Sprinkler Standards 2002-2007 Proposed Technical Changes Featuring Speaker Bob Caputo Consolidated FireProtection, Inc August 9, 2006 1 1
SPEAKER Bob Caputo Consolidated FireProtection, Inc Bob Caputo is President of Consolidated FireProtection and Vice President of East Coast Fire Protection. He has been a member of the fire protection community for more than 25 years and has experience in all areas of the fire sprinkler industry. Caputo has been an instructor since 1989, teaching seminars for both AFSA and NFPA. He represents AFSA on the NFPA 13 Installation Committee. 2 2
Chapter 3 Definitions 3 3
Chapter 3 Compartment. A space completely enclosed by walls and a ceiling. The compartment enclosure is permitted to have openings in walls to an adjoining space if the openings have a minimum lintel depth of 8 in. (203 mm) from the ceiling and the openings do not exceed 8 ft in width. A single opening of 36 inches or less in width without a lintel is permitted when there are no other openings to adjoining spaces. 4 4
Chapter 3 Branch Lines. The pipes supplying sprinklers, either directly or through sprigs, drops, return bends or arm-overs. Sprig. A pipe that rises vertically and supplies a single sprinkler. Arm-over. A horizontal pipe that extends from the branch line to a single sprinkler or a single sprinkler above and below a ceiling. 5 5
Chapter 5 Classification of Occupancies and Commodities 6 6
Chapter 5 A.5.2 Libraries, except large stack rooms It is not the committee s intent to automatically equate library bookshelves with ordinary hazard occupancies or with library stacks. Typical library bookshelves of approximately 8 ft in height, containing books stored vertically on end, held in place in close association with each other, with aisles wider than 30 in. can be considered to be light hazard occupancies. Similarly, library stack areas, which are more akin to shelf storage or record storage, as defined in NFPA 232, should be considered to be ordinary hazard occupancies. 7 7
Chapter 5 5.3.1* Ordinary Hazard (Group 1) occupancies or portions of occupancies where combustibility is low, quantity of combustibles is moderate, stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed 8 ft (2.4m), and fires with moderate rates of heat release are expected. Dedicated and Miscellaneous storage shall be protected in accordance with Chapter 12 and 13 as applicable. 8 8
Chapter 5 5.3.2 Ordinary Hazard (Group 2) 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 and stockpiles of contents with high rates of heat release do not exceed 8 ft. Dedicated and Miscellaneous storage shall be protected in accordance with Chapter 12 and 13 as applicable. 9 9
Chapter 5 A.5.3.2 Exterior loading docks only utilized for loading and unloading should be classified as OH2. Where utilized for storage exterior loading docks and all interior loading docks should be protected based upon the actual occupancy, the materials handled on the dock, as if the materials were actually stored in that configuration. 10 10
Chapter 6 System Components and Hardware 11 11
Chapter 6 - Welding Updated Welding requirements: ASME Section IX Welding and Brazing Qualifications. Minimum Weld Throat Size. Circumferential Welds and Earthquake Tabs. Stamp on each piece of pipe vs weld. Annex clarifications on types of welds and stress calculations to specify minimum weld size. 12 12
Chapter 6 Control Valves 6.7.4.3.1* Systems that have more than one control valve that must be closed to work on a system or space shall have a sign referring to existence and location of other valves 13 13
Chapter 7 System Requirements 14 14
Chapter 7 Dry Pipe - Preaction Size of Dry Pipe and Double Interlock Preaction Systems 60 Seconds to inspectors test connection Calculated for water delivery in accordance with Table Water delivery to a test manifold in accordance with the Table. Added annex figure for Test Manifold 500 gal and 750 gal options 15 15
Chapter 7 Dry Pipe - Preaction 16 16
Chapter 7 - Antifreeze General Antifreeze Changes (see calculations as well) 7.6.2.6 The concentration of antifreeze solutions shall be limited to the minimum necessary for the anticipated minimum temperature. Deleted 70% through 90% concentration curves. 100% curves only provided for densities when calculating solutions. 17 17
Chapter 8 Installation Requirements 18 18
Chapter 8 - General Add to A.8.1.1 Based upon experience and testing, sprinklers have been found to be effective and necessary at heights in excess of 50 ft. For a building to meet the intended level of protection afforded by NFPA 13, sprinklers must not be omitted from such high ceiling spaces. 19 19
Chapter 8 - General 8.1.1(7) Furniture, such as portable wardrobe units, cabinets, trophy cases and similar features not intended for occupancy, do not require sprinklers to be installed in them. This type of feature shall be permitted to be attached to the finished structure. 8.5.3.2.3 The distance from the wall to the sprinkler shall be measured to the wall behind furniture, such as: wardrobes, cabinets, and trophy cases. 20 20
Chapter 8 - General 8.2.4 Multiple buildings attached by canopies, covered breezeways, common roofs, or a common wall(s) shall be permitted to be supplied by a single fire sprinkler riser. The maximum system size shall comply with section 8.2.1. 21 21
Chapter 8 Detached Buildings 8.2.5* Detached Buildings. 8.2.5.1 Unless the requirements of Section 8.2.5.2 apply, detached buildings, regardless of separation distance, that do not meet the criteria of section 8.2.4 shall be provided with separate fire sprinkler systems. 8.2.5.2 When acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction detached structures shall be permitted to be supplied by the fire sprinkler system of an adjacent building. (See annex item A.8.2.5 for guidance.) 22 22
Chapter 8 Caps and Straps 8.3.1.5 Protective Caps and Straps. 8.3.1.5.1* Protective caps and straps shall be removed using means that are in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. 8.3.1.5.2* Protective caps and straps shall be removed from all sprinklers prior to the time when the sprinkler system is placed in service. 8.3.1.5.3 Protective caps and straps on all upright sprinklers or on any sprinklers installed more than 10 ft (3 m) above the floor shall be permitted to be removed from sprinklers immediately following their installation. 23 23
Chapter 8 8.3.2.5(9) Sprinklers in walk-in type coolers and freezers with automatic defrosting shall be of the intermediate-temperature classification. 24 24
Chapter 8 8.3.4.3 Sprinklers with nominal K-factors of 4.2 shall be permitted to be installed on dry pipe systems where piping is corrosion resistant or internally galvanized. 25 25
Chapter 8 Dry Sprinklers 8.4.10 Dry Sprinklers. 8.4.10.1 Where dry sprinklers are connected to wet pipe sprinkler systems protecting areas subject to freezing temperatures, sprinklers of sufficient length shall be used to avoid freezing of the water filled pipes due to conduction. 8.4.10.2* Where dry sprinklers are connected to wet pipe sprinkler systems protecting insulated freezer structures, the clearance space around the sprinkler barrel shall be sealed. 26 26
Chapter 8 Dry Sprinklers 27 27
Chapter 8 Dry Sprinklers 28 28
Chapter 8 - Measurement 8.5.3.2.4 The distance from the wall to the sprinkler shall be measured to the wall when sprinklers are spaced near windows and no additional floor space is created. 29 29
Chapter 8 - Measurement For corrugated metal deck roofs up to 3 in., (76 mm) in depth, the distance shall be measured to the sprinkler from the bottom of the deck. For deeper decks, the distance shall be measured to the highest point on the deck. 30 30
Chapter 8 Sloped Combustible Concealed Spaces with Wood Truss or Wood Joist 3 ft. or less on center with a slope greater than 4 in 12. 12 in. horizontally from peak. 12 in. vertically from the peak. Outer row at least 5 ft from the intersection of the truss cords or the wood rafters and ceiling joists. 31 31
