MeyerFire
  • Blog
  • Forum
  • TOOLKIT
    • ALL TOOLS
    • BUY THE TOOLKIT
  • UNIVERSITY
    • ALL COURSES
    • JOIN THE UNIVERSITY
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE PREP SERIES
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
    • TOOLKIT-ONLY LOGIN
    • UNIVERSITY LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • OUR CAUSE
    • ABOUT MEYERFIRE
    • JOB OPENINGS
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT
Picture

Summary of Differences in NFPA 13, 13R, & 13D

9/11/2018

 
This week's resource was a fun one to put together.

Frequent Questions about NFPA 13 vs. 13R
I've been asked a handful of times in early project planning phases on whether NFPA 13R would be allowed in lieu of NFPA 13 for a project. In short, the two standards have very different objectives and as a result require very different means.

While those who ask are generally looking for ways to save on construction for the project, the differences are important and worth discussing early in a project.

Designed for Different Purposes
It's important to note that NFPA 13R systems are designed primarily with the intent for life safety (extending the amount of time occupants have to escape a burning building). It's stated purpose is to additional "prevent flashover in the room of fire origin, where sprinklered" (NFPA 13R 2019 1.2.2).

Unlike NFPA 13, NFPA 13R works to make the installation of the sprinkler system more affordable and accessible for residential occupancies by targeting the areas of highest fire risk to life safety with sprinkler systems. Swapping NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R is not simply a one-for-one exchange, as their goals are overall quite different.
Picture
​Summary of Differences
Here's the summary of differences I use between NFPA 13, 13R, and 13D as a downloadable PDF (at the bottom of this page). References to the building code are to the International Building Code, as it's typically the most prevalent used in the US.

As always, there's far more detail to many of these requirements than can be summarized in two pages - so be sure to use the supplied section references to gather more information on specifics for your project.


CODE PLANNING
-
NFPA 13
NFPA 13R
NFPA 13D
Objective
Life Safety
+ Property Protection
[NPFA 13 2002-2019 1.2.1]
Life Safety Only
[NFPA 13R 2002-2019 1.2]
Life Safety Only
[NFPA 13D 2002-2019 1.2.1]
Considered "Fully-Sprinklered" ?
Yes
[IBC ref. section 903.1.1 as fully-sprinklered]
No
[IBC references 'buildings equipped with a sprinkler system per 903.3.1.1, which is an NFPA 13 system]
No
Building Height Increases Permitted
Yes
[IBC Table 504]
Only for R-Occupancy
[IBC Table 504]
No​
Permitted in One & Two-Family, or Group R-3 & R-4 Condition 1 and Townhouse R-Occupancies? 
Yes
[IBC 903.1.1]
Yes
[IBC 903.1.2]
​Yes
[IBC 903.3.1.3]
Permitted in R-Occupancies up to 4 stories?
​Yes
[IBC 903.1.1]
Yes
[IBC 903.1.2]
​No
Permitted in Mixed Use / Non-Residential Occupancies?
Yes
[IBC Table 508.4, 508.3.1]
No
[IBC 903.1.2]
​No

