When planning a new construction project, it is important to understand the fire sprinkler code requirements. When it comes to constructing residential facilities, knowing the difference between National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 and 13R requirements in the early planning stages could be the difference to reducing your fire protection budget or preventing unexpected design changes. While NFPA 13R is commonly regarded as a residential code requirement, there are in fact some residential types of buildings which must be designed around NFPA 13 regulations. Ahern’s code experts are committed to sharing our knowledge with you up front.
National Fire Protection Association, an International Codes and Standards Organization, and copyrighted by the International Code Council, Inc. ('2016 NFP A 13R'), save and except the deletions and additions as set forth below. A copy of the 2016 NFPA 13R is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. NFPA 13R shall be in accordance with NFPA 13”. The situation of the noncombustible shaft with ANSI A17.1 Approved elevator car having a combustible suspension is not addressed in NFPA 13R what so ever, which would require in this case to apply NFPA 13 R 6.6.8 ” All. NFPA 13R ensures that all sprinklers installed in residential occupancies are new and permanently marked with one or two character manufacturer symbols. Along with these symbols, three or four numbers are present, giving each sprinkler a unique identity for identification of size, shape, rating, pressure, deflector characteristics, and thermal.
NFPA 13 protected buildings are considered ‘fully sprinklered’ to provide both life safety and protection to the facility and its assets. This means there is fire sprinkler coverage throughout the entire building, including unoccupied spaces (attics, closets, etc.). Comparatively, NFPA 13R facilities are ‘partially sprinklered’ to provide life safety and a moderate level of building protection. In other words, NFPA 13R requirements provide for a level of protection that allows occupants to escape a building in the event of a fire. Conversely, NFPA 13 provides protection to not only get people out to safety, but also to control or extinguish the fire – saving the building and its contents.
While each facility should be reviewed individually for exact code requirements, below are some general distinctions for NFPA 13R, as well as facility classifications for each code standard.
Commonly Use NFPA 13 Code | Commonly Use NFPA 13R Code |
Hospital patient rooms | Hotels and motels |
Nursing homes and CBRF facilities | Apartment buildings |
Fraternity and sorority houses | Larger single family homes* |
Multi-story residential** |
Led edit 2018 software free download 64 bit. *Typical single family homes are protected according to NFPA 13D
**Most states recognize NFPA 13 for buildings with more than 4 stories, and NFPA 13R for single-level through 4-story facilities
As your fire protection provider, Ahern can answer any questions on code requirements. We’re also experts at designing your system in accordance to the correct codes right off the bat to keep your projects on track.
Contact us to learn more about code differences, to schedule a lunch ‘n learn, or to discuss your next project. Dns jumper mac os x.