Automatic Sprinkler Systems For Residential Accupancies Handbook

Automatic Sprinkler
Systems for Residential
Occupancies Handbook
SECOND EDITION
Edited by
James D. Lake
Senior Fire Protection Specialist, NFPA
With the complete text of the 2010 editions of NFPA ®
13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, and NFPA®
13R, Standard for the
Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height.
National Fire Protection Association®
Quincy, Massachusetts
Copyright National Fire Protection Association
Provided by IHS under license with NFPA
Not for Resale
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

Copyright © 2010
One Batterymarch Park
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169-7471
All rights reserved.
Important Notices and Disclaimers: Publication of this handbook is for the purpose of circulating
information and opinion among those concerned for fire and electrical safety and related subjects.
While every effort has been made to achieve a work of high quality, neither the NFPA ®
nor the
contributors to this handbook guarantee the accuracy or completeness of or assume any liability in
connection with the information and opinions contained in this handbook. The NFPA and the
contributors shall in no event be liable for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any
nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly
resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance upon this handbook.
This handbook is published with the understanding that the NFPA and the contributors to this
handbook are supplying information and opinion but are not attempting to render engineering or other
professional services. If such services are required, the assistance of an appropriate professional
should be sought.
NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides (“NFPA Documents”), including the
NFPA Documents that are the subject of this handbook, are made available for use subject to
Important Notices and Legal Disclaimers, which appear at the end of this handbook and can also be
viewed at www.nfpa.org/disclaimers.
Notice Concerning Code Interpretations: This second edition of Automatic Sprinkler Systems for
Residential Occupancies Handbook is based on the 2010 editions of NFPA 13D, Standard for the
Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, and
NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and
Including Four Stories in Height. All NFPA codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides
(“NFPA Documents”) are developed in accordance with the published procedures of the NFPA by
technical committees comprised of volunteers drawn from a broad array of relevant interests. The
handbook contains the complete text of NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R and any applicable Formal
Interpretations issued by the NFPA. These NFPA Documents are accompanied by explanatory
commentary and other supplementary materials.
The commentary and supplementary materials in this handbook are not a part of the NFPA
Documents and do not constitute Formal Interpretations of the NFPA (which can be obtained only
through requests processed by the responsible technical committees in accordance with the published
procedures of the NFPA). The commentary and supplementary materials, therefore, solely reflect the
personal opinions of the editor or other contributors and do not necessarily represent the official
position of the NFPA or its technical committees.
The following are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association®
:
NFPA®
NFPA 72®
Building Construction and Safety Code®
and NFPA 5000®
Life Safety Code®
and 101®
National Electrical Code®
, NEC®
, and NFPA 70®
Fire Sprinkler Initiative®
NFPA No.: 13DRHB10
ISBN-10: 0-87765-855-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-87765-855-9
Library of Congress Card Control No.: 2009929018
Printed in the United States of America
09 10 11 12 13 5 4 3 2 1
Product Manager: Debra Rose
Development Editor: Khela Thorne
Project Editor: Irene Herlihy
Project Coordinator: Michael S. Barresi, Jr.
Permissions Editor: Josiane Domenici
Copy Editor: Cara Grady
Composition: Modern Graphics, Inc.
Art Coordinator: Cheryl Langway
Cover Designer: Greenwood Associates
Manufacturing Manager: Ellen Glisker
Printer: Courier/Westford
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

iii
Contents
Foreword by James M. Shannon vii
Preface ix
Acknowledgments xi
About the Contributors xiii
About the Editor xv
PART I
NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family
Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, with
Commentary 1
1 Administration 3
1.1 Scope 6
1.2 Purpose 10
1.3 Retroactivity 16
1.4 Equivalency 18
1.5 Units 18
1.6 New Technology 19
2 Referenced Publications 21
2.1 General 21
2.2 NFPA Publications 21
2.3 Other Publications 21
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory
Sections 22
3 Definitions 23
3.1 General 23
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions 23
3.3 General Definitions 24
4 General Requirements 31
4.1 Maintenance 31
4.2 Hydrostatic Tests 33
4.3 Sprinkler Temperature Ratings 34
4.4 Tube 34
4.5 Listed or Labeled 34
4.6 Smoke Alarms 34
4.7 Documentation 34
4.8 Qualifications 35
5 System Components 37
5.1 General 37
5.2 Aboveground Pipe and Equipment 38
5.3 Underground Pipe 45
5.4 Pre-engineered Systems 45
6 Water Supply 47
6.1 General Provisions 47
6.2 Water Supply Sources 48
6.3 Multipurpose Piping System 52
6.4 Manufactured Home Water Supply 54
6.5 Common Supply Pipes 55
7 Installation 57
7.1 Valves 57
7.2 Drains and Test Connections 58
7.3 Pressure Gauges 59
7.4 Piping Support 59
7.5 Sprinklers 60
7.6 Alarms 64
7.7 Attics 66
8 System Design 67
8.1 Design Criteria 67
8.2 Position of Sprinklers 74
8.3 System Types 87
8.4 Pipe Sizing 99
8.5 Piping Configurations 120
8.6 Location of Sprinklers 120
Annexes
A Explanatory Material 125
B Informational References 127
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

iv Contents
2010 Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook
PART I I
NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up
to and Including Four Stories in Height, with
Commentary 129
1 Administration 131
1.1 Scope 132
1.2 Purpose 137
1.3 Retroactivity 142
1.4 Equivalency 143
1.5 Units 143
1.6 New Technology 144
2 Referenced Publications 145
2.1 General 145
2.2 NFPA Publications 145
2.3 Other Publications 145
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections
(Reserved) 146
3 Definitions 147
3.1 General 147
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions 147
3.3 General Definitions 149
4 General Requirements 155
4.1 Sprinklered Throughout 155
4.2 Compartments 155
4.3 Basic Requirements 155
4.4 Tube 156
4.5 Listed or Labeled 157
4.6 System Arrangement 157
5 System Components 159
5.1 General 159
5.2 Aboveground Piping and Equipment 168
5.3 Underground Pipe 175
5.4 System Types 176
6 Installation Requirements 179
6.1 System Protection Area Limitations 179
6.2 Use of Sprinklers 180
6.3 Quick-Response Sprinklers 188
6.4 Residential Sprinklers 188
6.5 Special Situations 197
6.6 Location of Sprinklers 198
6.7 Piping 200
6.8 Valves 202
6.9 Drains 203
6.10 Test Connection 203
6.11 Fire Department Connection 204
6.12 Pressure Gauges 205
6.13 Piping Support 206
6.14 Open-Grid Ceilings 206
6.15 Drop-Out Ceilings 206
6.16 Alarms 206
7 Discharge Criteria 209
7.1 Design Criteria — Inside Dwelling Unit 209
7.2 Design Criteria — Outside Dwelling Unit 214
7.3 Design Criteria — Garages 216
7.4 Pipe Sizing 217
8 Plans and Calculations 219
8.1 Working Plans 219
9 Water Supplies 223
9.1 Automatic 223
9.2 Minimum 223
9.3 Source 224
9.4 Fire Pump 225
9.5 Domestic Demand 226
9.6 Non-Fire Protection Connections 228
10 SystemAcceptance 229
10.1 Approval of Sprinkler Systems 229
10.2 Acceptance Tests 232
11 Care and Maintenance 235
11.1 Sprinklers 235
11.2 Owner’s Responsibility 235
11.3 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance 236
11.4 Instructions 237
Annexes
A Explanatory Material 239
B Informational References 241
PART III
Supplements 243
1 A Brief History of Sprinklers for Residential
Occupancies 245
2 Obstructions to Residential Sprinklers 255
3 Residential Sprinkler Systems: Review of Current
Data and Technology 271
4 Cost Effectiveness of Sprinklers 293
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^

Contents v
Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook 2010
5 Comparative Analysis of Housing Cost and Supply
Impacts of Sprinkler Ordinances at the Community
Level 295
6 Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition 309
7 Myths and Facts About Residential Sprinklers 317
8 Benefits of Residential Fire Sprinklers: Prince
George’s County 15-Year History with its Single-
Family Residential Dwelling Fire Sprinkler
Ordinance 319
9 Technical/Substantive Changes from the 2007 to 2010
Editions of NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R 323
NFPA 13D Index 329
NFPA 13R Index 332
Important Notices and Legal Disclaimers 335
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@

Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

vii
Foreword
Many of you know first-hand the life-saving impact residen-
tial sprinklers can have. With nearly 3,000 people dying in
home fires each year, home fire sprinklers are a critical step
in improving public safety in this country.
When sprinklers are present, the risk of dying in a home
fire decreases by nearly 80 percent. Studies also have shown
that sprinklers reduce the average property loss by 71 per-
cent per fire. Not only do sprinklers help to protect the peo-
ple who live in the home, they also provide greater
protection to fire service personnel who risk their lives every
day fighting home fires. We are proud that the two residen-
tial sprinkler standards contained in this handbook, NFPA
13D and NFPA 13R, play an important role in home fire
safety. I am also pleased to say that all major model codes
now call for the use of sprinklers in one- and two-family
dwellings. In addition, the National Fire Protection Associ-
ation (NFPA) is fully committed to the adoption of local
home fire sprinkler requirements for use in new one- and
two-family homes.
Because of our commitment to sprinklers, NFPA
launched a new initiative — the Fire Sprinkler Initiative®
:
Bringing Safety Home (www.firesprinklerinitiative.org).
This program, designed to assist advocates looking to im-
plement sprinkler requirements in their communities, is a
wonderful resource of information and outreach materials.
The site also hosts a blog and discussion forum where you
can learn more about efforts to increase the use of sprinklers
and allows you to discuss various topics with sprinkler ad-
vocates all across the country.
We encourage you to take a look and put some of the
materials to work in your own communities. Though it may
be a long road to widespread local sprinkler requirements,
we know such requirements will save lives. Because of that,
we will continue to work to bring this added level of safety
home.
James M. Shannon
President and CEO
NFPA
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

ix
Preface
This second edition of the Automatic Sprinkler Systems for
Residential Occupancies Handbook covers the two NFPA
standards that specifically address this topic: NFPA 13D,
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One-
and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, and
NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Sys-
tems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four
Stories in Height.
This edition of the handbook includes nine supplements
to provide additional information for the user as well as
technical, statistical, and anecdotal support for the continued
promotion of residential sprinkler legislation. These sup-
plements expand on topics from the first edition, such as the
history of residential sprinklers, the work being done by the
Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition to increase the use of sprin-
klers in residential occupancies, and a detailed look at ob-
struction rules specific to residential sprinklers. This edition
also includes new supplements on research on residential
sprinkler costs, data on the efforts of Prince George’s
County, Maryland, to increase the use of residential sprin-
klers in that community, and information on water supply is-
sues surrounding residential sprinkler installations. Another
new supplement details the major changes in NFPA 13D and
13R from the 2007 editions to the 2010 editions. Supple-
ments from the first edition of the handbook that are not re-
peated in this edition have been archived for access at
www.nfpa.org/13DRhandbook.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide all of this
useful material in one concise location to aid the users of the
standards as much as possible. As more requirements for
residential sprinkler systems are implemented, those in the
field need guidance to ensure that they are correctly com-
plying with the standards.
The unprecedented development of sprinkler system
products, design techniques, and installation practices over
the past several years specifically addressing residential ap-
plications is offering numerous options for effective system
design. While this increased flexibility provides numerous
advantages, it also requires more diligence by those design-
ing, installing, and approving sprinkler systems as the rules
for various system components become less uniform.
In closing, residential fire sprinkler systems have estab-
lished an enviable record for achieving life safety and prop-
erty protection. I hope that this handbook will prove to be a
valuable resource for the continued use and advancement of
residential fire sprinklers.
James D. Lake
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^

xi
Acknowledgments
This 2010 edition of the Automatic Sprinkler Systems for
Residential Occupancies Handbook presents the latest re-
quirements for residential fire sprinkler systems.
In developing this handbook I have had the pleasure of
working with Ken Isman who, as the primary contributor,
reworked and updated the commentary for this edition.
Ken’s knowledge and passion for this subject, combined
with his attention to detail, made the job of editing that
much easier.
Producing this handbook has taken a tremendous
amount of effort on the part of a number of people on the
NFPA staff as well, and I absolutely need to thank Debra
Rose, Product Manager, Khela Thorne, Senior Development
Editor, and Kim Cervantes, Senior Project Editor, for their
continuing guidance and good humor in shepherding me and
this project through its editorial process. I also thank Mike
Barresi, Project Coordinator, who was instrumental in set-
ting up and managing the handbook’s SharePoint site, which
made the job of transferring and tracking files much more
efficient.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my
wife Lynn for her patience and support, not just during the
development of this handbook but also through the twenty
plus years of extensive travel and time away related to my
work in this profession; also to my daughter Jocelyn, whose
visits to my office are always welcome and a highlight of my
day. Finally, I thank my son, Cpl. Andrew Lake, USMC,
whose service to his country is a continual reminder that
there are jobs that are much harder and far more important
than mine.
James D. Lake
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

About the Contributors
xiii
Kathleen Almand (Part III, Supplement 4)
Kathleen Almand is the Executive Director of the Fire Protection Research Foundation
(FPRF), an affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association. She holds a master’s degree
in civil engineering from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and is a registered professional
engineer in the state of Maryland and a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.
Prior to joining FPRF in 2004, Kathleen was the Executive Director of the Society of Fire Pro-
tection Engineers and held research and management positions with the Civil Engineering Re-
search Foundation, the American Iron and Steel Institute, and the National Academy of
Sciences.
Lorraine Carli (Part III, Supplement 5)
Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of communications, oversees all media and public af-
fairs activities including NFPA’s key publication NFPA Journal and the NFPA website. She
works with staff throughout NFPA on a variety of media and advocacy issues in all areas of
fire and life safety and is responsible for ensuring timely, consistent messages are dissemi-
nated throughout the media. Lorraine establishes media policy and practice for NFPA for both
traditional and new media. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s of ed-
ucation. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Emerson College and Suffolk Univer-
sity in Boston, teaching graduate public relations courses.
Russell P. Fleming (Part III, Supplement 3)
Russ Fleming is the executive vice president of the National Fire Sprinkler Association and is
internationally recognized as an expert on fire sprinkler systems. He holds bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has served on
numerous technical committees of NFPA, including more than 25 years’ service on the Com-
mittee on Automatic Sprinklers. He is a past member and chair of the NFPA Standards Coun-
cil as well as a past member of the NFPA Board of Directors. Since 1999 he has authored a
‘’Heads Up’’ column on automatic sprinkler issues for the NFPA Journal. He also currently
serves on the Board of Directors of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, where he was
elected a Fellow in 1995. He was awarded the Standards Medal by the NFPA in 1998 and was
the recipient of the NFPA’s Paul Lamb Award in 2006.
Kenneth E. Isman (Parts I and II and Part III, Supplements 1 and 2)
A member of the National Fire Sprinkler Association staff since 1987, Kenneth Isman is cur-
rently the vice president of engineering. He holds a B.S. degree in fire protection engineering
and an M.S. in management, both from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed profes-
sional engineer in the state of Connecticut. He represents the fire sprinkler industry on more
than 12 technical committees of NFPA, including the Technical Correlating Committee on
Automatic Sprinklers, the Committee on Residential Sprinkler Systems, the Committee on
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria, and the Committee on Fire Pumps. From 2000 to 2006
he was a member of the NFPA Standards Council.
Gary Keith (Part III, Supplement 5)
Gary Keith is NFPA’s vice president, field operations, overseeing four divisions within the or-
ganization: Regional Operations, International Operations, Fire Analysis & Research, and
Public Education. Gary also has management responsibility for NFPA’s fire investigation ac-
tivities. Gary has presided over the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, a project dedicated to pub-
lic education for residential fire sprinkler systems, since its inception in 1996. Prior to coming
to NFPA in 1995, Gary worked 15 years for Factory Mutual in Norwood, MA, in various field
engineering and management positions. During that time, he served on several NFPA tech-
nical committees and chaired the Pre-Incident Planning committee. He also served his home
town community for 20 years as a call fire fighter and fire protection engineer with the West
Bridgewater, MA, Fire Department.
Daniel Madrzykowski (Part III, Supplement 3)
Daniel Madrzykowski, P.E., is a fire protection engineer with the Building and Fire Research
Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, MD. He
has served on many different NFPA technical committees, including the Technical Commit-
tee on Residential Sprinkler Systems.
Peg Paul (Part III, Supplements 6 and 7)
Peg Paul has been the communications manager for the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition
(HFSC) since 1997. She has worked with HFSC’s board to develop and implement the edu-
cational programs for consumers, members of the fire service, home building industry, real
estate and insurance agents, water purveyors, and other targeted groups. Peg, her husband,
and two daughters are proud to live in a home protected with a fire sprinkler system.
Victoria Valentine (Part III, Supplement 2)
Victoria B. Valentine is director of product standards for the National Fire Sprinkler Associ-
ation. Victoria is a graduate from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, with both
a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in fire protection engineering.
She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Society of Fire Protection
Engineers, Tau Beta Pi, and Chi Epsilon. Victoria serves on a number of NFPA technical com-
mittees, including Hanging and Bracing of Water Based Fire Protection Systems, Fire Risk
Assessment Methods, Alternative Approaches to Life Safety, Water Mist Fire Suppression
Systems, and Water Spray Fixed Systems. Victoria also represents NFSA in national earth-
quake standards development activity.
Steve Weatherby (Part III, Supplement 8)
Steve Weatherby has had dual careers, spending the last twenty years in residential construc-
tion and fifteen years as a fire fighter. Currently, Steve is the Vice President of Construction
for the Holladay Corporation, a Washington, DC, based real estate development firm and
holds the rank of Captain (Senior Commanding Officer) with the Lutherville Volunteer Fire
Company in Baltimore County, Maryland.
xiv About the Contributors
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

