Basic Open Fire Sprinkler Specification - Version 1

First - thank you to all the feedback, comments, and emails that made this possible. This community of professionals looking to help improve the industry is second to none. 

I very much appreciate the time and input in building this together.

A BASIC, OPEN-SPECIFICATION CONCEPT
One of the frustrating aspects of bidding a fire sprinkler job in North America is when you're reviewing a job and the specifications that accompany it are simply terrible - boilerplate, don't actually provide any useful information, are conflicting, include irrelevant content, or clearly haven't been updated in decades (list no longer manufactured products).

One of the ideas we kicked around and now delivered is essentially an "open source" specification. One that we build and curate together and post for open use.

We explicitly do not intend for this specification to replace consultant's specs who already update and care for the industry. The beauty of consulting is providing unique value to your clients - this is absolutely not intended to be the only specification available. 

Rather, we would hope that it could help provide a baseline open-source template where specifications could at least be of this quality level.

OUR GOAL
From our collaborations, posts and discussions thus far, we're all really wanting something that is:

1. Helpful: actually provides information the contractor is needing to price a job.
2. Concise: as short as possible, so that it's easier to read and easier to edit. Don't duplicate requirements from other standards (such as NFPA 13), but simply defer back to them. We also want to limit the number of sections (again for simplicity, easy to navigate).
3. Clear: the specifications need to be easy to navigate and explicit in what is being required.
4. Timely: we don't want antiquated methods or products that aren't feasible or achievable.

There are other goals too, but those seem to be the reoccurring themes.

THE DOCUMENT
I have highlighted GREEN and BLUE areas where a specific selection needs to be made (one or the other).

I have highlighted YELLOW additional alternatives which may be less common than a typical, mid-size commercial job.

​All portions of this specification would be editable, though the highlighted areas would be of particular concern to change and update job-to-job.

DISCLAIMER
A very important note here, as is with all tools and resources for the fire protection space. Any information presented should not be relied upon as a replacement for sound engineering judgment. ​Use only at your own discretion. While we build these to help improve aspects of the industry, we are not and cannot be assume responsibility for use of the specification. For more on our Terms of Service, please visit: https://www.meyerfire.com/terms

Another big thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. If you're looking for a baseline set of specifications for comparison, for a basic project, or for a consultant who asks - we now have something to share.

Towards a better industry - thanks! 

​- Joe