Automatic

Sprinkler
Systems

CEU 242
Continuing Education from the
American Society of Plumbing Engineers

December 2016

ASPE.ORG/ReadLearnEarn
 READ, LEARN, EARN

Note: In determining your answers to the CE questions, use only the material presented in the corresponding continuing education article. Using information from
other materials may result in a wrong answer.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems provides the minimum
requirements for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems, but it also allows for alternate design
approaches and system components. When designing such systems, it is important to follow all of the requirements in
NFPA 13, so verify with the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) which edition should be used.

HISTORY OF FIRE SPRINKLERS

The first sprinkler system in the United States was installed in 1852 and consisted of perforated pipe. The first automatic
sprinkler was invented 12 years later to control, confine, and extinguish fires to prevent the loss of life and minimize
the loss of property. By 1895, sprinkler system development was increasing significantly, and the Boston area alone
had nine different systems. Boston experienced the most growth in this discipline because of the number of hazardous
textile mills in the area.
Before 1950, sprinkler heads simultaneously discharged water upward and downward. The downward discharge
quenched the fire, while the upward discharge kept the structure cool. These inefficient heads were subsequently re-
placed by upright and pendent heads.
NFPA 13
NFPA 13 was first written in 1896. It was prepared in conjunction with fire service personnel, fire insurance represen-
tatives, laboratories that tested fire protection items, representatives from fire protection equipment manufacturers,
contractors who installed such systems, and consulting engineers who specified and designed these systems. Since
then, the standard has evolved significantly, especially in 1997 when it was expanded to include design and installa-
tion information from more than 40 other NFPA standards. The current edition of NFPA 13 includes design criteria for
underground pipe, rack storage, high-piled storage, and other unique hazards.
With the unprecedented development of sprinkler system devices, installation practices, and design techniques for
automatic sprinkler systems, increased diligence is required when designing and installing these systems, as the re-
quirements have become both more complex and less uniform. As with any other code or standard, NFPA 13 gives only
the minimum requirements to provide a reasonable degree of protection. Based on the owner’s preference, additional
protection may be installed for a higher degree of safety.

FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM DESIGN

When designing a fire sprinkler system, the following items should be considered:
• Basis of the design
• Type of system to be selected
• Occupancy classification
• Materials to be specified
• Basic installation requirements
• Hanging and restraint requirements
• Design approaches
• System acceptance
It is essential to design a sprinkler system to fit the particular hazard of a building or structure. NFPA 13 includes
requirements for general storage, high-piled and rack storage, plastic and rubber commodities storage, and other special
occupancies. (Note: Requirements for storage occupancies and certain special sprinklers are not included in the scope
of this chapter.)
Basis of Design
The first step in designing a fire sprinkler system is to ask the owner to complete an owner’s information certificate,
which can be found in NFPA 13. This certificate informs the designer and installer of the owner’s intended occupancy
of the building, including what materials will be used and how they will be stored, preliminary construction plans of
the building, and any environmental concerns, such as the possibility of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).

Reprinted from Fire Protection Systems, Third Edition. © 2016, American Society of Plumbing Engineers. All rights reserved.

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 READ, LEARN, EARN: Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Once the designer understands the construction and intended use of the building, design documents consisting of
drawings, calculations, and specifications can be prepared. These documents must be approved and kept readily avail-
able for further inspection and modifications if necessary.
Sprinkler System Types
The factors to consider in selecting the type of sprinkler system or the type of suppression system are:
• Types of building construction and contents needing protection
• The potential of a fast-growing
fire developing
• Valuable items in the area being
protected that would be damaged
by water
• The freezing potential of the area
being protected
Knowing this information will help
determine the type of suppression sys-
tem to be designed and installed. The
various types of fixed sprinkler systems
are clearly defined in NFPA 13 and sum-
marized below.
Wet Pipe Systems
A wet pipe system (see Figure 9-1) em-
ploys automatic sprinklers attached to a
Figure 9-1 Wet Pipe Sprinkler System
piping network containing water under
pressure at all times. The system is connected to a water supply so water
discharges immediately from the sprinklers when they open. Approxi-
mately 75 percent of the sprinkler systems in use are wet pipe systems.
This type of sprinkler system is easy to maintain and is considered the
most reliable. It is installed where freezing or other special requirements
are not a concern.
Dry Pipe Systems
The dry pipe system employs automatic sprinklers attached to a piping
system containing air or nitrogen under pressure, the release of which
Figure 9-2 Dry Pipe Valve
(as from a sprinkler opening) allows the water pressure to open a valve (Left) Air pressure maintains clapper closed.
known as a dry pipe valve (see Figure 9-2). The water then flows into (Right) Venting of air allows clapper to open and water to flow.

