Automatic Sprinkler.

A fire suppression or control device that operates automatically

when its heat-activated element is heated to its thermal rating or above, allowing water to discharge
over a specified area.

EXHIBIT 3.7 Wet Pipe Sprinkler Riser with Alarm Check Valve.
A wet pipe sprinkler system is the most simple and reliable of all sprinkler systems. Operation
of one sprinkler activates a wet pipe system. An important note is that only those sprinklers
activated by the heat from fire will discharge water. Exhibit 3.7 illustrates an example
of a wet pipe system using an alarm check valve. Section 7.1 addresses requirements for wet
pipe systems.

All other types of systems addressed by NFPA 13 require the use of additional equipment,
such as dry pipe valves, preaction valves, or supplemental detectors, for successful operation.
As the number of events needed for system activation increases — that is, the
activation of both sprinklers and heat detectors or the use of more elaborate devices such as
dry pipe valves — the greater the need for a comprehensive inspection, testing, and maintenance
program. In other words, the more complicated a system, the greater the likelihood that
something can go wrong and the greater the effort needed to keep the system in proper working
order.

Wet pipe systems should always be the first type of system considered. Only in cases
where a wet pipe system cannot properly protect a space should another type of system be
contemplated. For example, a wet pipe system is not a good candidate for a cold storage
room, because the cold temperature is likely to cause the water in the sprinkler piping to
freeze, resulting in damage to the piping and an impairment of the sprinkler system. Therefore,
a dry pipe or an antifreeze system is a better choice for the protection of cold storage
rooms.
3.5* System Component Definitions

3.5.1 Air Receiver. A chamber, compatible with an air compressor, that can store air under
pressure that is higher in pressure than that in the dry pipe or preaction system piping.

3.5.2 Air Reservoir. A chamber that can store air at the same pressure that is in the wet pipe
system piping.

3.5.3 Arm-Over. A horizontal pipe that extends from the branch line to a single sprinkler or
a sprinkler above and below a ceiling.

3.5.4 Branch Lines. The pipes supplying sprinklers, either directly or through sprigs, drops,
return bends, or arm-overs.

Branch lines, as identified in Exhibit 3.8, are usually the smallest diameter pipes installed on
a system and normally have sprinklers attached to them.

3.5.5 Cross Mains. The pipes supplying the branch lines, either directly or through risers.

3.5.6 Feed Mains. The pipes supplying cross mains, either directly or through risers.
3.5.7 Flexible Listed Pipe Coupling. A listed coupling or fitting that allows axial displacement,
rotation, and at least 1 degree of angular movement of the pipe without inducing harm
on the pipe. For pipe diameters of 8 in. (203.2 mm) and larger, the angular movement shall
be permitted to be less than 1 degree but not less than 0.5 degree.

EXHIBIT 3.8 Diagram of Typical Complete Sprinkler System.

3.5.8 Riser Nipple. Vertical piece of pipe between the main and branch line.

3.5.9 Risers. The vertical supply pipes in a sprinkler system.

3.5.10 Sprig. A pipe that rises vertically and supplies a single sprinkler.

3.5.11 Supervisory Device. A device arranged to supervise the operative condition of automatic
sprinkler systems.

3.5.12 System Riser. The aboveground horizontal or vertical pipe between the water supply
and the mains (cross or feed) that contains a control valve (either directly or within its supply
pipe) and a waterflow alarm device.

3.5.13 Waterflow Alarm Device. An attachment to the sprinkler system that detects a predetermined
water flow and is connected to a fire alarm system to initiate an alarm condition
or is used to mechanically or electrically initiate a fire pump or local audible or visual alarm.

5.1* Classification of Occupancies

A.5.1 Occupancy examples in the listings as shown in the various hazard classifications are
intended to represent the norm for those occupancy types. Unusual or abnormal fuel loadings
or combustible characteristics and susceptibility for changes in these characteristics, for a particular
occupancy, are considerations that should be weighed in the selection and classification.