​OMITTED AREAS
-
NFPA 13
NFPA 13R
NFPA 13D
Omit in Attics
If non-comb., small, or filled with non-comb. insulation
[NFPA 13 2002 8.14.1.2, 2007-2016 8.15.1.2]​
Yes
[NFPA 13R 2002 6.8.5, 2007 6.9.6, 2010-19 6.6.6]​
Yes
[NFPA 13D 2007-10 8.6.5, 2019 8.3.5]​
Bathrooms in Units less than 55 sqft w/ 15-min. Non-Combustible Lining
Yes
 [NFPA 13 2002 8.14.8.1, 2007-16 8.15.8.1.1]
Yes
[NFPA 13R 2002 6.8.2, 2007 6.9.2, 2010-19 6.6.2]
Yes
[NFPA 13D 2007-10 8.6.2, 2013-19 8.3.2]
Closets in Hotel or Motel w/ Non-Combustible Surface less than 24 sqft, or Hospital Less than 6 sqft?1
Yes
[NFPA 13 2002 8.14.8.2, 2007-16 8.15.8.2]
Yes
[NFPA 13R 2002 6.8.3, 2007 6.9.3, 2010-19 6.6.3]
N/A
Closets w/ Non-Combustible Surface less than 24 sqft?1
No, Required
Yes
[NFPA 13R 2002 6.8.3, 2007 6.9.3, 2010-19 6.6.3]
Yes
[NFPA 13D 2007-10 8.6.3, 2013-19 8.3.3]
Closets on Exterior Balconies or Breezeways & Exterior Access?1
No, Required
Yes
[NFPA 13R 2002 6.8.6, 2007 6.9.7, 2010-19 6.6.7]
Yes
[NFPA 13D 2013-19 8.3.8]
Concealed Spaces
Yes if non-comb., filled with non-comb. insulation1
[NFPA 13 2002 8.14.1.2, 2007-2016 8.15.1.2]
Yes
[NFPA 13R 2002 6.8.5, 2007 6.9.6, 2010-19 6.6.6]
​Yes
[NFPA 13D 2007-10 8.6.5, 2013-19 8.3.5]
Concealed Spaces with only Ventilation Equipment?
No, Required
Yes
[NFPA 13R 2002 6.8.5, 2007 6.9.6, 2010-19 6.6.6]
Yes
[NFPA 13D 2007-10 8.6.5, 2013-19 8.3.5]
Elevator Machine Rooms?
​No, Required
Yes
[NFPA 13R 2002 6.8.5, 2007 6.9.6, 2010-19 6.6.6]
Yes
[NFPA 13D 2007-10 8.6.5, 2013-19 8.3.5]
​​Garages, Carports?
​No, Required
​No, Required
Yes
[NFPA 13D 2007-10 8.6.3, 2013-19 8.3.4]
Porches?
​No, Required
Yes
[NFPA 13R 2002 6.8.5, 2007 6.9.5, 2010-19 6.6.5]
Yes
[NFPA 13D 2007-10 8.6.3, 2013-19 8.3.4]
Penthouse Equipment Rooms?
No, Required
Yes
[NFPA 13R 2002 6.8.5, 2007 6.9.6, 2010-19 6.6.6]
Yes
[NFPA 13D 2007-10 8.6.5, 2013-19 8.3.5]

HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS
-
NFPA 13
NFPA 13R
NFPA 13D
Max Number of Adjacent Calculated Residential Sprinklers
Four 1
[NFPA 13 2002 11.2.3.5.1, 2007-16 11.3.1.1]
Four 1
[NFPA 13R 2007 6.7.1.2, 2007 6.8.1.2, 2010-19 7.1.1.3]
Two 1
[NFPA 13D 2002-10 8.1.2, 2013-19 10.2]
Hose Allowance Required?
Yes
[NFPA 13 2002 11.2.3.5.5, 2007 11.3.1.5, 2010-16 11.3.1.6]
No
[NFPA 13R 2007 A.6.8.2, 2010-19 A.7.2]
No
Minimum Residential Density
New: 0.10 gpm/sqft
Existing: Listing of Sprinkler
[NFPA 13 2002 11.2.3.5.2, 2007 11.3.1.2, 2010-16 11.3.1.3]
0.05 gpm/sqft or listing of sprinkler
[NFPA 13 2002 6.7.1.1.2.2, 2007 6.8.1.1.1.2, 2010-19 7.1.1]
0.05 gpm/sqft or listing of sprinkler
[NFPA 13D 2002-10 8.1.1, 2013-19 10.1.1]
Calculation Method
NFPA 13 Hydraulic Calculations
NFPA 13 Hydraulic Calculations
NFPA 13D Worksheet Calculations
Download PDF Cheatsheet:
​Save this page as a printable PDF right to your computer. See below for the link:
NFPA 13 vs 13R vs 13D Differences
DOWNLOAD PDF CHEATSHEET

Want More Like This?
Subscribe to these weekly articles, for free, here. This site and the resources herein are created to help you excel in fire protection.
GET THESE ARTICLES
Sean
9/23/2018 03:26:29 pm

This glosses over one big requirement the IBC area increase. The building maybe perfect for NFPA 13R but the area has increased and the building now requires a NFPA 13 system.

