NFPA13-16 Kap 8-8.8

• Chapter 8 outlines the installation requirements for sprinkler systems, emphasizing spacing, location, and positioning to ensure effective fire protection.

Basic Installation Principles

• Sprinklers are required throughout the premises unless specifically allowed to be omitted by standards.
• Sprinklers should not exceed maximum protection area limits.
• Positioning and location must ensure satisfactory activation and water distribution.
• Deviations from clearance requirements are permitted if tests demonstrate no impairment to fire control or suppression.
• Increased clearance between sprinklers and ceilings is allowed if sensitivity and performance are comparable to standard installations, based on tests or calculations.
• Sprinklers are not required inside electrical, mechanical, or air handling equipment not intended for occupancy.
• System valves and gauges must be accessible.

System Protection Area Limitations

• Light hazard: 52,000 ft2 (4830 m2)
• Ordinary hazard: 52,000 ft2 (4830 m2)
• Extra hazard (hydraulically calculated): 40,000 ft2 (3720 m2)
• Storage (high-piled or covered by NFPA standards): 40,000 ft2 (3720 m2)
• Mezzanine floor area is excluded from these limits.
• In mixed hazard systems, the extra hazard or storage area must not exceed its specified limit, and the total area must not exceed 52,000 ft2 (4830 m2).

Floor Control Valve Assemblies

• Multistory buildings over two stories require a floor control valve, check valve, main drain valve, and flow switch on each floor for water flow isolation, control, and annunciation.
• These are not required if top-level sprinklers are supplied by piping from the floor below.
• These are not required if the total area of all floors combined is within the system protection area limits.
• These are not required for dry systems in parking garages.

Multiple and Detached Buildings

• Multiple buildings connected by canopies, breezeways, common roofs, or walls can be supplied by a single fire sprinkler riser, provided the system size complies with area limitations.
• Detached buildings need separate fire sprinkler systems unless the authority having jurisdiction approves connection to an adjacent building's system.

Sprinkler Usage Guidelines

• Install sprinklers according to their listing.
• Exceptions exist for unusual water distribution needs due to construction or special situations, where listed sprinklers can be installed outside their typical positions.
• Upright sprinklers typically have frame arms parallel to the branch line, unless listed otherwise.
• When using solvent cement, do not install sprinklers in fittings before cementing.
• Protective caps and straps must be removed per manufacturer's instructions before system activation, but can be removed immediately after installation for upright sprinklers or those over 10 ft (3.0 m) above the floor.

Temperature Ratings

• Ordinary and intermediate temperature sprinklers should be used throughout buildings unless specific conditions require otherwise.
• Use temperature ratings based on maximum ceiling temperatures per Table 6.2.5.1 when exceeding 100°F (38°C).
• High-temperature sprinklers are allowed in ordinary and extra hazard occupancies, storage occupancies, and as per NFPA codes.
• Follow specific practices and Table 8.3.2.5(a), (b), (c), and Figure 8.3.2.5 for sprinkler temperature classifications.
• High-temperature sprinklers are needed in the high-temperature zone, intermediate-temperature in the intermediate-temperature zone.
• Intermediate-temperature sprinklers are required within 12 in. (300 mm) to the side or 30 in. (750 mm) above uncovered steam mains, heating coils, or radiators.
• High-temperature sprinklers are required within 7 ft (2.1 m) of a low-pressure blowoff valve discharging freely in a large room.
• Intermediate-temperature sprinklers are required under glass or plastic skylights exposed to direct sunlight.
• Intermediate-temperature sprinklers are required in unventilated, concealed spaces under uninsulated roofs or in unventilated attics.
• Intermediate-temperature sprinklers are required in unventilated show windows with high-powered electric lights near the ceiling.
• Use high- or extra high–temperature sprinklers for commercial-type cooking equipment and ventilation systems, determined via temperature measurement.
• Sprinklers near heat sources in residential areas should follow Table 8.3.2.5(c).
• Ordinary-temperature sprinklers adjacent to heating ducts discharging air below 100°F (38°C) do not need separation per Table 8.3.2.5(a).
• Intermediate-temperature sprinklers or higher are required in walk-in coolers and freezers with automatic defrosting.
• Change sprinklers to match temperature changes with occupancy changes.
• Ceiling sprinklers should have a minimum temperature rating of 150°F (66°C) in general storage, rack storage, rubber tire storage, roll paper storage, and baled cotton storage.

Thermal Sensitivity

• Use quick-response, residential, quick-response CMSA, ESFR sprinklers or standard-response sprinklers in light hazard occupancies.
• Standard-response sprinklers acceptable for modifications/additions to existing light hazard systems or individual replacements.
• Where quick-response sprinklers are installed, all sprinklers within a compartment must be quick-response, unless specified otherwise.
• Standard-response sprinklers can be used if no listed quick-response sprinklers are available in the required temperature range.
• These rules do not apply to in-rack sprinklers.
• A sprinkler listed for both standard-response and quick-response protection at different coverage areas can be installed at the spacing for either listing within a compartment.
• When converting existing light hazard systems to quick-response or residential sprinklers, all sprinklers in a compartment must be changed.

K-Factor and Thread Size Limitations

• Sprinklers should have a minimum K-factor of 5.6 (80) unless exceptions apply.
• Smaller orifice sprinklers are allowed in light hazard occupancies not requiring the water volume of a K-5.6 (80) sprinkler at 7 psi (0.5 bar), with restrictions:
  • The system must be hydraulically calculated.
  • Use only in wet pipe systems or per 8.3.4.3 or 8.3.4.4.
  • A listed strainer is required on the supply side of sprinklers with a nominal K-factor less than K-2.8 (40).
• Sprinklers with nominal K-factors less than K-5.6 (80) are permitted per 11.3.2 for exposure fire protection.
• K-4.2 (57) sprinklers can be used on dry pipe and preaction systems protecting light hazard occupancies with corrosion-resistant or internally galvanized piping.
• Sprinklers with a K-factor exceeding K-5.6 (80) and a 1⁄2 in. (15 mm) NPT should not be installed in new systems.

Application of Sprinkler Types

• Sprinklers should be selected as specified and spaced per Section 8.5.

Standard Upright and Pendent Spray Sprinklers

• Allowed in all occupancy hazard classifications and building construction types, unless 8.15.1.6 applies.
• Quick-response sprinklers are not for use in extra hazard occupancies using the density/area design method.

Sidewall Spray Sprinklers

• Light hazard occupancies with smooth, horizontal or sloped, flat ceilings.
• Ordinary hazard occupancies with smooth, flat ceilings, if specifically listed.
• Areas below overhead doors.

Extended Coverage Sprinklers

• Unobstructed construction with flat, smooth ceilings with slopes not exceeding 1 in 6 (16.7 percent).
• Unobstructed or noncombustible obstructed construction, if specifically listed.
• Within trusses or bar joists with web members not greater than 1 in. (25 mm) or spaced greater than 71⁄2 ft (2.3 m) on center, and ceiling slope not exceeding 1 in 6 (16.7 percent).
• Under smooth, flat ceilings with slopes not exceeding 1 in 3 (33.3 percent), if specifically listed.
• Extended coverage sidewall sprinklers installed per 8.9.4.2.2 on slopes exceeding a ceiling pitch of 2 in 12.
• In each bay of obstructed construction with solid structural members extending below the deflector.
• Areas below a single overhead door(s).

Open Sprinklers

• Use in deluge systems for special hazards or exposures or in special locations.
• Install according to applicable requirements for their automatic counterparts.

Residential Sprinklers

• Use in dwelling units and adjoining corridors, installed per their listing.
• Only in wet systems unless listed for dry or preaction systems.
• All sprinklers in a compartment must be residential sprinklers.

Early Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) Sprinklers

• Use only in wet pipe systems unless listed for dry systems.
• Roof or ceiling slope above sprinklers must not exceed 2 in 12 (16.7 percent).
• Permitted in buildings with unobstructed and noncombustible obstructed construction.
• Install in each channel formed by solid structural members (beams, stems) exceeding 12 in. (300 mm) in depth.
• Follow requirements of 8.12.2 and 8.12.3 for minimum sprinkler spacing and area of coverage.
• Use a noncombustible draft curtain at least 2 ft (600 mm) deep to separate ESFR sprinkler systems from standard-response systems, with a clear aisle of at least 4 ft (1.2 m) maintained below.
• ESFR sprinkler temperature ratings should be ordinary unless intermediate- or high-temperature ratings are required by 8.3.2.
• ESFR sprinklers designed to meet criteria in Chapters 12-20 can protect light and ordinary hazard occupancies.

Control Mode Specific Application (CMSA) Sprinklers

• Use in wet, dry, or preaction systems, installed per their listing.
• Temperature ratings should be the same as Table 8.3.2.5(a) and (b) or those used in large-scale fire testing, unless specified otherwise.
• Install intermediate- and high-temperature sprinklers in specific locations per 8.3.2.
• Use ordinary, intermediate, or high temperature–rated sprinklers for wet pipe systems in storage occupancies.
• Use high temperature–rated sprinklers for dry pipe systems in storage occupancies.
• Quick-response CMSA sprinklers designed per Chapters 12-20 can protect light and ordinary hazard occupancies.
• Standard-response CMSA sprinklers designed per Chapters 12-20 can protect ordinary hazard occupancies.

Special Sprinklers

• Use for specific hazards or construction features if evaluated and listed for performance under conditions.
• Fire tests related to the intended hazard.
• Distribution of the spray pattern with respect to wetting of floors and walls.
• Distribution of the spray pattern with respect to obstructions.
• Evaluation of the thermal sensitivity of the sprinkler.
• Performance under horizontal or sloped ceilings.
• Area of design.
• Allowable clearance to ceilings.
• K-factor size per 6.2.3, temperature ratings per Table 6.2.5.1.
• The protection area of coverage should not exceed 400 ft2 (37 m2) for light and ordinary hazard occupancies.
• The protection area of coverage should not exceed 196 ft2 (18.2 m2) for extra hazard and high-piled storage occupancies.

Dry Sprinklers

• For dry sprinklers connected to wet pipe systems in freezing areas, the exposed barrel length should follow Table 8.4.9.1(a) or (b).
• Barrel length is measured from the fitting face to the inside surface of the insulation, wall, or ceiling closest to the fitting.
• Seal the clearance space around the sprinkler barrel for dry sprinklers connected to wet pipe systems in insulated freezer structures.

Position, Location, Spacing, and Use of Sprinklers

• Locate, space, and position sprinklers according to Section 8.5.
• Position to protect consistently with standard objectives, controlling positioning and allowable coverage area.
• Requirements of 8.5.2-8.5.7 apply to all sprinkler types unless modified by more restrictive rules in Sections 8.6-8.12.

Protection Areas per Sprinkler

• Protection area of coverage per sprinkler (As) is determined along branch lines:
  • Determine the distance between sprinklers (or to wall or obstruction).
  • Choose the larger of either twice the distance to the wall or the distance to the next sprinkler.
  • Define dimension as S.
• Between branch lines:
  • Determine the perpendicular distance to the sprinkler on the adjacent branch line (or to a wall or obstruction).
  • Choose the larger of either twice the distance to the wall or obstruction or the distance to the next sprinkler.
  • Define dimension as L.
• Coverage area calculation: As = S x L
• Maximum allowable protection area of coverage for a sprinkler (As) should be per the section for each sprinkler type.
• Maximum area of coverage for any sprinkler is 400 ft2 (37 m2).

Sprinkler Spacing

• Maximum distance between sprinklers is based on centerline distance between adjacent sprinklers, measured along the ceiling slope, and according to the applicable section for each sprinkler type.
• Distance from sprinklers to walls must not exceed one-half of the allowable maximum distance between sprinklers, measured perpendicular to the wall, to the wall behind furniture, or to the wall when sprinklers are near windows.
• Minimum distance between a sprinkler and the wall should comply with the value indicated in the applicable section for each sprinkler type, measured perpendicular to the wall.
• Maintain a minimum distance between sprinklers preventing wetting of adjacent sprinklers and skipping, according to the applicable section for each sprinkler type.

Deflector Position

• Select distances between the sprinkler deflector and the ceiling based on sprinkler type and construction type.
• For corrugated metal deck roofs up to 3 in. (75 mm) deep, measure the distance to the sprinkler from the bottom of the deck; for deeper decks measure to the highest point.
• For ceilings with insulation installed directly against the underside, measure deflector distance from the bottom of the insulation:
  • If installed flat and parallel, measure to the underside of the insulation.
  • If deflecting or sagging, measure as half the deflection distance, but not above the low point; if deflection exceeds 6 in. (150 mm), measure to the high point.
• Heat collectors should not be used.
• Align deflectors parallel to ceilings, roofs, or the incline of stairs.