About the Editor
xv
James D. Lake is a senior fire protection specialist and a member of the Fire Protection Sys-
tems Engineering Department at NFPA. He has more than 20 years’ experience in fire pro-
tection including code enforcement, fire sprinkler industry representation, and codes and
standards administration. He is currently the NFPA staff liaison for the Technical Commit-
tees on Automatic Sprinklers, which are responsible for writing NFPA 13, Standard for the
Installation of Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Sys-
tems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes; NFPA 13R, Standard for
the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Sto-
ries in Height; NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their
Appurtenances; and NFPA 291, Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of
Hydrants. He is also the staff liaison for the Technical Committee on Inspection, Testing and
Maintenance of Water-Based Systems, which is responsible for NFPA 25, Standard for the In-
spection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and the staff li-
aison for the Technical Committee on Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems, which is
responsible for NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems.
He has authored numerous articles and technical papers on fire protection and NFPA stan-
dards and developed and delivered technical presentations and training on fire protection to
large and small groups around the world. He has also been an adjunct instructor in the build-
ing construction and architectural program at the College of Professional Studies at North-
eastern University.
Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in fire prevention administration from Empire State Col-
lege in New York and a master’s degree in education from Curry College in Massachusetts.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

PART I
NFPA®
13D, Standard for the
Installation of Sprinkler Systems
in One- and Two-Family Dwellings
and Manufactured Homes,
with Commentary
Part I of this Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook in-
cludes the complete text and figures of the 2010 edition of NFPA 13D, Standard for
the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured
Homes. The text, tables, and figures from the standard are printed in black and are the offi-
cial requirements of NFPA 13D. Line drawings and photographs from the standard are each
labeled as “Figures,” followed by the paragraph number to which they refer.
An asterisk (*) following a standard paragraph number indicates that advisory annex
material pertaining to that paragraph appears in Annex A. Paragraphs that begin with the let-
ter A are extracted from Annex A of NFPA 13D. Although printed in black ink, Annex A is
nonmandatory and is explanatory in nature. For ease of use, in this handbook, Annex A ma-
terial immediately follows the standard paragraph to which it refers.
In addition to standard text and annexes, Part I includes commentary that provides the
history and other background information for specific paragraphs in NFPA 13D. This in-
sightful commentary takes the user behind the scenes and explains the reasons underlying
the requirements.
Commentary text, captions, and tables are printed in blue to distinguish such material
from the text of the standard and its annexes. To help the user easily distinguish between the
line drawings and photographs of NFPA 13D and those of the commentary, line drawings,
graphs, and photographs in the commentary are labeled as “Exhibits.”
This edition of the handbook includes a frequently asked question (FAQ) feature. The
marginal FAQs are based on the questions most commonly asked of the NFPA staff respon-
sible for NFPA 13D.
1
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

3
Part I of the Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook consists of
the 2010 edition of NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and
Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, with commentary providing background in-
formation on the standard’s requirements. NFPA 13D was originally written by a subcommit-
tee of the Technical Committee on Automatic Sprinklers. However, since the 1999 editions of
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 13D; and NFPA 13R,
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and In-
cluding Four Stories in Height, these standards have been developed by separate technical
committees specializing in the specific subject areas in each of the standards under a techni-
cal correlating committee. As a result, NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R are written by the Techni-
cal Committee on Residential Sprinkler Systems, which has worked to create the 1999, 2002,
2007, and 2010 editions of these standards.
One of the early criticisms of fire sprinkler systems by homeowners was that they were
not aesthetically pleasing. The sprinkler manufacturers have responded with the development
of sprinklers that easily blend into a room’s décor. Exhibit I.1.1 shows a typical sprinkler
blending into the kitchen.
CHAPTER 1
Administration
EXHIBIT I.1.1 Example of a
Kitchen with Sprinklers
Installed. (Courtesy of Viking
Corporation)
The 1973 publication of the report “America Burning” by the National Commission on
Fire Prevention and Control focused national attention on the residential fire problem. This
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

In 1973, the NFPA Technical Committee on Automatic Sprinklers established the Sub-
committee on Residential and Light Hazard Occupancies. This subcommittee was charged
with developing a standard that would produce a reliable but inexpensive sprinkler system for
these occupancies. In its first meeting, the subcommittee established the philosophies and
principles of NFPA 13D. These philosophies and principles still apply to the current edition
and include the following:
1. Cost is a major factor. A system that was slightly less reliable and had fewer operational
features than those described in NFPA 13, but that could be effective and installed at a
substantially lower cost, was necessary to achieve acceptance of a residential system.
This goal was a statement of “America Burning.”
2. Life safety is the primary goal of NFPA 13D, with property protection as a secondary
goal.
3. System design should be such that a fire could be controlled for a sufficient time to en-
able people to escape — that is, a 10-minute stored water supply with an adequate local
audible alarm.
4 NFPA 13D ● Chapter 1 ● Administration
report, the cover of which is shown in Exhibit I.1.2, indicated that the majority of fire deaths
occurred in residential occupancies. One of the major recommendations of this report was
that an inexpensive and effective fire sprinkler system needed to be developed specifically for
use in residential occupancies. Since the “America Burning” report was released, the NFPA
committee responsible for NFPA 13D has striven to combine the latest in industry research
with experience to refine the rules so that NFPA 13D remains cost effective, while still pro-
viding an adequate level of life safety.
EXHIBIT I.1.2 Cover of
“America Burning,” the Report
of the National Commission
on Fire Prevention and
Control.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

NFPA 13D ● Chapter 1 ● Administration 5
4. Piping arrangements, components, and hangers must be compatible with residential con-
struction techniques. Combined sprinkler/plumbing systems are acceptable from a fire
protection standpoint.
5. The fire record in residential properties can reasonably serve as a baseline to permit
omission of sprinklers in areas of low incidence of fire deaths, thus lowering costs. NFPA
13D permits the omission of sprinklers in spaces where fires result in a small percentage
of fatalities compared to other spaces in the dwelling.
The first draft document produced by the subcommittee addressed residential systems for
one- and two-family dwellings, mobile homes, and multifamily housing up to four stories in
height. However, when it was finally adopted in 1975, the multifamily housing portion had
been removed, because the Technical Committee on Automatic Sprinklers believed that such
occupancies needed to include a system with more safety factors due to the greater number
of people living in them and the buildings’ larger, more complex layouts. As a result, multi-
family buildings were required to be protected with sprinkler systems complying with NFPA
13. It would be another 13 years before a sufficient understanding of fires and human re-
sponse to them in such occupancies allowed for the development of NFPA 13R.
The first edition of NFPA 13D was developed with a relatively limited scientific under-
standing of residential fires and how sprinklers should protect against them. As a result, the
first edition was based on technology that was largely applicable to property protection of
commercial and industrial facilities such as factories and warehouses. In 1975, these types of
buildings had a more prevalent use of sprinkler systems. Although the technical committee
had good intentions, the first edition of NFPA 13D did not provide the type of cost-effective
fire protection system recommended by the report “America Burning.” However, the efforts
of the technical committee clearly indicated that more scientific research would be necessary
if the overall goals were to be realized.
In 1976, the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration (NFPCA), later re-
named the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), began to fund a number of research programs to
scientifically evaluate the residential fire problem with the intent of developing a viable solu-
tion. The overall goals and objectives documented in the report “America Burning,” which
were embraced by the technical committee, centered on the system’s ability to allow adequate
time for occupants to escape from the dwelling. The NFPCA/USFA programs included stud-
ies that assessed the impact of the use of sprinklers on reducing the incidence of deaths and
injuries in residential fires [Halpin 1978]. Other studies evaluated the practicality, design, in-
stallation, and user acceptance of residential systems while focusing on the reliability of these
systems [Yurkonis 1978]; the evaluation of sprinkler discharge rates, spray patterns, response
sensitivity, and overall design criteria [Henderson 1978; Kung 1978]; and the evaluation of
prototype systems using full-scale tests [Cote 1980; Kung 1980; Kung 1982; Moore 1980].
Research and development programs also included evaluation of factors that contributed
to the death of humans in a fire event — for example, the determination of threshold values
of carbon monoxide, temperature, and oxygen depletion. These factors served as test criteria
for evaluating whether a sprinkler could maintain occupant tenability in the room of fire ori-
gin. These research efforts collectively provided a greater understanding of the associated
phenomenon of residential fires and created a new class of sprinkler — the residential sprin-
kler. This development resulted in a complete revision of NFPA 13D, published in 1980, at
which time residential sprinkler technology was developed to a level where it could begin to
be standardized and used commercially.
Since 1980, a number of special situations, such as the protection of piping in areas sub-
ject to freezing; the placement of sprinklers beneath other than smooth, flat ceilings; the use
of specially listed piping materials; alternative design options for limited area dwellings; and
multipurpose piping systems, have been addressed. For example, the 1996 edition was the
first to permit the use of 1
/2 in. (12.7 mm) nonmetallic pipe when certain conditions are met,
and the 1999 edition provided for reduced system working pressures for multipurpose piping
systems.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