Joe
9/23/2018 03:40:20 pm

Well said - expanding on an existing building with an NFPA 13R system can require a formal fire wall separating what becomes to separate buildings. I could probably break this out a little better.

The trouble I often see with the discussion of NFPA 13R vs. NFPA 13 is that in a 'design-build' scenario the sprinkler contractor is the only one asked if NFPA 13R can be used while the architect may be making different assumptions when making egress and code decisions.

Jeff Nagel
2/1/2019 09:32:01 am

What about laundry rooms under 55 sf?

MODERATOR
2/22/2019 07:09:17 am

Jeff, good question. This is being discussed further today here:

https://www.meyerfire.com/daily/sprinkler-laundry-room-under-nfpa-13d-13r-13

Jess
3/26/2019 03:59:55 pm

What about the domestic demand for calcs in 13R? I have been taught to calculate the domestic demand and use that flow in my calcs instead of the hose allowance.

MNewell
9/18/2019 12:35:28 pm

I believe this to only be required if it is a combination fire/domestic line and it doesn’t have an automatic shut off for the domestic system. Then it would be required per NFPA 13R 2016 9.6.

Michael Graber
9/2/2019 02:32:43 pm

Does the proximity to a residence and the number of windows make a difference in which system is used? What are those requirements that make it change?

Brandon Ivy link
12/18/2019 05:20:20 pm

I would like to double check on the coverage of attached garages in 13R. There is a separate reference other than 6.6.6 on the coverage of attached garages. The way I read it, they must be covered under this standard. Please advise.

JOE MEYER
12/20/2019 07:46:30 am

Great catch Brandon! Yes it differs between NFPA 13R and 13D. I also see the criteria elsewhere in 13R.

I've updated the PDF and the post to reflect the 13R requirements. Thanks for posting!

Fakhri Albobali
8/9/2020 04:02:02 am

Objective for NFPA 13R shall be updated as the property damage is mentioned refer to section 1.2.1 edition [2016].


Comments are closed.
    Picture
    Why Sponsor?

    ALL-ACCESS

    Picture
    GET THE TOOLKIT

    SUBSCRIBE

    Get Free Articles via Email:
    + Get calculators, tools, resources and articles
    + Get our PDF Flowchart for Canopy & Overhang Requirements instantly
    Picture
    + No spam
    ​+ Unsubscribe anytime
    I'm Interested In:

    AUTHOR

    Joe Meyer, PE, is a Fire Protection Engineer out of St. Louis, Missouri who writes & develops resources for Fire Protection Professionals. See bio here: About


    FILTERS

    All
    Announcements
    Author Jocelyn Sarrantonio PE
    Book Review
    Calculators
    Career
    Course
    Delegated Design
    Design Challenge
    Detail Critique
    Fire Alarm
    Fire Events
    Fire Suppression
    Flammable & Combustible Liquids
    Flexible Drops
    Floor Control Valve
    Life Safety
    News
    NICET
    Passive Fire Protection
    PE Exam
    Perspective
    Pick A Part
    Pick-A-Part
    Products
    Site Updates
    Special Hazards
    Specifications
    Sprinkler Systems
    Standpipes
    Tools
    Videos


    ARCHIVES

    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    January 2025
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015

    RSS Feed

Picture
​Home
Our Cause
The Blog
The Forum
PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit

MeyerFire University
​Pricing
Login
​Support
Contact Us
Picture

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

​MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.

All text, images, and media ​Copyright © 2016-2025 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

  • Blog
  • Forum
  • TOOLKIT
    • ALL TOOLS
    • BUY THE TOOLKIT
  • UNIVERSITY
    • ALL COURSES
    • JOIN THE UNIVERSITY
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE PREP SERIES
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
    • TOOLKIT-ONLY LOGIN
    • UNIVERSITY LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • OUR CAUSE
    • ABOUT MEYERFIRE
    • JOB OPENINGS
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT