AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS HANDBOOK
2007 EDITION
Miloch T. Puchovsky, P.E., Editor

"This handbook is a must for engineers, building and fire officials, safety personnel,
architects, manufacturers, installers, and all others whose responsibilities include
fire and life safety."

====================================

Gain clarity on today's sprinkler system installation provisions with the 2007 NFPA
13 Handbook!

Develop the understanding it takes to select from an ever-expanding number of
sprinkler options while you comply with the latest requirements in the 2007 edition
of NFPA 13. In the new Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook, top authorities
share their knowledge of changing technology and how the 2007 Standard ensures
a competent system.

Work with in-depth guidance that ensures compliance.

You'll get up-to-speed on the industry's most influential sprinkler document through
advice and examples from professionals closely involved with NFPA 13
development. Only NFPA's Handbook brings you:

- The complete Standard text
- Insightful commentary written by leading authorities such as Kenneth
Linder,
Senior Research Consultant for GE Insurance Solutions; George Laverick, UL's
Principal Engineer; and Russ Fleming, Executive Vice President at the National
Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA)
- Photos and graphics of equipment and assemblies throughout the
Handbook
- Hundreds of FAQs in the margins that resolve key issues
- Chapter summaries that provide the big picture you need to stay
competitive
- A new Supplement that explains role of standpipes and how they integrate
into
existing systems

====================================

CONTENTS

List of Figures, Tables, and Exhibits

Preface

Acknowledgments

PART ONE

NFPA 13, STANDARD FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS,
AND COMMENTARY

1 ADMINISTRATION
1.1 Scope
1.2 Purpose
1.3 Application
1.4 Retroactivity Clause
1.5 Equivalency
1.6 New Technology
1.7 Units and Symbols

2 REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS
2.1 General
2.2 NFPA Publications
2.3 Other Publications
2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections

3 DEFINITIONS
3.1 General
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions
3.3 General Definitions
3.4 Sprinkler System Type Definitions
3.5 System Component Definitions
3.6 Sprinkler Definitions
3.7 Construction Definitions
3.8 Private Water Supply Piping Definitions
3.9 Storage Definitions
3.10 Marine Definitions
3.11 Hanging and Bracing Definitions

4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Level of Protection
4.2 Limited Area Systems
4.3 Owner's Certificate
4.4 Additives

5 CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCIES AND COMMODITIES
5.1 Classification of Occupancies
5.2 Light Hazard Occupancies
5.3 Ordinary Hazard Occupancies
5.4 Extra Hazard Occupancies
5.5 Special Occupancy Hazards
5.6 Commodity Classification

6 SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE
6.1 General
6.2 Sprinklers
6.3 Aboveground Pipe and Tube
6.4 Fittings
6.5 Joining of Pipe and Fittings
6.6 Hangers
6.7 Valves
6.8 Fire Department Connections
6.9 Waterflow Alarm Devices

7 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
7.1 Wet Pipe Systems
7.2 Dry Pipe Systems
7.3 Preaction Systems and Deluge Systems
7.4 Combined Dry Pipe and Preaction Systems for Piers, Terminals, and Wharves
7.5 Multi-Cycle Systems
7.6 Antifreeze Systems
7.7 Automatic Sprinkler Systems with Non–Fire Protection Connections
7.8 Outside Sprinklers for Protection Against Exposure Fires (Exposure Protection
Sprinkler Systems)
7.9 Refrigerated Spaces
7.10 Commercial-Type Cooking Equipment and Ventilation

8 INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
8.1 Basic Requirements
8.2 System Protection Area Limitations
8.3 Use of Sprinklers
8.4 Application of Sprinkler Types
8.5 Position, Location, Spacing, and Use of Sprinklers
8.6 Standard Pendent and Upright Spray Sprinklers
8.7 Sidewall Standard Spray Sprinklers
8.8 Extended Coverage Upright and Pendent Spray Sprinklers
8.9 Extended Coverage Sidewall Spray Sprinklers
8.10 Residential Sprinklers
8.11 Large Drop Sprinklers
8.12 Early Suppression Fast-Response Sprinklers
8.13 In-Rack Sprinklers
8.14 Pilot Line Detectors
8.15 Special Situations
8.16 Piping Installation
8.17 System Attachments

