NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
(OP)
Hi
For the purpose of this post I am using NFPA 13 2010 Edition as it was the one on my desk and within reach.
I was wondering if anyone could clarify for me when Table 8.3.2.5(c) "Ratings of Sprinklers in Specified Residential Areas" applys. My confusion stems from the fact that some items appear in both Table 8.3.2.5(a) and (c), but the requirements are different.
For example per Table 8.3.2.5(a) intermediate temperature heads are required within a 1' radius of a downward discharging diffuser or 2'6" semicylinder of a horizontal diffuser. Table 8.3.2.5(c) requires intermediate temperature sprinklers within 24" of any hot air diffuser.
Consider this question in the context of a multiple "residential" unit building, such as a condo high-rise or a college dorm, where you have multiple dwelling units and common/areas. The individual units could be protected with either commercial or residential sprinkler heads depending on room size and available water, halls and common areas are protected with commercial heads.
Does Table 8.3.2.5(a) apply to the commercial heads and Table 8.3.2.5(c) apply to the residential heads? Or does Table 8.3.2.5(a) apply in the common areas and Table 8.3.2.5(c) apply in the dwelling units regardless of head type? I haven't gotten a strong opinion from the more senior designers that I have asked so far, and my web searches tend to return hits for write ups about specific individual temperature requirements rather than a higher level view of when to apply each table. Thought I would come here for another opinion.
Thank You
Huey
For the purpose of this post I am using NFPA 13 2010 Edition as it was the one on my desk and within reach.
I was wondering if anyone could clarify for me when Table 8.3.2.5(c) "Ratings of Sprinklers in Specified Residential Areas" applys. My confusion stems from the fact that some items appear in both Table 8.3.2.5(a) and (c), but the requirements are different.
For example per Table 8.3.2.5(a) intermediate temperature heads are required within a 1' radius of a downward discharging diffuser or 2'6" semicylinder of a horizontal diffuser. Table 8.3.2.5(c) requires intermediate temperature sprinklers within 24" of any hot air diffuser.
Consider this question in the context of a multiple "residential" unit building, such as a condo high-rise or a college dorm, where you have multiple dwelling units and common/areas. The individual units could be protected with either commercial or residential sprinkler heads depending on room size and available water, halls and common areas are protected with commercial heads.
Does Table 8.3.2.5(a) apply to the commercial heads and Table 8.3.2.5(c) apply to the residential heads? Or does Table 8.3.2.5(a) apply in the common areas and Table 8.3.2.5(c) apply in the dwelling units regardless of head type? I haven't gotten a strong opinion from the more senior designers that I have asked so far, and my web searches tend to return hits for write ups about specific individual temperature requirements rather than a higher level view of when to apply each table. Thought I would come here for another opinion.
Thank You
Huey





RE: NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
FAQ
Is any guidance for temperature selection for residential sprinklers available?
Paragraph 8.3.2.5(8) provides technical guidance when selecting the temperature rating of sprinklers protecting residential areas. The requirements of 8.3.2.5(8) and Table 8.3.2.5(c) provide guidance for all sprinklers utilized in residential areas, including residential sprinklers.
So, your second interpretation appears correct.
RE: NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
That is the way I was leaning, I guess it just irked me that items which appear in both tables have different requirements based on the setting. In my mind if a 1' radius from a diffuser defines the need for intermediate temperature in an office, why would the requirements change in a condo or dorm room. The differences probably have more to do with how each table was developed for the code than the actual conditions.
Thanks for the confirmation.
Huey
RE: NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
May have something to do with the type of sprinkler
RE: NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
I think the solution is to just use intermediate temp sprinklers throughout.
EDIT: meant to say intermediate not ordinary temp sprinklers.
RE: NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
"Follow" us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/MFP-Design-LLC/9221...
RE: NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
Had to read the book the first time someone proposed it
RE: NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
"Follow" us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/MFP-Design-LLC/9221...
RE: NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
R/
Matt
RE: NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
Got to be careful with residential heads since plenty of models are not available in intermediate temperatures, I've run into this with ECLH heads recently as well.
RE: NFPA 13 Temperature Ratings
I agree I am starting to see the use of Intermediate heads in commercial office space. I kept wondering why I kept seeing this, at first I thought someone was using spare heads off a shelf.
Last year I saw a nursing home that another company did and all the sprinklers were 200°. I really struggled with why you want to do that but as I read and study more into it perhaps it can cover you in the future from any additional heat sources and changes.
But if you look in NFPA 13 chapter 6 will you have a ceiling temp near 150 deg???
Thanks,
Eric Hendrix, SET
NICET Certified
Design Manager