Chapter 8 Sloped Combustible 32 32
Chapter 8 Beam Rule Revise Table 8.6.5.1.2 to extend beam rule to 7 ft. 6 in for standard spray sprinklers as follows: 5 ft. to less than 5 ft. 6 in. 5 ft. 6 in. to less than 6 ft. 6 ft. to less than 6 ft. 6 in. 6 ft. 6 in. to less than 7 ft. 7 ft. to less than 7 ft. 6 in. 18 20 24 30 35 Similar extension for EC sprinklers out to 10 ft from sprinkler 33 33
Chapter 8 Standard Spray Privacy Curtains In Light Hazard Occupancies, privacy curtains that are supported by fabric mesh on ceiling track and have openings in the mesh equal to 70% or greater and extend a minimum of 22 inches from ceiling, shall not be considered obstructions. 34 34
Chapter 8 - ESFR ESFR Sprinklers Minimum Protection Area of Coverage. The minimum allowable protection area of coverage for a sprinkler (As) shall not be less than 64 ft 2 (6m 2 ). 35 35
Chapter 8 Concealed Spaces Noncombustible or limited combustible concealed spaces with minimal combustible loading A.8.14.1.2.1 Minor quantities of combustible materials such as but not limited to: cabling, nonmetallic plumbing piping, non-structural wood, etc... can be present in concealed spaces constructed of limited or noncombustible materials but should not typically be viewed as requiring sprinklers (see 8.14.1.1). 36 36
Chapter 8 Concealed Spaces A.8.14.1.2.1 Cont For example, it is not the intent of this section to require sprinklers, which would not otherwise be required, in the interstitial space of a typical office building solely due to the presence of the usual amount of cabling within the space. The threshold value at which sprinklers become necessary in the concealed space is not defined. Committee Statement text It is not the intent of the committee to differentiate between types of cables 37 37
Chapter 8 Closely Spaced Sprinklers 8.14.4.1 General. Unless the requirements of 8.14.4.4 are met, where moving stairways, staircases, or similar openings are unenclosed and where sprinkler protection is serving as the alternative to enclosure of the vertical opening, the floor openings involved shall be protected by closely spaces sprinklers in combination with draft stops in accordance with 8.14.4.2 and 8.14.4.3. 38 38
Chapter 8 Closely Spaced Sprinklers A.8.14.4.1 It is the intent of this section to require closely spaced sprinklers and draft stops to openings where protection or enclosure is required by building and life safety codes. Delete current 8.14.4.5 Convenience openings. 39 39
Chapter 8 Exterior Roof/Canopy Add porte-cocheres to title of 8.14.7 and throughout the subsections. A.8.14.7.2 Vehicles that are temporarily parked are not considered storage. Areas located at drive-in bank windows or porte-cocheres at hotels and motels normally do not require sprinklers where there is no occupancy above, is entirely constructed of noncombustible, or limited combustible materials or fire retardant treated lumber, and is not the only means of egress. However, areas under exterior ceilings where the building is sprinklered should be protected due to the occupancy above. 40 40
Chapter 8 Exterior Roof/Canopy New options to omit sprinklers below exterior roofs or canopies: Exposed material noncombustible, limited combustible or FRT wood and the concealed space within is sprinklered or meets one of the following: Filled entirely with noncombustible insulation Attached directly to bottom of solid wood joist with volumes not exceeding 160 ft 3 Do not exceed 55 ft 2 in area 41 41
Chapter 8 Pitching of Pipe Modify Section 8.15.2.3.2 and 8.15.2.5.3 to delete subject to freezing to require that all preaction systems be pitched and cable of draining. Delete Section 8.15.2.3.3 8.15.2.5.3.1 Auxiliary drains located in areas subject to freezing shall be readily accessible. 42 42
Chapter 8 Heat Tracing 8.15.3.1.4 Where listed heat tracing systems are used, they shall be supervised. 8.15.3.1.5 Where listed heat tracing is utilized for branch lines it shall be specifically listed for use on branch lines. Delete existing annex material from Section 8.15.3.1.3. 43 43
