NFPA 13– 2013 Edition

Update

Session Agenda

•A2012 Code Cycle

•NFPA 13 Code Development
•Changes to NFPA 13 (NFPA 24)
•What Didn’t Happen
•Next Steps

A2012 Code Cycle

 800+ Proposal
 500+ Comments
 TCC Meeting 12/6/11
 NFPA Annual Meeting 2012 (Las Vegas)

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Code Development
 5 TC’s
 1 TCC
 Staff’s Role in Development

Who Does What?

 SSI – All Installation Related Items
 SSD – Discharge Criteria
 RSS – NFPA 13R and 13D
 PRI – NFPA 2 and NFPA 13 CH 10 (Extracted)
 HBS – Chapter 9

 TCC (Now CC) - Correlation

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Changes to NFPA 13, 13D, & 13R - 2013 Edition - 1 Day Seminar

More Training on Changes

Start End
Venue Name Date Date Days
9/13/20 9/13/20
Houston, TX 12 12 TH
9/27/20 9/27/20
Nashville, TN 12 12 TH
Holiday Inn Baltimore Inner 10/19/2 10/19/2
Harbor 012 012 F
10/25/2 10/25/2
Cincinnati, OH 012 012 TH
11/2/20 11/2/20
Phoenix, AZ 12 12 F
11/30/2 11/30/2
Atlantic City, NJ 012 012 F
12/14/2 12/14/2
Orlando, FL 012 012 F
7

Chapter 3 - Definitions
 Control valve  Combined Dry Pipe/Pre Action
 Draft Curtain  Cross Main
 Dwelling Unit  System Riser
 High Volume Low Speed Fan  Clearance to Storage
 Continuous Obstruction  General Sprinkler Characteristics
 Non-Continuous Obstruction  Open Top Container
 Clearance to Ceiling  Four-Way Bracing
 Raw Water Source Hanger
 Sprinkler System Net Vertical Force
 Small Room Seismic Separation Assembly
 Antifreeze System

Clearance to Storage
3.9.1.6 Clearance to Ceiling. The
distance from the top of storage to
the ceiling above.

3
Four-Way Brace
 Four-Way Brace. A sway brace or sway
brace assembly intended to resist
differential movement of the piping system
in all horizontal directions.

10

3.3.8/A.3.3.8 - Draft Curtain

 A continuous material protruding
downward from the ceiling to create a
reservoir for collecting smoke and heat.

 Additional information about the size and

installation of draft curtains can be found in
NFPA 204.

11

3.3.18.2 Non-continuous
Obstruction

 Continuous Obstruction. An
obstruction located at or below the level of
sprinkler deflectors which affect the
discharge pattern of two or more adjacent
sprinklers

 Non-continuous Obstruction. An
obstruction at or below the level of the
sprinkler deflector which affects the
discharge pattern of a single sprinkler.

12

4
3.3.22 – Small Room
 A compartment of light hazard
occupancy classification having
unobstructed construction, and a floor area
not exceeding 800 ft2 (74.3 m2).

13

3.4.1 - Antifreeze Sprinkler System

 A wet pipe system using automatic

sprinklers that contains a liquid solution to
prevent freezing of the system, intended to
discharge the solution upon sprinkler
operation, followed immediately by water
from a water supply.

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3.4.1.1 - Premixed Antifreeze

Solution

 A mixture of an antifreeze material with

water that is prepared and factory mixed
by the manufacturer with a quality control
procedure in place that ensures that the
antifreeze solution remains homogeneous
and that the concentration is as specified.

15

5
3.3.23* Sprinkler System
 An integrated network of piping designed in
accordance with fire protection engineering
standards that includes a water supply source,
a water control valve, a water flow alarm, and
a drain. The portion of the sprinkler system
above ground is a network of specifically sized
or hydraulically designed piping installed in a
building, structure, or area, generally
overhead, and to which sprinklers are
attached in a systematic pattern. The system
is commonly activated by heat from a fire and
discharges water over the fire area.

16

Nitrogen and Other Gases

 Air, nitrogen or other approved gas- Where air
is used to charge, maintain or supervise
sprinkler systems, nitrogen or other approved
gas shall also be permitted to be used.

17

FDC Pressure
 The pressure
potential from a fire
department
connection shall not
be considered in
determining rated
pressure per Section
6.1.3.

18

6
Re-use of Sprinklers
 When a sprinkler has been removed for
any reason it shall not be reinstalled.

19

CPVC Compatibility
 Nonmetallic pipe and fittings included
in table 6.3.1.1 and table 6.4.1 shall be
listed.

 Manufacturers installation
instructions shall include it’s listing
limitations.

20

CPVC Compatibility
 When CPVC pipe is used in
combination systems utilizing steel
pipe, cutting oils and lubricants used
for fabrication of the steel piping shall
be compatible with CPVC materials.

21

7
 CPVC Compatibility
 Other construction materials such as
paint, electrical and communication
wiring, thread sealants, gasket
lubricant shall not come in contact
with CPVC unless they have been
evaluated as compatible with CPVC
materials by a testing lab.

22

Escutcheon/Cover Plate Assembly

 The use of caulking or glue to seal the

penetration or to affix the components of a
recessed escutcheon or concealed cover
plate shall not be permitted.

23

6.2.6.2.2/6.2.6.2.3
Painting Sprinklers

 Where sprinklers have had paint applied by

other than the sprinkler manufacturer, they
shall be replaced with new listed sprinklers of
the same characteristics, including K-factor,
thermal response, and water distribution.

 Where cover plates on concealed sprinklers

have been painted by other than the sprinkler
manufacturer, the cover plate shall be
replaced.
24

8
6.2.9.1
Stock of Spare Sprinklers

 A supply of at least six spare sprinklers

shall be maintained on the premises so that
any sprinklers that have operated or been
damaged in any way can be promptly
replaced.

25

6.3.1.1.1 - Above Ground Pipe

 Underground pipe shall be permitted to
extend into the building through the slab or
wall not more than 24 inches.

26

Relief Valves at Each Floor

 7.1.2.3 A relief valve per Section 7.1.2.1
shall be required downstream of check
valves required by Section 8.17.5.2.2(1).

Each connection from a standpipe that is

part of a combined system to a sprinkler
system shall have an individual control
valve and check valve of the same size as
the connection.

27

9
6.10 - Signs

28

7.1.1 - Pressure Gauges

 An approved pressure gauge conforming to

8.17.3 shall be installed in each system riser.

29

Antifreeze Systems
 Premixed Solution
 Glycerine 48%
 PG 38%
 More than 38% PG for ESFR
 Manufacturers Certificate
 New Solutions

30

10
NEW FPRF DATA
 TC TIA
• Only Listed Solutions
• Listing Must Show It Doesn’t Ignite
 Public TIA
 Ban All Antifreeze

31

What Can Happen

32

Backflow Testing
 A means shall be provided to perform a full
forward flow test in accordance with
8.17.4.6

33

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Sprinklers in Mechanical Equip
 Sprinklers shall not be required to be
installed within electrical equipment,
mechanical equipment, or air handling
units.

34

Water Mist Systems

 NFPA 13 does not
contemplate Water
Mist Systems. Use
NFPA 750.

35

High Temp Heads – Storage

 High-temperature sprinklers shall be
permitted to be used throughout ordinary
extra hazard occupancies, storage
occupancies and as allowed in this
standard and other NFPA codes and
standards.

36

12
 Attic Sprinkler Temp ratings
 Attics should be conditioned or use
intermediate temperature heads.

37

CMSA in O/L Hazard Occupancies

 Quick response CMSA sprinklers designed
to meet any criteria in Chapter 12 through
Chapter 20 shall be permitted to protect
light and ordinary hazard occupancies.

 Standard response CMSA sprinklers

designed to meet any criteria in Chapter 12
through Chapter 20 shall be permitted to
protect ordinary hazard occupancies.

38

Exposed Barrel Lengths

39

13
Exposed Barrel Lengths

40

Attached Insulation
 For insulation that is installed attached
directly to against the ceiling or roof
structure and is installed flat and parallel to
the ceiling or roof structure, the deflector
distance shall be measured to the
underside of the insulation.

41

Small Closets
 In all closets and
compartments, including
those closets housing
mechanical equipment,
that are not larger than
400 ft3in size, a single
sprinkler at the highest
ceiling space shall be
sufficient without regard to
obstructions or minimum
distance to the wall.
42

14
Dry Area Concept
 Notwithstanding the obstruction rules
provided in Chapter 8, it is not intended or
expected that water will fall on the entire
floor space of the occupancy.

43

Back-to-Back Sidewalls
 The maximum width of the lintel or soffit
shall not exceed 16inches.

 The maximum width of the lintel or soffit can

exceed 16 inches when a pendent sprinkler is
installed under the lintel or soffit.

44

Sprinkler Spacing <6 Feet

Standard and EC Sprinklers
 (1) Baffles are arranged to protect the
actuating elements.
 (2) Baffles shall be of solid and rigid material
that will stay in place before and during
sprinkler operation.
 (3) Baffles shall be not less than 8 in. long
and 6 in. (152 mm) high.

45

15
 Sprinkler Spacing <6 Feet
Standard and EC Sprinklers
 (4) The tops of baffles shall extend between
2 in. and 3 in. (51 mm and 76 mm) above
the deflectors of upright sprinklers.

 (5) The bottoms of baffles shall extend

downward to a level at least even with the
deflectors of pendent sprinklers.

46

8.3.3.4 – Use of Sprinklers

 When existing light hazard systems are
converted to use quick-response or
residential sprinklers, all sprinklers in a
compartment shall be changed.