9 HANGING, BRACING, AND RESTRAINT OF SYSTEM PIPING
9.1 Hangers
9.2 Installation of Pipe Hangers
9.3 Protection of Piping Against Damage Where Subject to Earthquakes

10 UNDERGROUND PIPING
10.1 Piping Materials
10.2 Fittings
10.3 Joining of Pipe and Fittings
10.4 Depth of Cover
10.5 Protection Against Freezing
10.6 Protection Against Damage
10.7 Requirement for Laying Pipe
10.8 Joint Restraint
10.9 Backfilling
10.10 Testing and Acceptance

11 DESIGN APPROACHES
11.1 General
11.2 Occupancy Hazard Fire Control Approach
11.3 Special Design Approaches

12 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR STORAGE
12.1 General
12.2 Hose Connections
12.3 Adjacent Hards or Design Methods
12.4 Wet Pipe Systems
12.5 Dry Pipe a Preaction Systems
12.6 Storage Applications
12.7 Discharge Considerations
12.8 Hose Demand
12.9 Restrictions
12.10 Room Design Method
12.11 High-Expansion Foam Systems
12.12 Protection of Idle Pallets

13 MISCELLANEOUS STORAGE
13.1 Miscellaneous Storage up to 12 ft (3.7 m)
13.2 Design Basis
13.3 In-Rack Sprinklers

14 PROTECTION OF CLASS I TO CLASS IV COMMODITIES THAT ARE
STORED PALLETIZED, SOLID PILED, BIN BOXES, OR SHELF STORAGE
14.1 General
14.2 Control Mode Density–Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Palletized, Solid
Piled, Bin Box, or Shelf Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities
14.3 Large Drop Sprinklers and Specific Application Control Mode Sprinklers for
Palletized or Solid-Piled Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities
14.4 Early Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) Sprinklers for Palletized or Solid
Piled
14.5 Special Design for Palletized, Solid Piled, Bin Box, or Shelf Storage of Class I
Through Class IV Commodities
14.6 High Expansion Foam—Reduction to Ceiling Density

15 PROTECTION OF PLASTIC AND RUBBER COMMODITIES THAT ARE
STORED PALLETIZED, SOLID PILED, BIN BOXES, OR SHELF STORAGE
15.1 General
15.2 Control Mode Density—Area Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Palletized, Solid
Piled, Bin Box, or Shelf Storage of Plastic and Rubber Commodities
15.3 Large Drop Sprinklers and Specific Application Control Mode Sprinklers for
Palletized or
15.4 Early Suppression Fast-Response (ESFR) Sprinklers for Palletized, Solid
Piled of Plastic and Rubber Commodities
15.5 High Expansion Foam — Reduction to Ceiling Density

16 PROTECTION OF CLASS I THROUGH CLASS IV COMMODITIES THAT ARE
STORED ON RACKS
16.1 General
16.2 Protection Criteria for Rack Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities
Stored Up to and Including 25 ft (7.6 m) in Height
16.3 Protection Criteria for Rack Storage of Class I Through Class IV Commodities
Stored Over 25 ft (7.6 m) in Height

17 PROTECTION OF PLASTIC AND RUBBER COMMODITIES THAT ARE
STORED ON RACKS
17.1 General
17.2 Protection Criteria for Rack Storage of Plastics Commodities Stored Up to
and Including 25 ft (7.6 m) in Height
17.3 Protection Criteria for Rack Storage of Plastics Commodities Stored Over 25
ft (7.6 m) in Height

18 PROTECTION OF RUBBER TIRE STORAGE
18.1 General
18.2 Columns Within Rubber Tire Storage
18.3 Water Supplies
18.4 Ceiling Systems
18.5 In-Rack Sprinkler System Requirements for Protection of Rubber Tires
18.6 Reduced Discharge Density

19 PROTECTION OF ROLL PAPER
19.1 Protection of Roll Paper Storage

20 SPECIAL DESIGNS OF STORAGE PROTECTION
20.1 General
20.2 Plastic Motor Vehicle Components
20.3 Sprinkler Design Criteria for Storage and Display of Class I Through Class IV
Commodities, Cartoned Non-Expanded Group A Plastics, and Non-Expanded
Exposed Group A Plastics in Retail Stores
20.4 Protection of Baled Cotton Storage