While many improvements have been incorporated into the standard over the years, as-
sociated efforts in terms of scientific research and overall acceptance of residential sprinklers
are needed. One such effort includes the development of the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition
(HFSC), which was established in 1997 to make the general public more aware of the poten-
tial for fire in their homes and to promote the option of residential fire sprinklers. The HFSC
acts independently from the technical committee and is a nonprofit organization made up of
various interests. For more information on the HFSC, see www.homefiresprinkler.org.
Users of NFPA 13D are encouraged to review the publications in Chapter 2 to obtain ad-
ditional information on residential sprinkler systems. Also, users should be aware that re-
search efforts are ongoing in the rapidly changing field of residential fire protection and that
more current information could become available.
A sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13D greatly enhances the chance
for occupant escape. However, the residential sprinkler system is not considered a substitute
for smoke detectors. The installation of smoke detectors is considered an important element
in a balanced approach to residential fire safety.
1.1* Scope
A.1.1 NFPA 13D is appropriate for protection against fire hazards only in one- and two-
family dwellings and manufactured homes. Residential portions of any other type of building
or occupancy should be protected with residential sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13,
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, or in accordance with NFPA 13R, Stan-
dard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including
Four Stories in Height. Other portions of such buildings should be protected in accordance
with NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R as appropriate for areas outside the dwelling unit.
The criteria in this standard are based on full-scale fire tests of rooms containing typical
furnishings found in residential living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. The furnishings were
arranged as typically found in dwelling units in a manner similar to that shown in Figure
A.1.1(a), Figure A.1.1(b), and Figure A.1.1(c). Sixty full-scale fire tests were conducted in a
two-story dwelling in Los Angeles, California, and 16 tests were conducted in a 14 ft (4.3 m)
wide mobile home in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Sprinkler systems designed and installed according to this standard are expected to pre-
vent flashover within the compartment of origin where sprinklers are installed in the com-
partment. A sprinkler system designed and installed according to this standard cannot,
however, be expected to completely control a fire involving fuel loads that are significantly
higher than average for dwelling units [10 lb/ft2
(49 kg/m2
)] and where the interior finish has
an unusually high flame spread index (greater than 225) when tested in accordance with
ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materi-
als, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Ma-
terials.
(For protection of multifamily dwellings, see NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R.)
The scope of NFPA 13D is covered in Section 1.1. NFPA 13D applies only to one- and two-
family dwellings, such as those shown in Exhibit I.1.3, and manufactured homes. The term
manufactured home refers to a portable vehicle as defined in 3.3.5, which used to be called a
“mobile home.” The size of homes is not limited in NFPA 13D. The general philosophy is that
two sprinklers will be able to control or suppress the fire; therefore, the size of the home does
not matter. However, homeowners should understand that the standard is written with life
safety in mind, and that property protection is a secondary concern. If they want to make sure
that their property is protected, additional protection beyond the requirements of NFPA 13D
may be necessary.
FAQ 䊳
What are the limits of the
application of NFPA 13D, and
are the sizes of the dwelling
units limited?
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

Section 1.1 ● Scope 7
Observation window
CW
D
CH
C
B
N
L
Ignition
Sprinkler
Curtains
Dresser
Chest
Chair
Bed
Nightstand
Lamp
16 in.
(406 mm)
30 in.
(762 mm)
Door
(closed) 6¹⁄₂ in. (165 mm)
71 in.
(1803 mm) 54 in.
(1372 mm) B
72 in.
(1829 mm)
CH
144 in. (3658 mm)
20 in.
(508 mm)
N,L
C
D
66¹⁄₂ in.
(1689 mm)
1 in.
(25.4 mm)
20 in.(508 mm)
34¹⁄₂ in. (876 mm)
55 in.
(1397 mm)
50 in.
(1270 mm)
N
CW
Curtains over window
90 in. (2286 mm)
147 in. (3734 mm)
1 in.
(25.4 mm)
Headboard
57 in. ¥ 7¹⁄₂ in.
(1448 mm ¥ 190 mm)
FIGURE A.1.1(a) Bedroom.
B
Observation
window
C
D
1 in.
(25.4 mm)
34¹⁄₂ in.
(876 mm)
CW
90 in. (2286 mm)
147 in. (3734 mm)
N
CW
Ignition
Sprinkler
Curtains
16 in.
(406 mm)
30 in.
(762 mm)
Door
(closed)
22¹⁄₂ in.
(571 mm)
20 in.
(508 mm)
51in. (1295 mm)
42 in. (1067 mm) 52³⁄₄ in.
(1340 mm)
8 in.
(203 mm)
13 in.
(330 mm)
72 in.
(1829 mm) 105¹⁄₂ in. (2680 mm)
Window (closed)
D
6 in.
(152 mm)
20 in.
(508 mm)
3 in. (76 mm)
D Dresser
C
B
Chair
Bed
FIGURE A.1.1(b) Manufactured Home Bedroom.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

34¹⁄₂ in.
(876 mm)
8 in.
(203 mm)
L
E
6 in. (152 mm)
54 in.
(1372 mm)
1 in. (25.4 mm)
C
S
Window area
70 in.
(1.8 m)
72 in. (1829 mm)
CW
90 in.
(2286 mm)
22¹⁄₂ in.
(571 mm)
CW
S Sofa
E End table
L Lamp
C Chair
CW Curtains
Sprinkler
33¹⁄₂ in.
(851 mm)
FIGURE A.1.1(c) Living Room.
Because of a number of factors, such as a two-sprinkler design discharge, the allowance
for the omission of sprinklers in certain spaces, and a 10-minute water supply (7 minutes under
specific conditions), a sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13D is inappropri-
ate for multifamily occupancies. A multifamily occupancy contains three or more dwelling
units. Sprinkler systems using residential sprinklers that are intended for multifamily facilities
should be designed and installed in accordance with either NFPA 13R or NFPA 13.
It should also be noted that the development of NFPA 13D did not consider the applica-
tion of NFPA 13D for residential board and care facilities. However, the Technical Commit-
tee on Board and Care Facilities has reviewed NFPA 13D and determined that the protection
in this standard is appropriate for some small facilities where additional protection is pro-
vided. See NFPA 101®
, Life Safety Code®
, for more details.
The basis of many of the requirements of NFPA 13D come from full-scale fire tests con-
ducted in dwellings in Los Angeles and Charlotte, NC [Cote 1980; Cote 1982; Kung 1982;
Moore 1980], and earlier laboratory tests conducted by Factory Mutual Research Corporation
(now known as FM Global) and Battelle Columbus Laboratories [Henderson 1978; Kung
1978]. Some of these tests indicated that the associated life safety objectives could possibly
be achieved with water application rates as low as 0.025 gpm/ft2
(1.02 mm/min). However,
these tests usually involved smoldering fires in typical residential room configurations and
flaming fires generated by a gas burner rather than by a fuel package consisting of household
combustibles, such as furniture and draperies. Subsequent tests at FM Global [Kung 1980]
and at the test sites in Los Angeles and Charlotte, NC [Cote 1980; Cote 1982; Kung 1982;
Moore 1980], established that sprinkler discharge had to be in accordance with the design pa-
rameters as indicated in Section 8.1. Using these parameters, the basic design density was
considered to be 0.09 gpm/ft2
(3.7 mm/min). The likelihood of successfully achieving life
safety and reducing injuries and property damage is reduced when lower discharge densities
are used.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

Section 1.1 ● Scope 9
Beginning with the 2002 edition, a minimum water spray density of 0.05 gpm/ft2
(2.0
mm/min) was required for systems designed according to this standard. The Technical Com-
mittee on Residential Sprinkler Systems adopted this change after considering (1) laboratory
test data by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and FM Global, (2) the variability of fire chal-
lenges, (3) the excellent residential sprinkler system performance record in field installations,
and (4) the need for cost-effective sprinkler protection to encourage the use of sprinklers in
residential occupancies.
Another major change in the 2002 edition was the removal of the chapter describing the
limited area dwelling system, which had been added to the standard in 1994. The system was
based on a specialized sprinkler that required a minimum flowing pressure of 25 psi (1.72
bar). Since no such sprinkler has been manufactured to date, the system could not be used.
Yet the chapter confused many plan review officials, who tried to apply the rules to manu-
factured homes incorrectly. Therefore, the chapter was removed from the standard. Removal
of the limited area dwelling system did not in any way change the scope or applicability of
NFPA 13D. Manufactured homes can be protected with regular residential sprinklers. Sprin-
kler manufacturers can still develop a special sprinkler for manufactured homes if they be-
lieve it will be successful.
One of the frequently asked questions regarding NFPA 13D is whether or not the docu-
ment is appropriate to use for multiple townhouses, as shown in Exhibit I.1.4. The answer de-
pends on how the townhouses are designed. If the townhouses are constructed in accordance
with the International Residential Code, then the use of NFPA 13D is appropriate. If the town-
houses are constructed in accordance with any building code in such a manner that each in-
dividual townhome is a separate building under the code, or such that every two townhomes
are constructed as separate buildings, then it is also appropriate to use NFPA 13D. Only where
䊴 FAQ
Why was the minimum water
spray density of 0.05 gpm/ft2
(2.0 mm/min) added to the 2002
edition of NFPA 13D?
䊴 FAQ
Why was the chapter on limited
area dwellings eliminated from
the 2002 edition of NFPA 13D?
EXHIBIT I.1.3 Typical
Residential Occupancies
Covered by NFPA 13D: (top)
Single-Family House and
(bottom) Two-Family House
or Duplex.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