Chapter 8 Test Connection Alarm Test Connection Wet Pipe 8.16.4.2.1 modify to indicate having a flow equal to or less than one sprinkler 8.16.4.2.4 The alarm test connection shall be permitted to be installed in any location on the fire sprinkler system downstream of the water flow alarm. Supporting annex material added as well. Alarm test connection not required at the most remote location. 44 44
Chapter 8 Combined Systems Combined Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems. Each connection from a standpipe that is part of a combined system to a sprinkler system shall have an individual control valve and check valve of the same size as the connection. (Insert 2 figures from NFPA 14) 45 45
Chapter 8 Combined Systems Option A - Acceptable Piping Arrangement for Combined Sprinkler/Standpipe System. 46 46
Chapter 8 Combined Systems Option B - Acceptable Piping Arrangement for Combined Sprinkler/Standpipe System. 47 47
Chapter 9 Hanging, Bracing, and Restraint of System Piping 48 48
Chapter 9 Trapeze Hangers A.9.1.1.6.5 Hanger components are sized based upon an ultimate strength limit of 5 times the weight of water-filled pipe plus 250 lbs. The section moduli used to size the trapeze member are based on a maximum bending stress, which provides an acceptable level of safety that is comparable to the other hanger components. 49 49
Chapter 9 Hanger Rods 9.1.2.3 Hanger rods shall be installed so that lateral gravity loads are not induced on the rods. 50 50
Chapter 9 Flexible Sprinkler Hose 9.2.1.3.3* Flexible Sprinkler Hose Fittings. A.9.2.1.3.3 Examples of areas of use include clean rooms, suspended ceilings, and exhaust ducts. 9.2.1.3.3.1 Listed flexible sprinkler hose fittings and its anchoring components, intended for use in installations connecting the sprinkler system piping to sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the listing including any installation instructions. 51 51
Chapter 9 Flexible Sprinkler Hose 9.2.1.3.3.2 When installed and supported by suspended ceilings the ceiling shall meet ASTM C-635 and shall be installed in accordance with ASTM C-636. 9.2.1.3.3.3* Where flexible sprinkler hose fittings exceed 6 ft in length and are supported by a suspended ceiling a hanger(s) attached to the structure shall be required to ensure that the maximum unsupported length does not exceed 6ft. 52 52
Chapter 9 Flexible Sprinkler Hose A.9.2.1.3.3.3 The committee evaluation of flexible sprinkler hose fittings supported by suspended ceilings was based upon a comparison of the weight of a 6ft, 1 in diameter sch 40 water filled unsupported arm over weighing approx 13 lbs to the weight of a 6ft, 1 in diameter water filled flexible hose fitting weighing approx 9 lbs. 53 53
Chapter 9 Flexible Sprinkler Hose A.9.2.1.3.3.3 Cont The information provided to the committee showed that the maximum load shed to the suspended ceiling by the flexible hose fitting was approximately 6 lbs and that a suspended ceiling meeting ASTM C-635 and installed in accordance with ASTM C-636 can substantially support that load. In addition the supporting material showed that the flexible hose connection can be attached to the suspended ceilings because it allows the necessary deflections under seismic conditions. 54 54
Chapter 9 - Seismic Seismic Bracing Changes Why? NFPA 13 complies with the requirements and permitted limits of ASCE 7. NFPA 13 applicable for all seismic situations. Simplified method without requiring a complete engineering analysis. Allows for the seismic design requirements for sprinkler systems to remain in NFPA 13. Provide as much material as possible in NFPA 13 to limit need for outside sources. 55 55
Chapter 11 Design Approaches 56 56
Chapter 11 - Structure 11.2 Occupancy Hazard Fire Control Approach 11.2.1 General 11.2.2 Water Demand Requirements Pipe Schedule Method 11.2.3 Water Demand Requirements Hydraulic Calculation Method Density/Area Room Design Special Design Areas 57 57
