NFPA Require 2nd Supply for Seismic Highrises?

6/16/2025

The IBC section 403.3.3 requires an automatic on-site secondary water supply for high-rise buildings in seismic zone C or greater.

Does NFPA have a similar requirement for on-site water storage in a seismic zone?

All I can find are the bracing requirements in NFPA 13, but I am not seeing anything in NFPA 101 or NFPA 5000.

Thanks in advance.

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

3 Comments

Anthony

6/16/2025 08:11:23 am

As far as I'm aware this is only an IBC requirement. However it is worth looking in to the high rise requirements of 14 and 20.

NFPA 20 calls for a back up pump capable of reaching the highest level if the fire department pumpers can't.

NFPA 14 has language and figures for additional water supplies for very high buildings over 420 ft. also see FIGURE A.7.1(c) 14-16

Todd E Wyatt

6/16/2025 08:30:52 am

IBC is the scoping Code WHERE an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required to be installed based on Occupancy Classification (OC) and/or special buildings or hazards while NFPA 13 is the referenced standard by the scoping Code as to HOW the ASPS is to be designed, installed, inspected, and maintained.

If IBC is the adopted scoping Code, then this requirement is applicable. NFPA 101 is "not intended to be either a building code or a fire prevention code" and "intentionally excludes traditional building code topics such as wind loads, seismic considerations, and exterior exposure protection."

Robert J Bennett

6/18/2025 11:31:13 am

The IBC requires the secondary supply and provides 2 ways to accomplish it.
1) On site storage, either elevated or ground with pumps.
2) Second water service feed that is fed from a different water main. This approach allows for maintaining water in the event an underground main fails. Specific valves are required to provide isolation of the water sources.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

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.

NFPA Require 2nd Supply for Seismic Highrises?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES