We are working on a project where a feed main is running through an unsprinklered space to get to a sprinklered area. I've heard that sprinkler pipe needs to be protected by sprinklers so we are trying to figure out if this is an actual requirement or not.
We are talking about putting uprights on the feed main in the unsprinklered area to protect the pipe but I can't find anything in NFPA 13 that actually requires the pipe to be protected. Does anyone know if this is a requirement or not? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
7 Comments
Franck
1/26/2021 09:13:44 am
You will find the answer here in NFPA 13 (2019).
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Franck
1/26/2021 09:20:01 am
In other words, if you're pipe is running in an unsprinklered area where there is (and will never be) no fire exposure hazard, then it might be acceptablme by the AHJ not to provide a sprinkler protection.
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Casey Milhorn
1/26/2021 09:29:27 am
Oldie but a goodie. Haven't looked that one up in awhile so was curious what the newer standard says. This is what I found in the appendix A8.1.
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CJ Bonczyk
1/26/2021 09:31:31 am
As mentioned by Frank previously, NFPA 13 2019 16.4.3 addresses this issue. I would advise to consult with the AHJ as to what will be deemed an acceptable means of protection based on the adjacent occupancy classification. Ensure sure the pipe is protected based on the existing occupancy hazards, and try to get something in writing in the event it changes at some point in time. We have done this many times in warehouses and we have received various answers from all AHJ's. We have even had to insulate and heat trace because the adjacent tenant space owner was not providing enough heat in the facility.
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Keith A Heckler
1/26/2021 09:46:30 am
To add to the conversation, the 2019 NFPA 13 provides a statement "If automatic sprinkler protection designed for the hazard involved is provided, the potential for main damage is minimized".
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Keith A Heckler
1/26/2021 09:47:23 am
Forgot to say Handbook
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Willie Nel
1/26/2021 12:38:17 pm
Lines conveying liquid being above 4 inches should not be damaged by a fire scenario as the liquid will dissipate the temperature. Obviously should the liquid be flowing in the line, the line would not fail either. Even over pressure scenarios should have a very limited (bending) effect on lines but pressurized flame impingement is a different ball game. I would, in any case, investigate the use of fire proofing, maximum 1 hour, instead of sprinklers to protect such a line.
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