21 SPECIAL OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS
21.1 General
21.2 Flammable and Combustible Liquids
21.3 Aerosol Products
21.4 Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials
21.5 Solvent Extraction Plants
21.6 Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines
21.7 Nitrate Film
21.8 Storage of Pyroxylin Plastic
21.9 Laboratories Using Chemicals
21.10 Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes
21.11 Acetylene Cylinder Charging Plants
21.12 Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids in
Portable and Stationary Containers, Cylinders, and Tanks
21.13 Utility LP-Gas Plants
21.14 Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
21.15 Protection of Information Technology Equipment
21.16 Standard on Incinerators, and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and
Equipment
21.17 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces
21.18 Industrial Furnaces Using a Special Process Atmosphere
21.19 Class A Hyperbaric Chambers
21.20 Life Safety Code
21.21 Fixed Guideway Transit Systems
21.22 Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Soundstages and Approved
Production Facilities
21.23 Animal Housing Facilities
21.24 Water Cooling Towers
21.25 Standard for the Construction and Fire Protection of Marine Terminals, Piers,
and Wharves
21.26 Cleanrooms
21.27 Aircraft Hangars
21.28 Standard on Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling Ramp Drainage, and
Loading Walkways
21.29 Aircraft Engine Test Facilities
21.30 Code for the Storage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers
21.31 Storage of Organic Peroxide Formulations
21.32 Advanced Light Water Reactor Electric Generating Plants
21.33 Light Water Nuclear Power Plants
21.34 Electric Generating Plants and High Voltage Direct Current Converter
Stations
21.35 Hydroelectric Generating Plants
21.36 Code for the Protection of Cultural Resource Properties — Museums,
Libraries, and Places of Worship

22 PLANS AND CALCULATIONS
22.1 Working Plans
22.2 Water Supply Information
22.3 Hydraulic Calculation Forms
22.4 Hydraulic Calculation Procedures
22.5 Pipe Schedules
22.6 Deluge Systems
22.7 Exposure Protection Sprinkler Systems
22.8 In-Rack Sprinklers
22.9 Hose Allowance

23 WATER SUPPLIES
23.1 General
23.2 Types

24 SYSTEMS ACCEPTANCE
24.1 Approval of Sprinkler Systems and Private Fire Service Mains
24.2 Acceptance Requirements
24.3 Circulating Closed Loop Systems
24.4 Instructions
24.5 Hydraulic Design Information Sign
24.6 General Information Sign

25 MARINE SYSTEMS
25.1 General
25.2 System Components, Hardware, and Use
25.3 System Requirements
25.4 Installation Requirements
25.5 Design Approaches
25.6 Plans and Calculations
25.7 Water Supplies
25.8 System Acceptance
25.9 System Instructions and Maintenance

26 SYSTEM INSPECTION, TESTING, AND MAINTENANCE
26.1 General

ANNEXES
A Explanatory Material
B Miscellaneous Topics
C Explanation of Test Data and Procedures for Rack Storage
D Sprinkler System Information from the 1997 Edition of the Life Safety Code
E Informational References

PART TWO

SUPPLEMENTS
1 A Brief History of Sprinklers, Sprinkler Systems, and the NFPA Sprinkler
Standards
2 The Effect of Large Orifice Sprinklers on High-Challenge Fires
3 Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion in Fire Sprinkler Systems
4 Combination Standpipe/Sprinkler Risers

NFPA 13 Index

Commentary Index

About the Contributors

About the Editor

====================================
FROM THE PREFACE TO THE (earlier) EIGHTH EDITION:
“The first automatic fire extinguishing system on record was patented in England in
1723 and consisted of a cask of water, a chamber of gunpowder, and a system of
fuses. In about 1852 the perforated pipe system represented the first form of a
sprinkler system used in the United States. In 1874, Henry S. Parmelee of New
Haven, Connecticut, patented the first practical automatic sprinkler.

