Why NFPA 13R Is Not "Fully-Sprinklered"?

7/1/2019

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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9 Comments

Joe

7/1/2019 08:19:46 am

For those under the International Building Code - the code benefits from the International Building Code each reference buildings "equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1". This section refers to an NFPA 13 system. Essentially, the code benefits that apply to a "fully-sprinklered building" or a "building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system" only reference 903.3.1.1, which is an NFPA 13 system.

That's how I understand the formal code approach.

Functionally, NFPA 13R and 13D systems do not protect the entire building, such as in how they address combustible concealed spaces and attics with combustible construction.

Wayne Ammons

7/1/2019 08:59:56 am

I'll also add that the intent of NFPA 13 is to protect property AND life, which is best achieved by providing sprinkler protection throughout all areas of a building, whereas the intent of 13R and 13D is life safety only.

Doug Johnston

7/1/2019 10:15:32 am

I agree with Wayne.

Paul

7/1/2019 10:54:35 am

One specific case of this is for dead-end corridors. When using an NFPA 13R system the dead-end corridor is limited to 20 feet (which is the same as no sprinkler protection) where it would be increased to 50 feet if using an NFPA 13 system.

DTC

7/1/2019 11:26:20 am

Not seeing the original post I'm not sure the context,

However, To expand upon Joe's comment per the International Building Code (IBC) if the building is required to be sprinklered per 903.3.1.1 it is considered fully sprinklered as an NFPA 13, also if the residential building is required to be sprinklered in accordance with (IBC) 903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R then for code purposes it is also considered fully sprinklered.

Which is where Wayne's comment comes in, they are for life safety protection as a trade off for costs on a full NFPA 13 system.

Christopher Merkle

7/1/2019 11:07:27 am

A building protected by a NFPA13R system is considered to be fully sprinklered throughout:
NFPA13R ed2013 4.1 Sprinklered Throughout.

A building provided with a fire sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of this standard, including its allowable omissions, shall be considered fully sprinklered throughout.

Joe

7/1/2019 12:15:24 pm

Christopher,

I'm thinking there's two concepts here which I didn't address very well in my initial reply.

The first is whether the building is considered "fully-sprinklered".

The second is whether there are building code benefits (means of egress, allowable building area, allowed building height, passive fire protection requirements) from having a fire sprinkler system.

In casual conversation with architects these two items are thrown around as synonymous, but as you've noted above even NFPA 13R considers itself "fully-sprinklered" if a system is compliant with the standard.

As I understand it, the original question is asking why an NFPA 13R system is not considered "fully-sprinklered" for code-benefit purposes. The answer (at least in my opinion) is that a 13R could be considered "fully-sprinklered" but it does NOT carry the same code benefits as having an NFPA 13 system based on the IBC's references specifically to 903.3.1.1.

Would you agree?

Douglas Brown link

7/1/2019 02:56:31 pm

If a building is protected by a NFPA 13R system it would be considered "fully sprinkled" to the extent of the exception heavy NFPA 13R coverage. NFPA 13R coverage is based on "occupant" life safety - time to escape and NOT for protection of the structure, though it can do that on a limited basis. Therein lies my resistance to allow NFPA 13R systems for most multifamily residential housing in my jurisdiction. Once the occupants are, hopefully, safely evacuated, there could be a fairly significant fire (attic, interstitial spaces, etc.) at which point the lives of firefighters would be in jeopardy fighting the fire. All lives matter to us including the firefighters. NFPA 13 systems provide the highest level of automatic fire sprinkler protection available. Our citizens, property owners, firefighters, etc. deserve that.

Pari

7/2/2019 10:47:45 am

Water supply for NFPA13R system can be a combination of domestic demand and sprinkler demand . Therefor do not provide the same level of property protection as NFPA13 systems.

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Why NFPA 13R Is Not "Fully-Sprinklered"?

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