NFPA 13 vs 13R Sprinkler System Requirements

Sprinkler Head Instillation

When planning a new construction project, it is important to understand the fire sprinkler code requirements. When it comes to constructing residential facilities, knowing the difference between National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 and 13R requirements in the early planning stages could be the key to reducing your fire protection budget or preventing unexpected design changes

While NFPA 13R is commonly regarded as a residential code requirement, there are in fact some residential types of buildings which must be designed around NFPA 13 regulations. Ahern’s code experts are on top of any changes to fire sprinkler code requirements and committed to sharing our knowledge with you up front. If you have any questions on code requirements, reach out to one of our experts.

NFPA 13r vs NFPA 13 Sprinkler System

NFPA 13 protected buildings are considered ‘fully sprinklered’ to provide both life safety and protection to the facility and its assets. This means there is fire sprinkler coverage throughout the entire building, including unoccupied spaces (attics, closets, etc.). 

Comparatively, NFPA 13R facilities are ‘partially sprinklered’ to provide life safety and a moderate level of building protection. In other words, NFPA 13R requirements provide for a level of protection that allows occupants to escape a building in the event of a fire. Conversely, NFPA 13 protected buildings provides protection to not only get people out to safety, but also to control or extinguish the fire – saving the building and its contents.

NFPA 13R Requirements For Fire Sprinklers

While each facility should be reviewed individually for exact code requirements, below are some general distinctions for NFPA 13R, as well as facility classifications for each fire sprinkler code standard.

  • NFPA 13R commonly allows for the elimination of fire protection in attics, closets, and bathrooms

  • NFPA 13R allows for a lower water discharge demand from the sprinkler system, leading to smaller pipe sizes

  • NFPA 13R allows for a shorter duration of water supply than NFPA 13 sprinkler requirements under certain circumstances. This is advantageous in situations where water storage tanks supply the sprinkler system, as a smaller tank can be used

Typical facilities for NFPA 13 or 13R designed sprinkler systems

(Note: there are exceptions to some of these facilities that may require alternative code be followed)

Commonly Used NFPA 13 Sprinkler Code Commonly Used NFPA 13R Sprinkler Code
Hospital patient rooms Hotels and motels
Nursing homes and CBRF facilities Apartment buildings
Fraternity and sorority houses Larger single family homes*
Multi-story residential**  

*Typical single family homes are protected according to NFPA 13D **Most states recognize NFPA 13 for buildings with more than 4 stories, and NFPA 13R for single-level through 4-story facilities

Ahern's Sprinkler System Expertise

Few fire protection contractors possess the in-depth understanding of fire sprinkler systems that we do. Leveraging our extensive expertise in fire safety, we specialize in the design, installation, and maintenance of industrial and commercial fire sprinkler systems, encompassing virtually every type available. From deluge systems to dry pipe systems as well as non-water based fire suppression systems for ‘mission critical’ equipment such as server rooms. 

To keep your existing systems functioning properly, we offer fire protection preventative maintenance services to help you reduce costly, emergency repairs. To improve efficiency and accuracy of your installation projects, our state of the art fire protection fabrication shop prefabricates piping and components.

As your fire protection provider, Ahern can answer any questions on code requirements. We will design your system to be in compliance with the correct codes the first time to keep your projects on track.

Contact Us to learn more about code differences, to schedule a lunch ‘n learn, or to discuss your next project.

 

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