The light hazard classification is intended to encompass residential occupancies; however,

this is not intended to preclude the use of listed residential sprinklers in residential occupancies
or residential portions of other occupancies.

5.1.1 Occupancy classifications for this standard shall relate to sprinkler design, installation,
and water supply requirements only.

5.1.2 Occupancy classifications shall not be intended to be a general classification of occupancy

hazards.

A specific operation might present more or less of a hazard, depending on the combustibility,
quantity, and arrangement of the building contents. For instance, paperback books
in boxes stacked to a height of 6 ft (1.83 m) in the back room of a bookstore present a lower
fire hazard than the same books stacked to a height of 12 ft (3.7 m) throughout a warehouse.
Accordingly, NFPA 13 categorizes the 6 ft (1.83 m) high stockpile as an ordinary hazard
(Group 1) occupancy. The 12 ft (3.7 m) high warehouse storage is considered a Class III commodity
and needs to be protected in accordance with the criteria for ordinary hazard (Group
2) occupancies.

Proper classification of a fire hazard is critical to the overall success of the sprinkler system.
The determination of the type of occupancy hazard influences system design and installation
considerations, such as sprinkler discharge criteria, sprinkler spacing, and water supply
requirements. The operations of a given facility can vary significantly over time and change
the overall fire hazard. These potential fluctuations in building operations must be properly
accounted for when designing a new sprinkler system or when evaluating the adequacy of an
existing sprinkler system.
 EXHIBIT 5.5 Density/Area Curve Comparison.

5.2* Light Hazard Occupancies

Light hazard occupancies shall be defined as occupancies or portions of other occupancies

where the quantity and/or combustibility of contents is low and fires with relatively low rates
of heat release are expected.

A.5.2 Light hazard occupancies include occupancies having uses and conditions similar to
the following:

Animal shelters
Churches
Clubs
Eaves and overhangs, if of combustible construction with no combustibles beneath
Educational
Hospitals, including animal hospitals and veterinary facilities
Institutional
Kennels
Libraries, except large stack rooms
Museums
Nursing or convalescent homes
Offices, including data processing
Residential
Restaurant seating areas
Theaters and auditoriums, excluding stages and prosceniums
Unused attics
5.3* Ordinary Hazard Occupancies

A.5.3 For purposes of these definitions, Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV commodities
would be considered to have moderate rates of heat release, while Group A plastics would be
considered to have high rates of heat release. Stockpiles are considered to include display
merchandise (mercantile) and arrangements of combustibles ancillary to operations within the
occupancy as opposed to dedicated storage areas where the fire loading is generally more severe.

When utilizing the occupancy classifications for storage of commodities, it is necessary to accurately
define which types of commodities in which types of arrangements would be defined
as ordinary hazard (Group 1) and ordinary hazard (Group 2).

5.3.1* Ordinary Hazard (Group 1).

A.5.3.1 Ordinary hazard occupancies (Group 1) include occupancies having uses and conditions
similar to the following:

Automobile parking and showrooms

Bakeries
Beverage manufacturing
Canneries
Dairy products manufacturing and processing
Electronic plants
Glass and glass products manufacturing
Laundries
Restaurant service areas

5.3.1.1 Ordinary hazard (Group 1) occupancies shall be defined as occupancies or portions

of other occupancies where combustibility is low, quantity of combustibles is moderate,
stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed 8 ft (2.4 m), and fires with moderate rates of heat
release are expected.

5.3.2* Ordinary Hazard (Group 2).

A.5.3.2 Ordinary hazard occupancies (Group 2) include occupancies having uses and conditions
similar to the following:

Agricultural facilities
Barns and stables
Cereal mills
Chemical plants — ordinary
Confectionery products
Distilleries
Dry cleaners
Exterior loading docks

Note that exterior loading docks only used for loading and unloading of ordinary combustibles
should be classified as OH2. For the handling of flammable and combustible liquids,
hazardous materials, or where utilized for storage, exterior loading docks and all interior loading
docks should be protected based upon the actual occupancy and the materials handled on
the dock, as if the materials were actually stored in that configuration.