EXHIBIT I.1.4 Example of
Multiple Townhomes.
more than two dwelling units are in the building is it not appropriate to use NFPA 13D. The
revised definition of dwelling in 3.3.3 includes townhouses to clarify this issue.
1.1.1 This standard shall cover the design, installation, and maintenance of automatic sprin-
kler systems for protection against the fire hazards in one- and two-family dwellings and man-
ufactured homes.
NFPA 13D has always contained some basic inspection, testing, and maintenance suggestions
in the annex since NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-
Based Fire Protection Systems, does not apply to NFPA 13D systems. These suggestions are
not requirements, but are general good guidance for residents. In the 2010 edition, the com-
mittee added the term maintenance to the scope of the standard. This addition was not an at-
tempt to change the philosophy of the document, but to clarify that any maintenance rules
would be found in this document and not NFPA 25. The inspection, testing, and maintenance
suggestions remain in the annex and are not considered mandatory. See the commentary fol-
lowing A.4.1.1 for more information on maintaining residential sprinkler systems.
1.1.2 This standard assumes that the sprinkler system is designed to protect against a fire
originating from a single ignition location.
1.2* Purpose
A.1.2 While the purpose of this standard is to provide improved protection against injury and
loss of life, the use of these systems has demonstrated an ability to provide improved protec-
tion against property damage. Various levels of fire safety are available to dwelling occupants
to provide life safety and property protection.
This standard recommends, but does not require, sprinklering of all areas in a dwelling;
it permits sprinklers to be omitted in certain areas. These areas have been proved by NFPA
statistics [see Table A.1.2(a) and Table A.1.2(b)] to be those where the incidence of life loss
from fires in dwellings is low. Such an approach provides a reasonable degree of fire safety.
Greater protection to both life and property is achieved by sprinklering all areas.
Guidance for the installation of smoke detectors and fire detection systems is found in
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
Both Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and FM Global have developed test standards for the
evaluation of residential sprinklers. These test standards include significantly different test pa-
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

Section 1.2 ● Purpose 11
TABLE A.1.2(a) Causal Factors in One- and Two-Family
Dwelling Fires That Caused One or More Deaths
Percent
Area of Origin Occurrence1
Living room 41
Bedroom 27
Kitchen 15
Storage area 4
Heating equipment room 3
Structural area 2
Other areas 8
Percent
Form of Materials Ignited Occurrence2
Furniture 27
Bedding 18
Combustible liquid or gas 13
Interior finish 9
Structural member 9
Waste, rubbish 4
Clothing (on a person) 3
Cooking materials 3
Electrical insulation 2
Curtains, draperies 2
Other 10
Percent
Form of Heat of Ignition Occurrence3
Smoking materials 36
Heat from fuel-fire or powered object 25
Heat from miscellaneous open flame 15
(including match)
Heat from electrical equipment arcing 14
or overload
Hot objects, including properly 7
operating electrical equipment
Other 3
Note: Total number of incidents reported: 10,194.
1
Based on 6066 incidents where area of origin was reported.
2
Based on 5080 incidents where form of material ignited was reported.
3
Based on 5016 incidents where form of heat of ignition was reported.
Source: FIDO Database 1973 to 1982, NFPA Fire Analysis Depart-
ment.
rameters than those used to evaluate nonresidential sprinklers such as the standard spray
sprinkler. UL 1626, Standard for Residential Sprinklers for Fire-Protection Service, contains
a full-scale fire test with a fuel package that helps create reproducible test fires and creates
similarity between the fire test and the combustibles typically found in residential occupan-
cies. The criteria used in UL 1626 to determine whether or not residential sprinklers pass this
fire test are as follows:
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

TABLE A.1.2(b) Fires and Associated Deaths and Injuries in Dwellings, Duplexes, and
Manufactured Homes by Area of Origin: Annual Average of 1986–1990 Structure Fires
Reported to U.S. Fire Departments
Civilian Civilian
Area of Origin Deaths Percent Fires Percent Injuries Percent
Living room, family room, or den 1,330 37.1 42,600 10.5 2,546 18.6
Bedroom 919 25.6 50,200 12.4 3,250 23.7
Kitchen 541 15.1 92,670 22.9 3,987 29.1
Dining room 83 2.3 3,780 0.9 189 1.4
Heating equipment room or area 62 1.7 15,130 3.7 374 2.7
Hallway or corridor 48 1.3 3,690 0.9 155 1.1
Laundry room or area 47 1.3 15,370 3.8 363 2.7
Garage or carport* 45 1.2 14,580 3.6 524 3.8
Bathroom 44 1.2 8,040 2.0 271 2.0
Unclassified structural area 43 1.2 4,530 1.1 104 0.8
Crawl space or substructure space 41 1.2 11,200 2.8 317 2.3
Multiple areas 41 1.1 3,350 0.8 96 0.7
Ceiling/floor assembly or concealed space 32 0.9 3,470 0.9 64 0.5
Wall assembly or concealed space 27 0.8 7,090 1.8 93 0.7
Closet 23 0.6 5,020 1.2 186 1.4
Exterior balcony or open porch 22 0.6 5,570 1.4 121 0.9
Exterior wall surface 22 0.6 14,620 3.6 118 0.9
Unclassified area 21 0.6 2,590 0.6 87 0.6
Attic or ceiling/roof assembly or concealed space 21 0.6 10,740 2.7 98 0.7
Tool room or other supply storage room or area 20 0.5 4,160 1.0 133 1.0
Lobby or entrance way 17 0.5 1,410 0.3 44 0.3
Interior stairway 17 0.5 1,100 0.3 41 0.3
Chimney 17 0.5 60,530 14.9 75 0.5
Unclassified function area 17 0.5 1,090 0.3 43 0.3
Unclassified storage area 14 0.4 2,460 0.6 80 0.6
Area not applicable 11 0.3 1,180 0.3 22 0.2
Exterior stairway 8 0.2 1,090 0.3 25 0.2
Lawn or field 7 0.2 1,670 0.4 24 0.2
Trash room or area 5 0.1 1,140 0.3 14 0.1
Product storage area 5 0.1 780 0.2 23 0.2
Unclassified means of egress 5 0.1 610 0.2 15 0.1
Unclassified service or equipment area 4 0.1 380 0.1 12 0.1
Library 3 0.1 180 0.0 11 0.0
Other known area 26 0.7 12,880 3.2 195 1.4
Total 3,589 100.0 404,900 100.0 13,691 100.0
Note: Fires are estimated to the nearest 10; civilian deaths and injuries are estimated to the nearest 1.
*Does not include dwelling garages coded as a separate property, which averaged 19 deaths, 259 injuries,
and 21,170 fires per year.
Source: 1986–1990 NFIRS and NFPA survey.
1. The maximum gas or air temperature adjacent to the sprinkler — 3 in. (76.2 mm) below
the ceiling and 8 in. (203 mm) horizontally away from the sprinkler — must not exceed
600°F (316°C).
2. The maximum temperature — 51
/4 ft (1.6 m) above the floor and half the room length
away from each wall — must be less than 200°F (93°C) during the entire test. This tem-
perature must not exceed 130°F (54°C) for more than a 2-minute period.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

3. The maximum temperature 1
/4 in. (6.3 mm) behind the finished surface of the ceiling ma-
terial directly above the test fire must not exceed 500°F (260°C).
4. Not more than two residential sprinklers in the test enclosure can operate.
The details of the UL 1626 simulated furniture are shown in Exhibit I.1.5. The fuel pack-
age is composed of several different components: a wood crib, two simulated sofa ends cov-
ered with foam, two sheets of 1
/4 in. (6.3 mm) Douglas fir plywood, a pan with heptane, and
two heptane-soaked cotton wicks. The arrangement of the fuel package within the test room
is shown at the upper left of the exhibit.
The three fire test configurations are shown in Exhibit I.1.6 through Exhibit I.1.8. Exhibit
I.1.6 shows the configuration used to test pendent, upright, flush, recessed pendent, and con-
cealed sprinklers. Exhibit I.1.7 and Exhibit I.1.8 present the configurations used to test side-
wall sprinklers. In Exhibit I.1.7, the sprinklers are located opposite the fuel package, and, in
Exhibit I.1.8, the sprinklers are located on the same wall as the fuel package.
Foam Adhesive Pattern
Steel Test Pan Wood Crib
Side Elevation
31 in.
(0.8 m)
31 in.
(0.8 m)
33 in.
(0.84 m)
Elevation
(front view of furniture only)
6 in. × 2 in. × 1¹⁄₄ in. wick
(152.4 mm × 50.8 mm × 31.8 mm)
33 in. (0.84 m)
32 in. (0.81 m)
31 in.
(0.8 m)
1 in.
(25.4 mm)
¹⁄₂ in. (12.7 mm)
thick plywood
Cotton wick
diameter ¹⁄₄ in. × 6 in.
(6.3 mm × 152.4 mm)
¹⁄₈ in. (3.2 mm)
thick angle area frame
¹⁄₄ in. (6.3 mm) thick
Douglas fir plywood
(typical)
Plan
4 ft × 4 ft × ¹⁄₄ in.
(1.2 m × 1.2 m 6.3 mm)
noncombustible sheathing
3 in. (76.2 mm) thick foam pad
4 in. (101.6 mm)
2 in. (50.8 mm)
4 in. (101.6 mm)
42 in.
(1.07 m)
42 in.
(1.07 m)
¹⁄₂ in. (12.7 mm)
thick plywood
Cotton wick
¹⁄₄ in. diameter × 6 in.
(6.3 mm × 152.4 mm)
1 in.
(25.4 mm)
12 in. × 12 in.
(305 mm × 305 mm)
4 in. (101.6 mm)
12 in.
(305 mm) 8 in.
(203.2 mm)
3 in. (76.2 mm)
thick foam pad
EXHIBIT I.1.5 Simulated Fuel Package for UL 1626. (Used with permission from
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.)
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