 8.3.4.1 Sprinklers shall have a minimum

nominal K-factor of 5.6 unless permitted by
8.3.4.

47

8.4.5.3 - Residential Sprinklers

 Where residential sprinklers are installed in

a compartment as defined in 3.3.6, all
sprinklers within the compartment shall be
residential sprinklers.

48

16
 Sidewall Obstructions Rule
 Obstructions on the wall opposite from the
sidewall sprinkler shall be permitted where
the obstruction is up to 2 ft deep and 2 ft
wide

49

8.5.5.3.1.1
Open Grate Flooring

• Open grate flooring over 4 feet in width shall

require sprinkler protection below the
grating.

50

Residential Sidewall Sprinklers

 Residential horizontal sidewall sprinkler
deflectors shall be located no more than 6
in. from the wall on which they are
mounted unless listed for greater
distances.

51

17
Insulated Concealed Spaces
 2 Inch Air Gap Permitted at Top
 Entirely Not Practical

52

Elevator Requirements
 Automatic fire sprinklers shall not be
required in elevator machine rooms and
elevator machine machinery spaces,
control spaces or hoistways of traction
elevators where the following are met:

1) The elevator machine room, machinery

space, control room, control space or
hoistway of traction elevator is and spaces
are dedicated to elevator equipment only
53

Elevator Requirements
 2) Spaces are protected by smoke
detectors, or other automatic fire
detection, installed in accordance withNFPA
72.
 Spaces are separated from the remainder
of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or
roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire
resistive resistance rating of not less than
that specified by the applicable building
code
54

18
 Elevator Requirements
 4) Spaces are protected by smoke
detectors, or other automatic fire
detection, installed in accordance withNFPA
72.
 5) The elevator machinery is not of the
hydraulic type

55

Backflow as Required Control Valve

 A listed backflow prevention device shall be
considered a control valve, and an
additional control valve shall not be
required.

56

8.15.3.1 Stairways of
Combustible Construction

 Sprinklers shall be installed beneath all

stairways of combustible construction.
 8.15.3.1.1 Sprinklers shall be installed at
the top of combustible stair shafts.
 8.15.3.1.2* Sprinklers shall be installed
under the landings at each floor level.
 8.15.3.1.3 Sprinklers shall be installed
beneath the lowest intermediate landing.
57

19
8.15.9* - Hospital Clothes Closets
 Sprinklers shall not be required in clothes
closets of patient sleeping rooms in
hospitals where the area of the closet does
not exceed 6 ft² (0.55 m²) provided the
distance from the sprinkler in the patient
sleeping room to the back wall of the closet
does not exceed the maximum distance
permitted by 8.5.3.2.

58

8.17.2.5.1
Check Valve for FDC

 A listed check valve shall be installed in

each fire department connection and shall
be located in an accessible location.

59

Heat Loss Calculation

 Water filled piping shall be permitted to be
installed in areas where the temperature is
less than 40°F (4°C) when heat loss
calculation performed by a Professional
Engineer are performed to verify that the
system will not freeze

60

20
Heat Tracing
 Where used to protect
branch lines, the heat
tracing system shall be
specifically listed for
use on branchlines.
 Electric supervision of
the heat tracing system
shall provide positive
confirmation that the
circuit is energized.
61

Concealed Space Calculations

 Unless the requirements of Section
11.2.3.1.4(4) are met for buildings having
unsprinklered combustible concealed
spaces, as described in Sections
8.15.1.2 and 8.15.6, the minimum design
area of sprinkler operation for that portion
of the building shall be eight sprinklers
3000 ft2 (279 m2).

62

ESFR and CMSA Applications

 ESFR and CMSA
sprinklers meeting
any criteria in
Chapters 12-20
shall be permitted
to protect light and
ordinary hazard
occupancies.

63

21
Pressure Balancing
 22.4.2.4.3 Pressure balancing shall be
permitted through the use of a K-factor
developed for branch lines or portions of
systems using the formula in 22.4.2.5.
 22.4.2.5 K-factor Formula. K-factors, flow
from an orifice or pressure from an orifice
shall be determined on the basis of the
following formula:

64

Chapter 23
Plans & Calculations

23.2.1.1* Where a water flow test is used for

the purposes of system design, the test shall be
conducted no more than 12 months prior to
working plan submittal unless otherwise
approved by the AHJ.

Water Supply Capacity

 23.1.2 Capacity. Water supplies shall be
capable of providing the required flow and
pressure for the remote design area
determined using the procedures in
Chapters 11 through 22.

66

22
K Factor Equation

Q
K =
√P

K=Q/(p)0.5

67

What’s Not Happening

 Re-use of Sprinklers Heads

 Cloud Ceilings
 Shadow Areas
 Specially Listed
 Exposed Expanded Plastics

68

Stay informed about innovation at

NFPA, visit: www.nfpa.org/innovation

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NFPA 13– 2013 Edition
Update

24