Feed mills
Horse stables
Leather goods manufacturing
Libraries — large stack room areas
Machine shops
Metal working
Mercantile
Paper and pulp mills
Paper process plants
Piers and wharves
Plastics fabrication, including blow molding, extruding, and machining; excluding operations
using combustible hydraulic fluids
Post offices
Printing and publishing
Racetrack stable/kennel areas, including those stable/kennel areas, barns, and associated
buildings at state, county, and local fairgrounds
Repair garages
Resin application area
Stages
Textile manufacturing
Tire manufacturing
Tobacco products manufacturing
Wood machining
Wood product assembly

5.3.2.1 Ordinary hazard (Group 2) occupancies shall be defined as occupancies or portions

of other occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of contents are moderate to high,
where stockpiles of contents with moderate rates of heat release do not exceed 12 ft (3.66 m)
and stockpiles of contents with high rates of heat release do not exceed 8 ft (2.4 m).

5.4 Extra Hazard Occupancies

Extra hazard occupancies represent the most severe fire conditions addressed under the occupancy
hazard classifications in NFPA 13 and present the most severe challenge to sprinkler
protection. The extra hazard occupancy examples are classified on the basis of actual field experience
with sprinkler system operations in occupancies having conditions similar to those
identified.

5.4.1* Extra Hazard (Group 1). Extra hazard (Group 1) occupancies shall be defined
as occupancies or portions of other occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of contents
are very high and dust, lint, or other materials are present, introducing the probability of
rapidly developing fires with high rates of heat release but with little or no combustible or
flammable liquids.
A.5.4.1 Extra hazard occupancies (Group 1) include occupancies having uses and conditions
similar to the following:

Aircraft hangars (except as governed by NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars)

Combustible hydraulic fluid use areas
Die casting
Metal extruding
Plywood and particleboard manufacturing
Printing [using inks having flash points below 100°F (38°C)]
Rubber reclaiming, compounding, drying, milling, vulcanizing
Saw mills
Textile picking, opening, blending, garnetting, or carding, combining of cotton, synthetics,
wool shoddy, or burlap
Upholstering with plastic foams

5.4.2* Extra Hazard (Group 2). Extra hazard (Group 2) occupancies shall be defined
as occupancies or portions of other occupancies with moderate to substantial amounts of
flammable or combustible liquids or occupancies where shielding of combustibles is extensive.

A.5.4.2 Extra hazard occupancies (Group 2) include occupancies having uses and conditions
similar to the following:

Asphalt saturating
Flammable liquids spraying
Flow coating
Manufactured home or modular building assemblies (where finished enclosure is present
and has combustible interiors)
Open oil quenching
Plastics manufacturing
Solvent cleaning
Varnish and paint dipping

Extra hazard (Group 2) occupancies contain more than small amounts of flammable or combustible
liquids, usually in open systems where rapid evaporation can occur when these liquids
are subjected to high temperatures.
The extra hazard (Group 2) occupancy classification also applies were ceiling sprinklers
are severely obstructed by occupancy, not structural conditions, and where water discharged
by sprinklers may not reach the burning material because of the shielding.

11.2.3 Water Demand Requirements — Hydraulic Calculation Methods.

11.2.3.1 General.

11.2.3.1.1 The water supply for sprinklers shall be determined only from one of the following,
at the discretion of the designer:

(1) Density/area curves of Figure 11.2.3.1.1 in accordance with the density/area method of
11.2.3.2
(2) The room that creates the greatest demand in accordance with the room design method
of 11.2.3.3
(3) Special design areas in accordance with 11.2.3.4

FIGURE 11.2.3.1.1 Density/Area Curves

TABLE 11.2.3.1.2 Hose Stream Allowance and Water Supply Duration Requirements for Hydraulically
Calculated Systems

11.2.3.1.2 The minimum water supply shall be available for the minimum duration specified
in Table 11.2.3.1.2.

11.2.3.1.3 The lower duration values in Table 11.2.3.1.2 shall be permitted where the sprinkler
system waterflow alarm device(s) and supervisory device(s) are electrically supervised
and such supervision is monitored at an approved, constantly attended location.

