Combined Domestic/Fire Allowed in NFPA 13R?

2/12/2024

I'm working on an apartment that is surrounded by a manufacturing facility. The Fire Marshal is calling it NFPA 13R.

Can I use the new incoming water for domestic for fire as well, like in an NFPA 13D system?

The manufacturing facility has its own system, but is attached to the apartment. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

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8 Comments

Anthony

2/12/2024 07:53:31 am

The fire marshal can't call for anything. Sprinkler protection levels are based in building code which is a function of law. There are instances in the code where the AHJ can approve alternatives, but guy can't just make up code because they have a cool red hat.

Can you have a combined service? Yes. Bring in a water service then tee off to fire water and domestic water. We do it all the time. However, in some jurisdictions that's not allowed. You need to check to make sure the water department doesn't want the services separate. this is often so that they can shut off your water for missing your water bill but still leave the building protected. Make sure you check if you need a DCDA, RPDA or a simple double check backflow preventer for the fire side. Call the engineer who's writing the backflow report they'll have that information for you.

John

2/12/2024 08:23:13 am

I would also be interested to know if the manufacturing facility and apartment are considered separate buildings or if it is a separated mixed-use building. My understanding is NFPA 13R cannot be used in a mixed-use building.

From the 2013 NFPA 13R annex:
A.1.1 It is the intent of this standard that if NFPA 13R is appropriate for use, it be used throughout the entire building. It is recognized that an accessory or incidental occupancy to the operations of the residential occupancy might exist within that residential occupancy.
Such accessory or incidental occupancy would be considered part of the predominant (residential) occupancy and subject to the provisions of the predominant (residential) occupancy by 6.1.14.2 of NFPA 101 and similar provisions in many local building and fire codes. Use of NFPA 13R throughout the entire building in this case is allowed.
Where buildings of mixed use can be totally separated so that the residential portion is considered a separate building under the local code, NFPA 13R can be used in the residential portion while NFPA 13 is used in the rest of the building. Examples of accessory occupancies found in NFPA 13R installations can include parking garages/areas, community laundry rooms, clubhouses, exercise facilities, tenant storage, and so forth.

sean

2/12/2024 07:25:56 pm

Podium buildings are as close to mixing types as you get but they are technically two buildings per IBC

Todd E Wyatt

2/12/2024 09:36:10 am

The scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2021) determines WHERE an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required to be installed based on the building’s Occupancy Classification(s) (OC) and/or Specific Building Areas and Hazards (per IBC-2021 903.2.11).

An apartment is classified as a Group R-2 OC and is required to be protected by an ASPS “throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area” per 903.2.8.
A manufacturing building can be classified as a Group F Factory and is further classified as “Moderate-Hazard Factory Industrial, Group F-1” or as “Low-Hazard Factory Industrial, Group F-2”

The first clarifications to be made are …
1. Are the (2) OCs (R-2 & F-1/F-2) separated Occupancies with a Fire Barrier OR
2. Are these (2) OCs’ separated Buildings with a Fire Wall.

Separate Occupancies would require the entire BUILDING to be protected by a NFPA 13 ASPS.
Separate Buildings would require the R-2 to be protected by a NFPA 13 ASPS or a NFPA 13R ASPS if it met all (4) conditions of 903.3.1.2.
Separate Buildings would require the F-1 to be protected by a NFPA 13 ASPS if it met all (3) conditions of 903.2.4.
Separate Buildings would not require the F-2 to be protected by an ASPS.

Once the OCs are determined and the building is evaluated as (1) building w/separated OCs or is +2 buildings separated by Fire Walls, then the appropriate ASPS system (NFPA 13, 13R, or 13D) can be applied.

HOW a building’s/structure’s ASPS is to be designed, installed, inspected, and maintained is per the Reference Standard(s) listed by the scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2021). The Referenced Standard for ASPS for R-2 & F-1/F-2 OCs per IBC-2021 is NFPA 13-2019.

REFERENCES
IBC-2021
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Section 903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
903.2 Where Required
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.
903.2.4 Group F-1
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
903.2.4.1 Woodworking Operations
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all Group F-1 occupancy fire areas that contain woodworking operations in excess of 2,500 square feet (232 m2) in area that generate finely divided combustible waste or use finely divided combustible materials.
903.2.4.2 Group F-1 Distilled Spirits
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group F-1 fire area used for the manufacture of distilled spirits.
903.2.4.3 Group F-1 Upholstered Furniture or Mattresses
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group F-1 fire area that exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2) used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or mattresses.
903.2.8 Group R
An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.

903.3 Installation Requirements
Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.8.
903.3.1 Standards
Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 unless otherwise permitted by Sections 903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable.
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems
Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 except as provided in Sections 903.3.1.1.1 and 903.3.1.1.2.
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R Sprinkler Systems
Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R where the Group R occupancy meets all of the following conditions:
1. Four stories or fewer above grade plane.
2. The floor level of the highest story is 30 feet (9144 mm) or less above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
3. The floor level of the lowest story is 30 feet (9144 mm) or less below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with Sections 510.2 and 510.4 shall be measured from grade plane.
903.3.1.3 NFPA 13D Sprinkler Systems
Automatic sprinkler systems installed in one- and two-family dwellings; Group R-3; Group R-4, Condition 1; and townhouses shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D.

Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use
306.1 Factory Industrial Group F
Factory Industrial Group F

Todd E Wyatt

2/12/2024 09:38:01 am

Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use
306.1 Factory Industrial Group F
Factory Industrial Group F occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for assembling, disassembling, fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, repair or processing operations that are not classified as a Group H hazardous or Group S storage occupancy.
306.2 Moderate-Hazard Factory Industrial, Group F-1
Factory industrial uses that are not classified as Factory Industrial F-2 Low Hazard shall be classified as F-1 Moderate Hazard and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
306.3 Low-Hazard Factory Industrial, Group F-2
Factory industrial uses that involve the fabrication or manufacturing of noncombustible materials that during finishing, packing or processing do not involve a significant fire hazard shall be classified as F-2 occupancies and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Beverages: up to and including 16-percent alcohol content
2. Brick and masonry
3. Ceramic products
4. Foundries
5. Glass products
6. Gypsum
7. Ice
8. Metal products (fabrication and assembly)

Dan Wilder

2/12/2024 11:49:18 am

Can you , yes - as long as you comply with Chapter 9 of 13R... Also assuming all applicable and adopted building and fire codes are adhered to for a 13R application.

You'll need to combine the domestic demand with the fire sprinkler demand at the POC along with any potable water protections like a reduced pressure backflow to name a couple of restrictions out of Chapter 9.

Jesse

2/12/2024 12:33:21 pm

By "surrounded" by a manufacturing facility, I'm picturing it as a separate building.

You can use the incoming supply for domestic and fire, but not like in a 13D design. The domestic will need to split off and have its own backflow device before the fire backflow device. You'll also need to determine and account for domestic demand in your calcs/.

Casey Milhorn

2/12/2024 03:23:34 pm

Anthony covered it fairly well. Up to your water provider more than the codes/fire marshal office (though they may have an adopted/amended code that covers this as well, though not likely).

Be prepared to upsize the incoming line depending on your demand (up to 4 heads) and you might also have a light hazard/ordinary hazard area large enough to be the more demanding calculation. There are some strategies to reducing overall demand and also the possibility of using a tank (or tanks in series) for your demand, along with a pump. Definitely watch your backflow situation as well as your domestic demand. There is a way to avoid domestic demand by using a solenoid shut off valve.

Great question.

Combined Domestic/Fire Allowed in NFPA 13R?

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