Understanding the Modifiers There comes a time when many ask, “What does NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, mean by that?” This is especially prevalent with some of the modifiers that affect the commodity classification, the single most important aspect of the design. This came to my …
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NFPA 13, 2016 Edition Added Tables Now that the 2016 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, has been published and shipped, sprinkler contractors, layout technicians, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are reviewing the newly added Tables 9.3.5.12.2 (a) through (f ) with respect to the …
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How Can AFSA Assist You? One of the many benefits of your AFSA membership is access to AFSA”s Technical Services Department and its archives of Informal Interpretations. Have you taken advantage of it? In 2015, members saved over $80,000 and 200 hours on jobs by putting AFSA’s Technical Services staff …
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Weighing the Differences For most sprinkler projects the building structure is of sufficient design and capacity to allow hanging of sprinkler components directly to the structure. Structural engineers take into account loads imposed on the structure by the sprinkler system and calculate them into the building design. Safety factors are …
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Informal Interpretations Save Members Time, Money The informal interpretations featured in this issue of Sprinkler Age address obstruction concerns. AFSA’s informal interpretations are provided to AFSA members by Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, a P.E. registered in fire protection engineering; Director of Technical Program Development Phill …
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New Criteria in the 2016 Edition of NFPA 13 When using angle iron as a trapeze member, slots in the angle would provide some flexibility during installation. The problem was that criteria were provided for holes for bolts, but there were no criteria for slots. Information for slots in angle …
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Addressing Recalled Sprinklers Changes Significantly NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, is still in cycle for the next edition. The upcoming changes were based on almost 300 public inputs and just over 170 public comments. Although the process isn’t completed there are …
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For the last several months we have been exposing readers to the concept of fire testing and the use of standards. This month we are going to see if you picked up any of the vocabulary of these methods. The following are a few definitions that should be part of …
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What Has Changed and Why I know most jurisdictions are just starting now to enforce the 2013 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. However, the 2016 edition is now officially out and will start being applied over the next few years. Thinking about it, in …
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Certain States Passed Requirements for Home Fire Sprinklers This Year While Others Fought the Safety Feature Speaking with a TV reporter, Jeffrey Block erupted into tears the second he uttered the name of his daughter, Eva Block. The 21-year-old student and two others died from an off-campus home fire near …
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Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association