The lower durations indicated by Table 11.2.3.1.2 are permitted where remote or central station
waterflow alarm service is provided. This reduction is permitted because it is expected
that the fire department or fire brigade will be made aware of the fire much sooner than if only
a local alarm is employed. Although remote or central station alarm monitoring does not have
any impact on sprinkler system performance, it does allow the fire service to arrive at the
scene more quickly to initiate its fire attack. Because systems designed in accordance with the
density/area method are intended to control the fire until the fire department arrives, the earlier
the fire department arrives, the less time needed for the sprinkler system to control the
fire.

11.2.3.1.4 Restrictions. When either the density/area method or room design method is
used, the following shall apply:

(1)*For areas of sprinkler operation less than 1500 ft2 (139 m2) used for light and ordinary
hazard occupancies, the density for 1500 ft2 (139 m2) shall be used.

(2) For areas of sprinkler operation less than 2500 ft2 (232 m2) for extra hazard occupancies,
the density for 2500 ft2 (232 m2) shall be used.

(3)* Unless the requirements of 11.2.3.1.4(4) are met for buildings having unsprinklered combustible
concealed spaces, as described in 8.15.1.2 and 8.15.6, the minimum area of
sprinkler operation for that portion of the building shall be 3000 ft2 (279 m2). The design
area of 3000 ft2 (279 m2) shall be applied only to the sprinkler system or portions of the
sprinkler system that are adjacent to the qualifying combustible concealed space.

(4) The following unsprinklered concealed spaces shall not require a minimum area of sprinkler
operation of 3000 ft2 (279 m2):

(a) Noncombustible and limited-combustible concealed spaces with minimal combustible

loading having no access. The space shall be considered a concealed space
even with small openings such as those used as return air for a plenum.

(b) Noncombustible and limited-combustible concealed spaces with limited access and
not permitting occupancy or storage of combustibles. The space shall be considered
a concealed space even with small openings such as those used as return air for a
plenum.

(c) Combustible concealed spaces filled entirely with noncombustible insulation.

(d)*Light or ordinary hazard occupancies where noncombustible or limited-combustible

ceilings are directly attached to the bottom of solid wood joists or solid limitedcombustible
construction or noncombustible construction so as to create enclosed
joist spaces 160 ft3 (4.5 m3) or less in volume, including space below insulation that
is laid directly on top or within the ceiling joists in an otherwise sprinklered concealed
space.

(e) Concealed spaces where rigid materials are used and the exposed surfaces have a
flame spread index of 25 or less and the materials have been demonstrated to not
propagate fire more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84,
Standard Test Method of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or
ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials, extended for an additional 20 minutes in the form in which they are installed
in the space.

(f) Concealed spaces in which the exposed materials are constructed entirely of fireretardant
treated wood as defined by NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant–
Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials.

(g) Concealed spaces over isolated small rooms not exceeding 55 ft2 (5.1 m2) in area.

(h) Vertical pipe chases under 10 ft2 (0.93 m2), provided that in multifloor buildings the
chases are firestopped at each floor using materials equivalent to the floor construction
and where such pipe chases shall contain no sources of ignition, piping shall be
noncombustible, and pipe penetrations at each floor shall be properly sealed.

(i) Exterior columns under 10 ft2 (0.93 m2) in area formed by studs or wood joists, supporting
exterior canopies that are fully protected with a sprinkler system.

