Tag Archives: NFPA 13

A Look Back at the Fire Sprinkler Industry Many of you cannot identify with the term “Red Book,” but back in the late 1950s the fire sprinkler business was governed by the “Red Book,” which was always carried in your hip pocket. Back when the states had their own “Inspection …

Satisfactory Sprinkler Performance Can be Achieved An integrated architecture and engineering firm, Clark Nexsen is recognized nationally as a leader in student life design. With multiple student housing projects in design and under construction simultaneously, we are continuously working with code reviewers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to resolve any …

Part 1: What About the Z Dimension? So, there I was, trying to enjoy a nice meal with my family. The restaurant was chosen by my princess because it was “fun” and had “cool things” in it. I should have known. Little did I know that I was going to …

Systems Under Construction vs. Commissioned Systems You wouldn’t install a wet-pipe sprinkler system in an area that is subject to freezing and exposed to freezing temperatures, right? I’m guessing you quickly answered that question with an assertive, “Heck no!” Well, if that system is being installed in February in the vast …

Informal Interpretations Offer Assistance on Technical Questions The informal interpretations featured in this post address NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers. AFSA’s informal interpretations are provided to AFSA members by Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, P.E. and Manager …

Commitment to Codes and Standards The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is, among other things, the leading authority on all fire codes and standards. These codes and standards are kept up to date by NFPA Technical Committees (TCs), which serve as the principal bodies responsible for the development and revision …

Multi-Phase Project From NFPA Research Affiliate Early suppression fast response sprinklers (ESFR) are high-volume, high-pressure sprinklers that are often used to protect combustible storage as an alternative to installing in-rack sprinklers. Compared to the standard spray sprinkler, ESFR sprinklers have a significantly different spray pattern and they apply much larger …

Making Them Work for You Since the late 1980s, early suppression, fast response (ESFR) sprinklers have been viewed as one of the greatest innovations in fire protection since Henry Parmelee first introduced the automatic sprinkler in 1874. Since NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, indicates that you …

Can ESFR Sprinklers Be Used? Historically if you wanted to use early suppression fast resonse (ESFR) sprinklers but had solid shelving, you were out of luck (go directly to jail – do not pass go – do not collect $200). Up until the 2010 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for …

The Fire Code and NFPA 13 Standard Don’t Match Up The International Fire Code (IFC), 2015 edition and NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2016 edition have different lists for classifications of commodities. When the two differ, which one do you apply? This could place you in a …