, for more effective design, installation, maintenance, and code enforcement. The 2019 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, is the transformative next step for anyone involved with water-based fire protection in today's world. (Print, 576 pp., 2019)

  • How the NFPA Handbooks Differ from Codes and Standards

    THE NFPA HANDBOOKS DIFFER FROM CODES AND STANDARDS

    Ever wonder what the difference is between an NFPA® handbook and a code or standard? We’re glad you asked.

    NFPA codes and standards both provide requirements for achieving outcomes. Handbooks take a deeper dive, providing the full text of a code or standard as well as expert commentary and features such as graphics, decision trees, testing procedures, case studies, sample forms and checklists, and other helpful aids to give a better understanding of the reasoning behind the requirements and how to apply them.

    JUST REMEMBER:

    • A code or standard is a framework—a set of rules to follow with a goal to achieve a certain result
    • A handbook is a connector—linking requirements to application by helping you understand the reasoning behind a code or standard

    The simplest way to think about it is that codes and standards list the technical requirements while handbooks explain those requirements to clarify how to apply them.

  • NFPA eForms

    NFPA® makes available PDF versions of some forms originally published in earlier editions of our NFPA Standards and handbooks. These eForms allow you to fill in the form fields electronically and then save, print, or share the file. NFPA eForms are intended for use on computers and are compatible with some mobile devices and apps. An internet connection is not needed to fill in and save the forms once they are downloaded to your device.

    NFPA eForms can be used with many PDF applications. Functions of the specific PDF application will work on the forms. For example, most PDF applications include a signature feature, allowing you to use your finger, stylus, or mouse to sign a document. Note that it is recommended that the eForms be viewed and filled in through Adobe Acrobat Reader or higher, and not using the default reader of your device, for example, the iOS reader on iPhones.

    Note that NFPA eForms are not compatible with the NFPA eLibrary app.

    Features of the NFPA eForms include:

    • Editable fields and checkboxes that allow you to enter content
    • Spell check
    • Easy file sharing (through email or Cloud storage)
    • Printing
    • Basic PDF markup tools, including highlighting and comment boxes
    • A "Learn More" button with explanatory comments to help you understand the requirements necessary to complete the form
    • Electronic signature
    • Searching form text
    • Table of contents with links to each form within the file
    • Dedicated placeholder to add company logo

    Additional features that may be available, depending on PDF software/app you choose:

    • Text message sharing of forms
    • Attaching files to PDF (including audio files)
    • Duplicating forms
    • Advanced tools, including inserting stamps and inserting images
    • Clearing all fields at once
    • Searching extended to include form fields
    • Extracting pages from the full file
    • Save'flattened' option that prevents further editing of content entered into form fields
    • Automatic saving when closing the file
    • Date fields with scroll bar selection

    Directions on how to use on a desktop or mobile device are provided on the first page of the PDF.

  • eForms Table of Contents (2019)

    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

     

  • NFPA PDF Products

    If you purchased a PDF, licensed PDFs can be accessed immediately. Instructions can be found in your order confirmation.

    Effective with the annual 2020 code cycle, NFPA® will no longer offer access to the PDF format as a choice for new editions of codes and standards, handbooks, or other reference titles. Existing PDFs will remain in-market and will still be accessible in our National Fire Codes® Subscription Service (NFCSS™). For more information about the different format options available to access essential code and standard content you need, click here.

  • Historical Editions

    Previous editions of NFPA® documents are available for sale. Please see applicable NFPA codes and standards product pages to confirm which editions are available for purchase. If you have any questions, contact NFPA Customer Support at 1-800-344-3555 or nfpa.org/customerservice.

  • Also in Fire Protection Systems