Chapter 11 - Structure 11.3 Special Design Approaches 11.3.1 Residential Sprinklers 11.3.2 Exposure Protection 11.3.3 Water Curtains 11.3.4 Sprinklers Under a Roof or Ceiling in Combustible Concealed Spaces of Wood Joist or Wood Truss Construction with Members Spaced 3 ft. or Less on Center and a Slope Having a Pitch of 4 in 12 or Greater. 58 58
Chapter 11 Hose Allowance A.11.1.5.6 For fully sprinklered buildings, if hose valves or stations are provided on a combination sprinkler riser and standpipe for fire department use in accordance with NFPA 14, the hydraulic calculation for the sprinkler system is not required to include the standpipe allowance and should be limited to 50 gpm at each hose valve to a maximum of 100 gpm. 59 59
Chapter 12 Storage 60 60
Chapter 12 - General General Changes Deleted maximum discharge pressure of 95 psi for Large Drop Sprinklers Coordinated High-Expansion Foam requirements throughout. Editorially restructure Chapter 12 into multiple chapters for various storage arrangements. 61 61
Chapter 12 - Structure 12 - General Requirements for Storage 12.1 NFPA 13 2002 13 - Storage of Miscellaneous Commodities 12.1.10 NFPA 13 2002 14 - Storage of Palletized, Solid Pile, Bin Box, or Shelf Storage of Class I through IV Commodities 12.2.1 and 12.2.2 NFPA 13 2002 62 62
Chapter 12 - Structure 15 - Storage of Palletized, Solid Pile, Bin Box, or Shelf Storage of Plastic and Rubber Commodities 12.2.1 and 12.2.3 NFPA 13 2002 16 Rack Storage of Class I through IV Commodities 12.3.1, 12.3.2, 12.3.4 NFPA 13 2002 63 63
Chapter 12 - Structure 17 Rack Storage of Plastic Commodities 12.3.1, 12.3.3, 12.3.5 NFPA 13 2002 18 Protection of Rubber Tire Storage 12.4 NFPA 13 2002 19 Protection of Rolled Paper 12.6 NFPA 13 2002 20 Special Designs 12.7 and 12.5 NFPA 13 2002 Automotive Components/Retail/Baled Cotton 64 64
Chapter 13 Storage of Miscellaneous Commodities 65 65
Miscellaneous Storage Back to referencing OH2, EH1 or EH2 depending on the storage arrangement Clarifies installation rules Allows QR reduction for OH2 arrangements 66 66
Chapter 22 Plans and Calculations 67 67
Chapter 22 Hydraulic Reports 22.3.5 Computer Generated Hydraulic Reports. Committee Standardized the material reported in hydraulic reports effective January 1, 2008: Summary Sheet Graph Sheet Supply Analysis Node Analysis Detailed Worksheets 68 68
Chapter 22 Antifreeze Solutions 22.4.2.1.3 For antifreeze solutions greater than 40 gallons in size, the friction loss shall also be calculated using the Darcy Weisbach formula Suggested ε-factor for Aged Pipe 69 69
Chapter 24 System Acceptance 70 70
Chapter 24 - Signage 24.6.1 The installing contractor shall provide a general information sign used to determine system design basis and information relevant to the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance requirements required by NFPA 25. Such general information shall be provided with a permanently marked weather proof metal or rigid plastic sign, secured with corrosion resistant wire, chain or other acceptable means. Such signs shall be placed at each system control riser, antifreeze loop and auxiliary system control valve. 71 71
Chapter 24 - Signage SPRINKLER SYSTEM GENERAL INFORMATION For High-piled Storage [ ] Yes [ ] No Date: Rack Storage: [ ] Yes [ ] No Flow Test Data: Commodity Class: Static: psi Max. Storage Ht. ft. Resid: psi Aisle Width (min) ft. Flow: gpm Encapsulation [ ] Yes [ ] No Pitot: psi Solid Shelving: [ ] Yes [ ] No Date: Flammable/ Location: Combustible Liquids:[ ] Yes [ ] No Other Storage: [ ] Yes [ ] No Location of Aux/ Low Point Drains: Hazardous Materials: [ ] Yes [ ] No Idle Pallets: [ ] Yes [ ] No Antifreeze Systems [ ] Yes [ ] No Location: Original Main Drain Test Results: Dry or Aux Systems [ ] Yes [ ] NoStatic: psi Location: Residual: psi Name of Contractor or Designer: Address: Phone: 72 72
End of Changes to NFPA 13 73 73