Where exactly does a hydraulic calculation need to end? 

When we run a hydrant flow test, there's a static/residual hydrant and a flow hydrant. I regularly run my hydraulic calculations from the building, through the service main, to a street main, and then up the tee'd branch that serves a hydrant so that my source point is exactly at the elevation of the static/residual hydrant. I do this so that I make sure to account for the proper elevation of the water supply.

Most other hydraulic calculations I see will end wherever the building's service main intersects with the street's supply. Is this correct? Wouldn't that place the source at an elevation lower than what the hydrant indicated is available?

Wondering what the proper way is that I should be precisely calculating systems. Thanks in advance.

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Will you please clarify why a Building Area Increase is NOT permitted for an NFPA 13R design?

We are working on a project and the architect has stated that the calculations following IBC T506.2 allow for an area increase up to 135,000 sf. We are working in IBC 2015. The Owner would like confirmation that the 4 story R-2 Type V-A building can be protected under NFPA 13R when it is over 12,000 sf.

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Why does a townhouse which is 4-story require an NFPA 13R system?

The IRC is specifically geared toward one-and two-family dwellings up to 3 stories, but the IBC allows 13D systems in R-3, R-4 condition 1 and townhouses (903.3.1.3).

Is there another prevailing code reference that overrules this allowance?

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We are converting a 3 story condo building (was designed to NFPA 13R) to a hotel. The ground floor will have a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. The upper floors will remain residential.

Will the addition of these new occupancies change the whole design of the building? Will the upper level residential units be required to be designed to NFPA 13 standards?

This building is in Bermuda if that helps. Thank you in advance for your help!

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Can an NFPA 13R multi-residential apartment building use commercial concealed pendent sprinklers with standard response instead of quick response?

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Does the proximity of a residence and the number of windows on that residence make a difference in which system type is used (between NFPA 13, 13R, or 13D)? What are the restrictions that would impact the system type?

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I have been asked to design a sprinkler system for a 4 story building as per NFPA 13R.  The building has existing standpipes consisting of three 2 1/2” risers.  I am hoping to use the existing standpipe risers to also feed the sprinkler system.  

In this scenario would it make sense to include a hose allowance even though NFPA 13R does not require it?   Also, since NFPA 13R doesn’t require zoning by floor, would it be plausible to have one single “Standpipe & Sprinkler Water Flow Alarm” at the water entry?  

I appreciate and respect your input.  

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I have an inspector who wants me to prove that calculating run or through tees is appropriate for 13 Residential systems.

I showed them that run tees are in 13D, he thinks they should be calc'd in 13? How do I prove something is not in a code?

Any help would be appreciated.

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Does the proximity to a residence and the number of windows make a difference in which system is used (NFPA 13 vs 13R vs 13D)?

​What are those requirements that make it change?

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I recently came across your 13, 13R Summary of differences sheet and was wondering if you could explain or site a section that explains how NFPA 13R cannot be considered “fully-sprinklered” for code purposes? Thank you in advance for any help.

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