NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
(OP)
In some situations it is better to run exposed steel pipe with upright sprinklers than with pendent sprinklers because the uprights are less susceptible to damage. This has always challenged me because in 15 years of designing sprinkler systems, I have not yet seen or heard of a residential upright sprinkler being manufactured. Furthermore, it seems to me that NFPA 13D (2013) is moving away from allowing the use of quick response spray sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings (except for mechanical closets, unheated areas, saunas & steam rooms--presumably due to temperature ratings). However, they don't clearly state that it is now illegal to use quick response spray sprinklers (uprights) say, to protect an unfinished 13D basement. The discharge criteria was worded differently in earlier editions, making it sound acceptable to use them, but in 2013 they seem to be moving toward the "...ask the AHJ" cop out. Does anyone have any insight on this issue?
Thanks,
Matt
Thanks,
Matt





RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
do you have a section reference
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
http://www.nfpa.org/Assets/files/AboutTheCodes/13D...
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
7.5.1* Listed residential sprinklers shall be used unless another type is permitted by 7.5.3, 7.5.4, or 7.5.5.
7.5.2 Residential sprinklers shall not be used on systems other than wet pipe systems unless specifically listed for use on that particular type of system.
7.5.3 Listed residential or quick-response standard spray dry pendent or dry sidewall sprinklers shall be permitted to be extended into unheated areas not intended for living purposes.
7.5.4 Quick-response sprinklers shall be permitted to be used in mechanical closets.
7.5.5* Quick-response spray sprinklers shall be permitted to be used in saunas and steam rooms in accordance with 7.5.6.3(4).
I think the restrictions of 7.5.3, 7.5.4,7.5.5 answer your question along with 7.5.1
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
According to 13D, I don't need sprinklers in my basement as long as it has a garage door.
There is no hard definition of "mechanical closet" so a 24' x 40' section of unfinished basement with a furnace & water heater in the corner could be called a mechanical closet. Better yet, if we can manage to park a car in there then we'll know for sure that we don't need to sprinkle it per NFPA 13D. So here we are using common sense and consulting the AHJ instead of relying on the standard.
Anyway, if someone could just invent a residential upright sprinkler, I would be satisfied. I can't believe Tyco engineered a whole new residential dry system complete with residential dry pendents and residential dry sidewalls... and yet we still do not have a residential upright.
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
http://www.vikinggroupinc.com/literature/TDR-4122
For what it's worth, the manufacturers likely don't make res uprights because there isn't a market for them. I can't imagine testing and listing new sprinklers in this day and age is a cheap endeavour. Sure it would come in handy in some limited situations, but does it make the manufacturer MONEY? Return on investment is what makes things happen.
"In some situations it is better to run exposed steel pipe with upright sprinklers than with pendent sprinklers because the uprights are less susceptible to damage". What happens when the decision is made to finish said basement? The pendants are going to be installed anyways. Seems like better value to the homeowner to install the plastic pipe and pendant sprinklers and all he/she has to do is put up the sheet rock on the bottom of the joists.
Maybe I'm just not seeing the situation right.
cheers
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
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RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads
8.2.5 In basements where ceilings are not required for the protection of piping or where metallic pipe is installed, residential sprinklers shall be permitted to be positioned in a manner that anticipates future installation of a finished ceiling.
The provision in 8.2.5 provides guidance when installing sprinklers in unfinished basements. NFPA 13D requires sprinklers in areas where the basement is not finished. If other than nonmetallic pipe is used, the deflectors can be installed as if the ceiling were installed.
So in lay terms it seems to say to me that you just pretend there is a ceiling and get back to designing
RE: NFPA 13D & Nonresidential Sprinkler Heads