(j)* Light or ordinary hazard occupancies where noncombustible or limited-combustible

ceilings are attached to the bottom of composite wood joists either directly or on to
metal channels not exceeding 1 in. (25.4 mm) in depth, provided the adjacent joist
channels are firestopped into volumes not exceeding 160 ft3 (4.5 m3) using materials
equivalent to 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) gypsum board and at least 31/2 in. (90 mm) of batt insulation
is installed at the bottom of the joist channels when the ceiling is attached
utilizing metal channels.
EXHIBIT 3.9 Viking Model a Quick-Response Standard Spray Sprinkler. (Courtesy of Viking®)

11.2.3.1.4 Restrictions. When either the density/area method or room design method is
used, the following shall apply:
(1)*For areas of sprinkler operation less than 1500 ft2 (139 m2) used for light and ordinary
hazard occupancies, the density for 1500 ft2 (139 m2) shall be used.
(2) For areas of sprinkler operation less than 2500 ft2 (232 m2) for extra hazard occupancies,
the density for 2500 ft2 (232 m2) shall be used.
(3)* Unless the requirements of 11.2.3.1.4(4) are met for buildings having unsprinklered combustible
concealed spaces, as described in 8.15.1.2 and 8.15.6, the minimum area of
sprinkler operation for that portion of the building shall be 3000 ft2 (279 m2). The design
area of 3000 ft2 (279 m2) shall be applied only to the sprinkler system or portions of the
sprinkler system that are adjacent to the qualifying combustible concealed space.
(4) The following unsprinklered concealed spaces shall not require a minimum area of sprinkler
operation of 3000 ft2 (279 m2):
(a) Noncombustible and limited-combustible concealed spaces with minimal combustible
loading having no access. The space shall be considered a concealed space
even with small openings such as those used as return air for a plenum.
(b) Noncombustible and limited-combustible concealed spaces with limited access and
not permitting occupancy or storage of combustibles. The space shall be considered
a concealed space even with small openings such as those used as return air for a
plenum.
(c) Combustible concealed spaces filled entirely with noncombustible insulation.
(d)*Light or ordinary hazard occupancies where noncombustible or limited-combustible
ceilings are directly attached to the bottom of solid wood joists or solid limited combustible
construction or noncombustible construction so as to create enclosed
joist spaces 160 ft3 (4.5 m3) or less in volume, including space below insulation that
is laid directly on top or within the ceiling joists in an otherwise sprinklered concealed
space.
(e) Concealed spaces where rigid materials are used and the exposed surfaces have a
flame spread index of 25 or less and the materials have been demonstrated too not
propagate fire more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84,
Standard Test Method of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or
ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials, extended for an additional 20 minutes in the form in which they are installed
in the space.
(f) Concealed spaces in which the exposed materials are constructed entirely of fireretardant
treated wood as defined by NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant–
Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials.
(g) Concealed spaces over isolated small rooms not exceeding 55 ft2 (5.1 m2) in area.
(h) Vertical pipe chases under 10 ft2 (0.93 m2), provided that in multifloor buildings the
chases are firestopped at each floor using materials equivalent to the floor construction
and where such pipe chases shall contain no sources of ignition, piping shall be
noncombustible, and pipe penetrations at each floor shall be properly sealed.
(i) Exterior columns under 10 ft2 (0.93 m2) in area formed by studs or wood joists, supporting
exterior canopies that are fully protected with a sprinkler system.
(j)* Light or ordinary hazard occupancies where noncombustible or limited-combustible
ceilings are attached to the bottom of composite wood joists either directly or on to
metal channels not exceeding 1 in. (25.4 mm) in depth, provided the adjacent joist
channels are firestopped into volumes not exceeding 160 ft3 (4.5 m3) using materials
equivalent to 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) gypsum board and at least 31/2 in. (90 mm) of batt insulation
is installed at the bottom of the joist channels when the ceiling is attached
utilizing metal channels.