Obstructions to Sprinkler Discharge

• Locate sprinklers to minimize obstructions or provide additional sprinklers for adequate hazard coverage.
• Position sprinklers away from obstructions like truss webs/chords, pipes, columns, and fixtures per minimum distances.
• Install sprinklers under fixed obstructions over 4 ft (1.2 m) wide, no more than 3 in. (75 mm) from the outside edge and with deflectors no more than 12 in. (300 mm) below the obstruction; use intermediate-level rack type sprinklers adjacent to obstructions.
• Sprinklers are not required under noncombustible obstructions over 4 ft (1.2 m) wide if the bottom is 24 in. (600 mm) or less above the floor.
• Sprinklers are not required under obstructions not fixed, like conference tables.
• Sprinklers installed under obstructions should match the ceiling type (spray, CMSA, ESFR, residential) unless otherwise permitted; spray sprinklers are permitted under overhead doors.
• Sprinklers under open gratings should be of the intermediate level/rack storage type or shielded from overhead sprinklers.
• In closets and compartments up to 400 ft3 (11.3 m3), a single sprinkler at the highest ceiling level is enough regardless of obstructions or minimum wall distance.

Clearance from Deflector to Storage

• Maintain 18 in. (450 mm) or greater clearance between the deflector and the top of storage or contents unless other standards specify more.
• A minimum clearance of 36 in. (900 mm) is permitted for special sprinklers.
• Less than 18 in. (450 mm) clearance is allowed if proven by successful large-scale fire tests.
• Clearance from the top of storage to sprinkler deflectors should be at least 36 in. (900 mm) for rubber tire storage.

Skylights

• Sprinklers can be omitted from skylights up to 32 ft2 (3.0 m2) separated by at least 10 ft (3.0 m) horizontally from any other unprotected skylight or ceiling pocket; when installed directly beneath, the distance to the ceiling is measured as if the skylight wasn't there.
• Skylights up to 32 ft2 (3.0 m2) can have a plastic cover.

Standard Pendent and Upright Spray Sprinklers

• Section 8.5 requirements apply, modified by Section 8.6.

Protection Areas per Sprinkler

• Protection area of coverage per sprinkler (As) is determined per 8.5.2.1, but this does not apply in a small room as defined in 3.3.22.
• In small rooms, the coverage area is the room's area divided by the number of sprinklers, with maximums per Table 8.6.2.2.1(a) through (d), but not exceeding 225 ft2 (20.9 m2).

Sprinkler Spacing

• Maximum distance between sprinklers complies with Table 8.6.2.2.1(a) through (d).
• Distance from sprinklers to walls should not exceed one-half the allowable distance between sprinklers as indicated in Table 8.6.2.2.1(a) through (d), measured perpendicular to the wall.
• These requirements do not apply where walls are angled or irregular, and the maximum horizontal distance between a sprinkler and any point of floor area protected does not exceed 0.75 times the allowable distance, provided the maximum perpendicular distance is not exceeded.
• These requirements do not apply within small rooms, where sprinklers can be within 9 ft (2.7 m) of any single wall, but spacing limitations of 8.6.3 and area limitations of Table 8.6.2.2.1(a) must be observed.
• Under curved surfaces, the horizontal distance measured at floor level from the wall to the nearest sprinkler should not be greater than one-half the allowable distance between sprinklers.
• Sprinklers should be located a minimum of 4 in. (100 mm) from a wall.
• Sprinklers should be spaced at least 6 ft (1.8 m) on center, unless baffles are used.
• Baffles must be solid, rigid, stay in place, and be at least 8 in. (200 mm) long and 6 in. (150 mm) high, with the top between 2-3 in. (50 mm and 75 mm) above upright sprinkler deflectors and the bottom at least even with pendent sprinkler deflectors.
• In-rack sprinklers and old-style sprinklers in fur storage vaults can be less than 6 ft (1.8 m) on center.

Deflector Position for Standard Sprinklers

• In unobstructed construction, the distance between the deflector and the ceiling should be a minimum of 1 in. (25 mm) and a maximum of 12 in. (300 mm).