Setting the Record Straight on Residential Sprinklers
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By Tom Rinaldi,
New York State Codes Coalition
In a recent article that appeared in The NYSAFC Bugle on "Why Fire Departments Should Push for Residential Sprinklers," I need to jump in and correct some misconceptions that may have been communicated.
The writer, Garrett Smith, discussed how residential sprinklers worked, but I believe he incorrectly described systems that are designed and installed under the NFPA 13 Sprinkler Standard rather than the NFPA 13D Standard, which applies to the installation of sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes.
What’s the difference? The biggest difference is cost. A NFPA 13 system is what we normally find in commercial occupancies. The system is designed on a grid system and covers the occupancy completely with some exceptions, such as electrical rooms where we don’t want water leaking onto the switch gear or transformers. There are several variations, such as a wet system, which is charged with water at all times, a dry system charged with air where sprinkler protection is needed but there is a risk from freezing, or pre action systems that cover sensitive equipment or valuables at risk. A pre action system may depend on cross activation of detection devices before the system fills with water to extinguish the fire.
A 13D system is very simple, it’s part of the plumbing system. We have a water meter at one end of the system and we have a toilet at the other end. What this means is that the system must be installed to prevent freezing and can be piped using CPVC plastic piping or PEX piping. The only modification to the plumbing system is that the piping is run overhead and quick response residential heads are attached. The system is meant to activate one or two heads maximum at house pressure. There are no special valves, no check valves, or other special equipment needed – simple and less expensive. The heads can be installed by a plumber or you can do it yourself following the manufacturer’s instructions or the 13D Standard. As indicated, previously one of the biggest concerns is freezing, as it is with all plumbing systems.
The residential sprinkler system has been developed to allow you, your family, and your pets to safely exit the dwelling and it will certainly limit damage as a secondary result.
In a recent article that appeared in The NYSAFC Bugle on "Why Fire Departments Should Push for Residential Sprinklers," I need to jump in and correct some misconceptions that may have been communicated.
The writer, Garrett Smith, discussed how residential sprinklers worked, but I believe he incorrectly described systems that are designed and installed under the NFPA 13 Sprinkler Standard rather than the NFPA 13D Standard, which applies to the installation of sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes.
What’s the difference? The biggest difference is cost. A NFPA 13 system is what we normally find in commercial occupancies. The system is designed on a grid system and covers the occupancy completely with some exceptions, such as electrical rooms where we don’t want water leaking onto the switch gear or transformers. There are several variations, such as a wet system, which is charged with water at all times, a dry system charged with air where sprinkler protection is needed but there is a risk from freezing, or pre action systems that cover sensitive equipment or valuables at risk. A pre action system may depend on cross activation of detection devices before the system fills with water to extinguish the fire.
A 13D system is very simple, it’s part of the plumbing system. We have a water meter at one end of the system and we have a toilet at the other end. What this means is that the system must be installed to prevent freezing and can be piped using CPVC plastic piping or PEX piping. The only modification to the plumbing system is that the piping is run overhead and quick response residential heads are attached. The system is meant to activate one or two heads maximum at house pressure. There are no special valves, no check valves, or other special equipment needed – simple and less expensive. The heads can be installed by a plumber or you can do it yourself following the manufacturer’s instructions or the 13D Standard. As indicated, previously one of the biggest concerns is freezing, as it is with all plumbing systems.
The residential sprinkler system has been developed to allow you, your family, and your pets to safely exit the dwelling and it will certainly limit damage as a secondary result.
