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 difference 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 committed to sharing our knowledge with you up front.
All NFPA 13 and 13R fire sprinkler systems shall be maintained, inspected, tested and reported at least annually using the MFD approved Tegris confidence test form (online at www.tegrisfire.com) and procedures from NFPA 25. Contracts for the maintenance and emergency repair of all NFPA 13 systems in. Sprinklers are intended for use in accordance with NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, or NFPA 13D. The Model KRes residential sprinklers are cULus Listed for use in residential occupancies and resi-dential portions of any occupancy, where permitted by NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, or NFPA 13D. For NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D ap. 1) Underground – NFPA 13R, an inspection of all underground, flush and backfill. 2) Overhead Hydrostatic Inspection – NFPA 13R, System shall be pressurized at 200 psi for two hours. Gauge shall be marked upon pressurization. 3) Fire Sprinkler Final - NFPA 13R, A main Drain, Inspector Test and final walkthrough of sprinkler. Note: Where NFPA 13R requires the use of NFPA 13 design criteria, refer to the NFPA 13 applications and volume limitations. ≤500 gal; in accordance with NFPA 13R design criteria Note: Where NFPA 13 design criteria is required in areas of an NFPA 13R Occupancy, such as an attic, use the applicable volume limitation for the hazard area for NFPA 13.
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 provides protection to not only get people out to safety, but also to control or extinguish the fire – saving the building and its contents.
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 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. 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 Use NFPA 13 Code | Commonly Use NFPA 13R 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** |
Nfpa 13r Pdf
*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
As your fire protection provider, Ahern can answer any questions on code requirements. We’re also experts at designing your system in accordance to the correct codes right off the bat to keep your projects on track.
Since 2010, 99.8% of Ahern’s fire protection designs have been approved by regulatory authorities the first time.
Free Nfpa 13r Pdf
Contact us to learn more about code differences, to schedule a lunch ‘n learn, or to discuss your next project.