Compliance with the preceding criteria serves to provide an indication that flashover will
not occur, that the environment through which occupants must evacuate is tenable, and that
both of these criteria can be met with the water supply specified by NFPA 13D.
The basic laboratory test configuration is a 12 ft ⫻ 24 ft (3.7 m ⫻ 7.3 m) room with a
combustible array simulating residential furnishings. The test facility is adjustable, so that it
can be configured to evaluate other sprinkler spacing parameters as permitted by 8.1.3.1.1.
The technical committee adopted the concept of “levels of protection” in order to achieve
a reasonable degree of safety while controlling the cost of the system. Because sprinklers may
be omitted from certain spaces in the dwelling, as indicated by Section 8.6, the level of pro-
tection is less than if those spaces were sprinklered. The areas where omission of sprinklers
3 ft (0.9 m)
4 in.
(102 mm)
41 in.
(1.04 m)
2L
L/2
L
W/2
W
Sprinkler
(typical)
Thermocouple
3 in. (76.2 mm)
below ceiling
(room center)
Thermocouple
3 in. (76.2 mm)
below ceiling and
5¹⁄₄ ft (1.6 m)
above floor
Thermocouple
¹⁄₄ in. (6.3 mm)
above ceiling
10 in. diagonally
from corner
8 in. (203 mm)
19 in. (0.48 m)
35 in. (0.89 m)
4
ft
(1.2
m)
plywood
42
in.
(1.07
m)
4 ft (1.2 m) plywood
42 in. (1.07 m)
Simulated
furniture
Wood crib
L = Coverage length
W = Coverage width
EXHIBIT I.1.6 Fire Test
Arrangement for UL 1626 for
Pendent, Upright, Flush,
Recessed Pendent, and
Concealed Sprinklers.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,```
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

is permitted are those where NFPA fire statistics indicate a relatively low incidence of fire
deaths. See Table A.1.2(a) and Table A.1.2(b). Additionally, the data for Table A.1.2(b), while
not updated beyond 1990 in the text of NFPA 13D, have been updated for the years 2003
through 2006, as shown in Commentary Table I.1.1. While the data are slightly different, it
should be noted that very similar results are shown between the 1986–1990 and 2003–2006
data.
1.2.1 The purpose of this standard shall be to provide a sprinkler system that aids in the de-
tection and control of residential fires and thus provides improved protection against injury
and life loss.
41 in.
(1.04 m)
W/2
W
8 ft
(2.4 m)
minimum
1¹⁄₂ W +
9 ft (2.7 m)
L
Sidewall sprinkler
(typical)
Thermocouple
3 in. (76.2 mm)
below ceiling
(room center)
Thermocouple
3 in. (76.2 mm)
below ceiling and
5¹⁄₄ ft (1.6 m)
above floor
Thermocouple
¹⁄₄ in. (6.3 mm)
above ceiling
10 in. diagonally
from corner 19 in. (0.48 m)
35 in. (0.89 m)
4
ft
(1.2
m)
plywood
42
in.
(1.07
m)
42 in. (1.07 m)
Simulated
furniture
Wood crib
L = Coverage length
W = Coverage width
1 ft (0.3 m)
¹⁄₂ L + 8 in. (203.2 mm)
Arrangement from UL 1626
for Sidewall Sprinklers, Test
Arrangement 1.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

1.2.2 A sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with this standard shall be ex-
pected to prevent flashover (total involvement) in the room of fire origin, where sprinklered,
and to improve the chance for occupants to escape or be evacuated.
1.3 Retroactivity
The provisions of this standard reflect a consensus of what is necessary to provide an accept-
able degree of protection from the hazards addressed in this standard at the time the standard
was issued.
41 in.
(1.04 m)
W/2
W
8 ft
(2.4 m)
minimum
1¹⁄₂ W +
9 ft (2.7 m)
L
Sidewall sprinkler
(typical)
Thermocouple
3 in. (76.2 mm)
below ceiling
(room center)
Thermocouple
3 in. (76.2 mm)
below ceiling and
5¹⁄₄ ft (1.6 m)
above floor
Thermocouple
¹⁄₄ in. (6.3 mm)
above ceiling
10 in. diagonally
from corner 19 in. (0.48 m)
35 in. (0.89 m)
4
ft
(1.2
m)
plywood
42
in.
(1.07
m)
42 in. (1.07 m)
Simulated
furniture
Wood crib
L = Coverage length
W = Coverage width
1 ft (0.3 m)
¹⁄₂ L + 8 in. (203 mm)
Arrangement from UL 1626
for Sidewall Sprinklers, Test
Arrangement 2.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

1.3.1 Unless otherwise specified, the provisions of this standard shall not apply to facilities,
equipment, structures, or installations that existed or were approved for construction or in-
stallation prior to the effective date of the standard. Where specified, the provisions of this
standard shall be retroactive.
1.3.2 In those cases where the authority having jurisdiction determines that the existing sit-
uation presents an unacceptable degree of risk, the authority having jurisdiction shall be per-
mitted to apply retroactively any portions of this standard deemed appropriate.
1.3.3 The retroactive requirements of this standard shall be permitted to be modified if their
application clearly would be impractical in the judgment of the authority having jurisdiction,
and only where it is clearly evident that a reasonable degree of safety is provided.
The retroactivity clause, as shown in Section 1.3, appears in many NFPA codes and standards.
Its main purpose is to reinforce the premise that any sprinkler system installed in accordance
Section 1.3 ● Retroactivity 17
COMMENTARY TABLE I.1.1 Reported Home Structure Fires by Area of Origin 2003–2006
Annual Averages
(Unknowns in Non-Confined Fires Were Allocated Proportionally)
Direct
Civilian Civilian Property Damage
Area of Origin Fires Deaths Injuries (in Millions)
Confined cooking fire 112,900 (30%) 10 (0%) 1,470 (11%) $28 (0%)
Kitchen or cooking area 44,100 (12%) 430 (15%) 3,260 (25%) $825 (13%)
Bedroom 29,400 (8%) 670 (24%) 2,810 (21%) $922 (15%)
Confined chimney or flue fire 23,300 (6%) 0 (0%) 40 (0%) $12 (0%)
Confined fuel burner or boiler fire 16,300 (4%) 0 (0%) 90 (1%) $4 (0%)
Living room, family room or den 13,600 (4%) 660 (23%) 1,340 (10%) $541 (9%)
Laundry room or area 10,100 (3%) 50 (2%) 360 (3%) $181 (3%)
Unclassified function area 9,800 (3%) 350 (12%) 750 (6%) $361 (6%)
Attic or ceiling/roof assembly or concealed space 9,100 (2%) 30 (1%) 100 (1%) $393 (6%)
Exterior wall surface 8,600 (2%) 10 (0%) 90 (1%) $164 (3%)
Wall assembly or concealed space 7,400 (2%) 50 (2%) 140 (1%) $208 (3%)
Garage or vehicle storage area* 7,300 (2%) 40 (1%) 360 (3%) $425 (7%)
Bathroom 7,200 (2%) 40 (1%) 310 (2%) $136 (2%)
Unclassified structural area 5,400 (1%) 100 (4%) 220 (2%) $210 (3%)
Unclassified area of origin 5,400 (1%) 50 (2%) 100 (1%) $129 (2%)
Crawl space or substructure space 5,200 (1%) 50 (2%) 210 (2%) $169 (3%)
Exterior balcony or unenclosed porch 5,000 (1%) 20 (1%) 160 (1%) $206 (3%)
Heating equipment room 4,300 (1%) 30 (1%) 170 (1%) $96 (2%)
Ceiling/floor assembly or concealed space 3,800 (1%) 30 (1%) 70 (1%) $194 (3%)
Unclassified outside area 3,000 (1%) 10 (0%) 50 (0%) $66 (1%)
Closet 2,900 (1%) 0 (0%) 120 (1%) $72 (1%)
Confined incinerator or compactor fire 2,400 (1%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) $0 (0%)
Unclassified storage area 2,300 (1%) 10 (0%) 80 (1%) $66 (1%)
Exterior roof surface 2,100 (1%) 0 (0%) 10 (0%) $91 (1%)
Courtyard, terrace or patio 2,100 (1%) 20 (1%) 80 (1%) $97 (2%)
Other known area 19,900 (5%) 190 (7%) 650 (5%) $546 (9%)
Confined trash or rubbish fire 15,600 (4%) 0 (0%) 50 (0%) $2 (0%)
Total 378,600 (100%) 2,850 (100%) 13,090 (100%) $6,145 (100%)
* Does not include fires with property use coded as dwelling garage.
Note: Sums may not equal totals due to rounding errors.
Source: NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA survey.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::