“C.J.H. Woodbury of the Boston Manufacturers Mutual Fire Insurance Company
and RE. Cabot of the Boston Board of Fire Underwriters completed a study on the
performance of sprinklers for the Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1884.
This study was the basis for the first set of rules for the installation of automatic
sprinkler systems that were developed by John Wormald of the Mutual Fire
Insurance Corporation of Manchester, England, in 1885. In 1887, similar rules were
prepared in the United States by the Factory Improvement Committee of the New
England Insurance Exchange.

“By 1895, the commercial growth and development of sprinkler systems were so
rapid that a number of different installation rules had been adopted by various
insurance organizations. Within a few hundred miles of Boston, Massachusetts,
nine radically different standards for the size of piping and sprinkler spacing were
being used. This problem led to the creation of NFPA 13 and the formation of the
National Fire Protection Association in 1896.

“The 1999 edition places NFPA 13 on the threshold of a new millennium - one that
is sure to include an accelerated rate of technological discoveries and access to
greater amounts of information. We will be required to make even more choices in
an age of information overload. The design and installation of sprinkler systems will
not be exempted from these challenges.

“In many respects, the issues that led to the development of the first edition of
NFPA 13 are relevant today. The unprecedented development of sprinkler system
products, design techniques, and installation practices over the past several years
is offering numerous options for effective system design. While this increased
flexibility provides numerous advantages, it also requires more diligence by those
designing, installing, and approving sprinkler systems as the rules for various
system components become less uniform.

“As has been the case for over 100 years, the intent of NFPA 13 is to provide a
means for analyzing sprinkler system information and presenting it in a form that
will lead to effective system designs and installations. This task continues to
become increasingly demanding as scientific and other discoveries generate
information at an increasingly accelerated rate. In response to these challenges,
NFPA has expanded the scope of NFPA 13 so that it is now the most
comprehensive document addressing sprinkler systems. Additionally, NFPA has
established new volunteer technical committees to deal with rapidly developing
technologies and other discoveries.

“NFPA 13 now addresses sprinkler system installations for all types of facilities
regardless of the type of fire hazards present. This reorganization includes the
centralization of sprinkler system information from over 40 NFPA codes and
standards. A major part of this effort included the incorporation of system
information for storage operations and the installation of buried pipe. System
information for specialized hazards from other documents has been copied or
specifically referenced. Additionally, numerous technical changes have been
incorporated.

“As the scope of NFPA 13 has expanded, so has that of the Automatic Sprinkler
Systems Handbook. This edition includes new commentary on underground piping
installation and rack and on-floor storage applications of various commodities
including plastics, rubber tires, baled cotton, wooden and plastic pallets, and roll
paper. In addition, the handbook includes updated commentary on those portions
of NFPA 13 that have been revised. Those portions dealing with hanging and
bracing of system piping are especially noteworthy. A new supplement addressing
the history of sprinklers, sprinkler systems, and NFPA standards is also included.”

====================================

ABOUT THE EDITOR

“Milosh T. Puchovsky, P.E., is a senior fire protection engineer for NFPA. He is
responsible for NFPA standards on sprinklers, fire pumps, water mist, water spray,
and storage. As the staff liaison to the technical committees responsible for these
standards, he is actively involved in the development of the documents on these
topics. In addition to his participation in fire investigations involving such systems,
he writes and speaks on these topics internationally. Mr. Puchovsky is an
instructor in NFPAs sprinkler systems seminar and serves as a technical advisor
for the sprinkler systems seminar program.

“He holds both a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and a
master of science degree in fire protection engineering from Worcester Polytechnic
Institute. Before joining the NFPA staff, he worked as a fire protection engineering
and building code consultant, and as a loss control representative for the insurance
industry.”
====================================
2007, 1060 pages (approx). Order #DR-165*
* plus shipping surcharge: $5 US, $7.00 Canada, $10.00 elsewhere.
====================================

4 Arapaho Rd.

Brookfield, CT 06804-3104 USA

1-888-ROTHSTEin; (888.768.4783)

Telephone: 203.740.7444; 888.768.4783

Fax: 203.740.7401

"Keep Me Posted" Business Survival Newsletter