TABLE 1.5.3 Metric Conversions
Name of Unit Unit Symbol Conversion Factor
liter L 1 gal = 3.785 L
pascal Pa 1 psi = 6894.757 Pa
bar bar 1 psi = 0.0689 bar
bar bar 1 bar = 105
Pa
with the applicable edition of NFPA 13D is considered as compliant with the standard for the
system’s lifetime provided no system modifications are made. In other words, an existing sys-
tem is not required to be reviewed for compliance with every new edition of the standard.
Omission of the retroactivity clause would require homeowners, code enforcers, insur-
ance companies, and installers to undertake the never-ending task of updating and revising
their sprinkler systems every time a new edition of NFPA 13D was published. Although newer
editions often include updated requirements that enhance the level of protection, older edi-
tions should not be interpreted as unsafe. In those instances where a severe deficiency is dis-
covered, the last sentence of Section 1.3 provides latitude for the authority having jurisdiction
(AHJ).
1.4 Equivalency
Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of
equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety
over those prescribed by this standard. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the au-
thority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The system, method, or device shall
be approved for the intended purpose by the authority having jurisdiction.
In Section 1.4, the equivalency statement permits products or system arrangements not specif-
ically covered by the standard to be used, provided that it can be demonstrated that such prod-
ucts or arrangements do not lower the level of safety required by the standard or alter the
standard’s intent. This section promotes new technology and innovative solutions that help
meet the intent of NFPA 13D and lower the costs of systems, and/or make systems more
palatable to homeowners. Important to note is that if a system installer wants to use a piece
of equipment or technology in accordance with this equivalency clause, they need to obtain
the approval of the authorities having jurisdiction to make sure that they agree that the equip-
ment or technology is considered equivalent.
1.5 Units
1.5.1* Metric units of measurement in this standard shall be in accordance with the mod-
ernized metric system known as the International System of Units (SI).
A.1.5.1 For additional conversions and information, see IEEE/ASTM SI 10, Standard for
Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System.
1.5.2 The liter and bar units shall be permitted to be used in this standard.
1.5.3 The conversion factors for liter, pascal, and bar shall be in accordance with Table 1.5.3.
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

References 19
1.5.4* Where a value for measurement as specified in this standard is followed by an equiv-
alent value in other units, the first stated value shall be regarded as the requirement.
A.1.5.4 A given equivalent value is considered to be approximate.
1.5.5 The equivalent value for a measurement in SI shall be converted by multiplying the
value by the conversion factor and then rounding the result to the appropriate number of sig-
nificant digits.
1.6 New Technology
1.6.1 Nothing in this standard shall be intended to restrict new technologies or alternate
arrangements, provided the level of safety prescribed by this standard is not lowered.
1.6.2 Materials or devices not specifically designated by this standard shall be utilized in
complete accord with all conditions, requirements, and limitations of their listings.
Section 1.6, which covers new technology, is new to the 2010 edition and serves much the
same purpose as the equivalency clause. Both are included in this standard to underscore the
importance and prevalence of new products being brought to the market in this field. It is im-
portant to the acceptance of residential sprinkler systems that newer products be permitted to
be used without having to wait between revision cycles of the standard. In many cases, these
new products can receive listings from a laboratory such as UL or FM and be used in accor-
dance with a special listing rather than waiting for a new edition of NFPA 13D to be pub-
lished.
REFERENCES CITED IN COMMENTARY
Cote, A. E., “Final Report on Field Test and Evaluation of Residential Sprinkler Systems,”
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, July 1982.
Cote, A., and Moore, D., “Field Test and Evaluation of Residential Sprinkler Systems, Los
Angeles Test Series,” National Fire Protection Association, Boston, MA, April 1980.
(Note: This report was done for the NFPA 13D subcommittee and included a series of
fire tests in actual dwellings with sprinkler systems installed in accordance with the data
resulting from all prior test work and the criteria included in the proposed 1980 revisions
to NFPA 13D so as to evaluate the effectiveness of the system under conditions ap-
proaching actual use.)
Halpin, B. M., Dinan, J. J., and Deters, O. J., “Assessment of the Potential Impact of Fire Pro-
tection Systems on Actual Fire Incidents,” Johns Hopkins University — Applied Physics
Laboratory (JHU/APL), Laurel, MD, October 1978. (Note: This study describes an in-
depth analysis of fires involving fatalities and includes an assessment of how use of de-
tectors, sprinklers, or remote alarms would have changed the results.)
Henderson, N. C., Riegel, P. S., Patton, R. M., and Larcomb, D. B., “Investigation of Low-
Cost Residential Sprinkler Systems,” Battelle Columbus Laboratories (BCL), Columbus,
OH, June 1978. (Note: This study addresses fire tests of commercial nozzles and evalu-
ates piping methods to achieve low-cost systems based on propane burner, wood crib, and
furniture fire tests.)
Kung, H., Haines, D., and Green, R., Jr., “Development of Low-Cost Residential Sprinkler
Protection,” Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood, MA, February 1978.
(Note: This study addresses development of low-cost residential sprinkler systems hav-
ing minimal water discharge rates providing adequate life and property protection from
smoldering fires.)
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

Kung, H. C., Spaulding, R. D., and Hill, E. E., Jr., “Sprinkler Performance in Residential Fire
Tests,” Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood, MA, December 1980. (Note:
This study includes fire tests on representative living room and bedroom residential con-
figurations with combinations of furnishings, with open and closed windows, and with
variations in sprinkler application rates and response sensitivity of sprinklers. This work
has been closely evaluated by the NFPA 13D subcommittee during its conduct, and the
subcommittee was responsible for directing many of the test conditions that were evalu-
ated.)
Kung, H. C., Spaulding, R. D., Hill, E. E., Jr., and Symonds, A. P., “Technical Report Field
Evaluation of Residential Prototype Sprinkler, Los Angeles Fire Test Program,” Factory
Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood, MA, February 1982.
Moore, D., “Data Summary of the North Carolina Test Series of USFA Grant 79027 Field
Test and Evaluation of Residential Sprinkler Systems,” National Fire Protection Associ-
ation, Boston, MA, September 1980. (Note: This report was done for the NFPA 13D sub-
committee and included a series of fire tests in actual mobile homes with sprinkler
systems installed in accordance with the data resulting from prior test work and follow-
ing criteria described in the 1980 edition of NFPA 13D in order to evaluate the effec-
tiveness of the system under conditions approaching actual use.)
National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, “America Burning,” U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1973.
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2010 edition, National Fire Pro-
tection Association, Quincy, MA.
NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up
to and Including Four Stories in Height, 2010 edition, National Fire Protection Associa-
tion, Quincy, MA.
NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Pro-
tection Systems, 2008 edition, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA.
NFPA 101®
, Life Safety Code®
, 2009 edition, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy,
MA.
“Structure Fires in One- or Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes by Area of Ori-
gin and Apartment Structure Fires by Area of Origin,” NFPA report, National Fire Pro-
tection Association, Quincy, MA, May 2006.
UL 1626, Standard for Residential Sprinklers for Fire-Protection Service, 2008 edition, Un-
derwriters Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, IL.
Yurkonis, Peter, “Study to Establish the Existing Automatic Fire Suppression Technology for
Use in Residential Occupancies,” Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc., Deerfield, IL, Decem-
ber 1978. (Note: This study identifies suppression systems and evaluates design and cost
factors affecting practical usage and user acceptance.)
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

21
This chapter lists the mandatory publications referenced in NFPA 13D. Annex B lists non-
mandatory publications referenced in the annexes. By locating the information immediately
after Chapter 1, “Administration,” the user is presented with the complete list of publications
needed for effective use of the standard before reading the specific requirements. The provi-
sions of the publications that are mandated by NFPA 13D are also requirements. Regardless
of whether an actual requirement resides within NFPA 13D or is mandatorily referenced and
appears only in the referenced publication, it is a requirement that must be met to achieve
compliance with NFPA 13D.
Throughout NFPA 13D, several standards (some published by the NFPA and others pub-
lished by other organizations) or portions of standards are referenced. Rather than state which
specific edition is being referenced each time they are mentioned, the documents are listed in
Chapter 2 along with the specific edition that is required to be followed. This convenient col-
lection of references in one location makes it easier to find the standards that apply. Addresses
of the organizations that write these standards are provided so that a copy of the publication
can be easily obtained. One location also makes it easier for authorities that wish to enforce
different editions to change which edition they are referencing. Rather than having to change
references throughout the standard, they only need to make changes to Chapter 2.
2.1 General
The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard
and shall be considered part of the requirements of this document.
2.2 NFPA Publications
National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2010 edition.
NFPA 72®
, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2010 edition.
NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, 2009 edition.
2.3 Other Publications
2.3.1 ANSI Publications. American National Standards Institute, Inc., 25 West 43rd
Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
ANSI B36.10M, Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe, 2004.
2.3.2 ASME Publications. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Three Park Av-
enue, New York, NY 10016-5990.
ASME B16.1, Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, 1998.
CHAPTER 2
Referenced Publications
䊴 FAQ
What is the difference between
the documents listed in Chapter
2 and those listed in Annex B?
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

ASME B16.3, Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings, 2006.
ASME B16.4, Gray Iron Threaded Fittings, 1998.
ASME B16.5, Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, 2003.
ASME B16.9, Factory-Made Wrought Steel Buttwelding Fittings, 2007.
ASME B16.11, Forged Fittings, Socket-Welding and Threaded, 2001.
ASME B16.18, Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings, 2001.
ASME B16.22, Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings, 2001.
ASME B16.25, Buttwelding Ends, 1997.
2.3.3 ASTM Publications. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700,
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
ASTM A 53, Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated,
Welded and Seamless, 2007.
ASTM A 135, Standard Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe, 2006.
ASTM A 234, Standard Specification for Piping Fittings of Wrought Carbon Steel and Alloy
Steel for Moderate and High Temperatures, 2007.
ASTM A 795, Standard Specification for Black and Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized)
Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe for Fire Protection Use, 2008.
ASTM B 32, Standard Specification for Solder Metal, 2008.
ASTM B 75, Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube, 2002.
ASTM B 88, Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube, 2003.
ASTM B 251, Standard Specification for General Requirements for Wrought Seamless Cop-
per and Copper-Alloy Tube, 2002.
ASTM B 813, Standard Specification for Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Soldering Applications
of Copper and Copper-Alloy Tube, 2009.
ASTM B 828, Standard Practice for Making Capillary Joints by Soldering of Copper and
Copper Alloy Tube and Fittings, 2002.
ASTM F 437, Standard Specification for Threaded Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride)
(CPVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80, 2006.
ASTM F 438, Standard Specification for Socket-Type Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride)
ASTM F 439, Standard Specification for Socket-Type Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride)
ASTM F 442, Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic
Pipe (SDR-PR), 2005.
2.3.4 AWS Publications. American Welding Society, 550 NW LeJeune Road, Miami, FL
33126.
AWS A5.8, Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing and Braze Welding, 2004.
2.3.5 Other Publications. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Mer-
riam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003.
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2010 edition.
NFPA 5000®
, Building Construction and Safety Code®
, 2009 edition.
22 NFPA 13D ● Chapter 2 ● Referenced Publications
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

23
Many of the terms used throughout NFPA 13D are unique to residential sprinkler systems and
have been defined in Chapter 3 to assist in the use and application of NFPA 13D.
In accordance with the NFPA Manual of Style for Technical Committee Documents, def-
initions are listed by category, not alphabetical order. For example, the definition of the term
multipurpose piping system is found in 3.3.9.3, a subparagraph of 3.3.9, which covers differ-
ent types of systems.
Throughout the years, NFPA has made a concerted effort to standardize definitions across
all NFPA documents. For example, the term control valve should be the same in NFPA 13D
as it is in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and every other NFPA
document. NFPA 13D strives to utilize the standardized NFPA definitions wherever possible.
In other cases, where there is no standardized definition, such as for the term network system,
the Technical Committee on Residential Sprinkler Systems has developed its own definition.
3.1 General
The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply to the terms used in this standard. Where
terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be defined using their
ordinarily accepted meanings within the context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster’s
Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning.
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions
3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
A.3.2.1 Approved. The National Fire Protection Association does not approve, inspect, or
certify any installations, procedures, equipment, or materials; nor does it approve or evaluate
testing laboratories. In determining the acceptability of installations, procedures, equipment,
or materials, the authority having jurisdiction may base acceptance on compliance with NFPA
or other appropriate standards. In the absence of such standards, said authority may require
evidence of proper installation, procedure, or use. The authority having jurisdiction may also
refer to the listings or labeling practices of an organization that is concerned with product
evaluations and is thus in a position to determine compliance with appropriate standards for
the current production of listed items.
The term approved, which is defined in 3.2.1, differs from the term listed, which is defined in
3.2.4. An item that is approved is not necessarily listed. Where “approved” products are per-
mitted, the authority having jurisdiction is allowed to accept any product that they feel is ap-
propriate for the situation, even if that product is not listed. In accordance with 5.1.3, a number
of parts of sprinkler systems such as tanks, expansion tanks, pumps, hangers, waterflow de-
vices, and waterflow valves are not required to be listed by NFPA 13D. Residential sprinklers,
CHAPTER 3
Definitions
䊴 FAQ
What is the difference between
the terms listed and approved?
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

however, must be listed in accordance with 5.1.2, and certain types of pipe and fittings are
also required to be listed in accordance with 5.2.2 and 5.2.9.
3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization, office, or individual re-
sponsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment,
materials, an installation, or a procedure.
A.3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The phrase “authority having jurisdiction,”
or its acronym AHJ, is used in NFPA documents in a broad manner, since jurisdictions and
approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities. Where public safety is primary, the au-
thority having jurisdiction may be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or in-
dividual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department,
or health department; building official; electrical inspector; or others having statutory author-
ity. For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection department, rating bureau, or other in-
surance company representative may be the authority having jurisdiction. In many
circumstances, the property owner or his or her designated agent assumes the role of the au-
thority having jurisdiction; at government installations, the commanding officer or depart-
mental official may be the authority having jurisdiction.
3.2.3 Labeled. Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other
identifying mark of an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and
concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of la-
beled equipment or materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance
with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.
3.2.4* Listed. Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organiza-
tion that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of
products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or
materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment,
material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suit-
able for a specified purpose.
A.3.2.4 Listed. The means for identifying listed equipment may vary for each organization
concerned with product evaluation; some organizations do not recognize equipment as listed
unless it is also labeled. The authority having jurisdiction should utilize the system employed
by the listing organization to identify a listed product.
3.2.5 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.
3.2.6 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
3.2.7 Standard. A document, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions
using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and which is in a form generally suitable for
mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory pro-
visions shall be located in an appendix or annex, footnote, or fine-print note and are not to be
considered a part of the requirements of a standard.
3.3 General Definitions
3.3.1 Compartment. A space completely enclosed by walls and a ceiling. Each wall in the
compartment is permitted to have openings to an adjoining space if the openings have a min-
imum lintel depth of 8 in. (203 mm) from the ceiling and the total width of the openings in a
single wall does not exceed 8 ft (2.44 m) in width. A single opening of 36 in. (914 mm) or
less in width without a lintel is permitted when there are no other openings to adjoining
spaces.
24 NFPA 13D ● Chapter 3 ● Definitions
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

Section 3.3 ● General Definitions 25
A compartment is determined by the walls and ceilings that form its boundaries. The defini-
tion of a complete enclosure by walls and ceilings serves the objective of control of fire spread
very well, but is not very practical for living purposes. Therefore, in order to balance the two
objectives, the enclosing walls of a compartment are permitted to have openings provided sof-
fits or lintels are along the ceiling over the opening that have a minimum depth of 8 in. (203
mm). [See Figure A.8.1.2(a) and Figure A.8.1.2(b).] The 8 in. (203 mm) lintel depth allows
for the collection of heat in the compartment of fire origin and was confirmed by a series of
tests held in Los Angeles.
A revision to the definition of compartment in the 2010 edition clarifies the provision for
the width of the openings within the compartment by stating that the total 8 ft (2.44 m) width
for an opening is considered separately for each wall of the compartment. In the past, this
measurement had been interpreted to mean that the cumulative width of all openings from a
compartment was limited to 8 ft (2.44 m).
Large, beamed ceilings are not intended to be given credit as a compartment enclosure,
even if they have an 8 in. (203 mm) depth. The openings from the compartment are generally
based on a 36 in. (914 mm) wide door opening. Larger openings or beamed ceilings allow for
large furnishings to be located beneath the openings or the beams. A fire originating on the
furniture could activate more than two sprinklers on both sides of the opening and overtax the
water supply. As indicated in 8.1.2, the designer should select no more than two adjacent
sprinklers within the same compartment to determine the area of sprinkler application. When
a compartment is of a size for which only one sprinkler is needed to provide proper coverage,
the compartment boundaries define the area of sprinkler operation, and only a single sprin-
kler would be calculated.
3.3.2 Design Discharge. The rate of water discharged by an automatic sprinkler expressed
in gpm (mm/min).
3.3.3 Dwelling. Any detached building, or any part of a townhouse structure that is sepa-
rated from the remainder of the townhouse structure with fire resistance rated assemblies in
accordance with local building code, that contains no more than two dwelling units intended
to be used, rented, leased, let, or hired out to be occupied or that are occupied for habitation
purposes.
The 2010 edition modifies the definition of the term dwelling by including a reference to
townhouses in order to clarify that under certain circumstances, this type of structure can be
considered a one- or two-family dwelling and can be protected by an NFPA 13D system. See
also 3.3.10 and the commentary that follows the definition of the term townhouse.
3.3.4 Dwelling Unit. One or more rooms, arranged for the use of one or more individuals
living together, as in a single housekeeping unit, that normally have cooking, living, sanitary,
and sleeping facilities.
3.3.5* Manufactured Home. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which, in
the traveling mode, is 8 body-ft (2.4 m) or more in width or 40 body-ft (12.2 m) or more in
length or, when erected on site, is 320 ft2
(29.7 m2
) or more and which is built on a perma-
nent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling, with or without a permanent foundation,
when connected to the required utilities, and includes plumbing, heating, air-conditioning,
and electrical systems contained therein; except that such terms include any structure that
meets all the requirements of this paragraph except the size requirements and with respect to
which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification required by the regulatory agency.
Calculations used to determine the number of square feet in a structure are based on the struc-
ture’s exterior dimensions, measured at the largest horizontal projections when erected on
site. These dimensions include all expandable rooms, cabinets, and other projections con-
taining interior space, but do not include bay windows.
䊴 FAQ
How is a compartment deter-
mined?
Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
//^:^^#^~^^""~:""~#*^~@^"#:$@"@"~#@~~:~:^::#^^*^~@^~:

Automatic Sprinkler Systems For Residential Accupancies Handbook

Automatic Sprinkler Systems For Residential Accupancies Handbook

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to Automatic Sprinkler Systems For Residential Accupancies Handbook

Similar to Automatic Sprinkler Systems For Residential Accupancies Handbook (20)

More from Joe Osborn

More from Joe Osborn (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Automatic Sprinkler Systems For Residential Accupancies Handbook