the piping system and out the opened sprinklers. A dry pipe system requires more time to get water to a fire than a
wet pipe system; however, the time between the sprinkler opening and the water flowing can be shortened by using
quick-opening devices.
This system is used where sprinklers are subject to freezing. The dry pipe system uses compressed air from a plant
supply or a local air compressor. The air supply will typically have a restrictive orifice to limit the rate at which com-
pressed air is introduced into the system. The sprinkler head orifice is much larger than the air supply pipe opening,
so the opening of a sprinkler head will allow the system air pressure to
drop and the dry valve to open.
Preaction Systems
A preaction system employs automatic sprinklers that are attached to
a piping system containing air that may or may not be under pressure,
with a supplemental detection system installed in the same areas as
the sprinklers (see Figure 9-3). Actuation of the detection system and
sprinklers in the case of a double-interlocked system opens a valve,
which allows water to flow into the sprinkler piping system and to be
discharged from any sprinklers that may be open. This system is often
used where valuables are stored and accidental water discharge may
cause damage.
Figure 9-3 Preaction Valve Riser

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Deluge Systems
A deluge system employs open heads attached to a piping system and is connected
to a water supply through a deluge valve, which is opened by the operation of
a detection system installed in the same area as the sprinklers (see Figure 9-4).
When this valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from
all attached heads. This system is used in very high-hazard areas where rapid
application of large volumes of water is required to quickly gain control of a fire.
Combined Dry Pipe and Preaction Sprinkler Systems
Combined systems employ automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system con-
taining air under pressure, with a supplemental detection system installed in the
same area as the sprinklers. Operation of the detection system actuates tripping
devices, which open dry pipe valves simultaneously and without the loss of air
pressure in the system. Operation of the detection system also opens approved air
exhaust valves at the end of the feed main, which usually precedes the sprinklers Figure 9-4 Deluge Valve Riser
opening. The detection system also serves as an automatic fire alarm system.
Antifreeze Systems Filing cup
An antifreeze system (see Figure 9-5) is a wet pipe system employ- Water supply
ing automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system that contains an Water
antifreeze solution and is connected to a water supply. The antifreeze
12 inches
solution fills the pipes first, followed by water, which discharges im-

Wall
mediately from sprinklers that are opened by the heat from a fire. The Drop, Approved A
antifreeze system is no different than a wet system except that the initial

Nonfreezing
5 feet indicating

solution
charge of water is mixed with antifreeze, so the system may be installed minimum valve Unheated area
in unheated areas. Additional devices may be required to prevent air Heated area
pocket formation.
B
Due to the possible combustibility of some antifreeze solutions,
Check valve
NFPA has been researching the use of antifreeze in wet pipe systems (1/32-inch hole Pitch to drain
and updating standards as needed. Thus, it is critical to consult the latest in clapper) Drain valve
version of the applicable standard regarding the maximum concentra- 1. Check valve shall be permitted to be omitted where sprinklers are below
the level of valve A.
tion of antifreeze solution allowed. 2. The 1/32-inch hole in the check valve clapper is needed to allow for
expansion of the solution during a temperature rise, thus preventing
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS damage to sprinklers.
Figure 9-5 Antifreeze System
Light Hazard
Light hazard occupancies are those where the quantity and/or combustibility of contents is low and fires with relatively
low rates of heat release are expected. Examples include:
• Churches
• Clubs
• Eaves and overhangs of combustible construction with no combustibles beneath
• Educational facilities
• Libraries, except for large stack rooms
• Museums
• Nursing or convalescent homes
• Offices, including data processing areas
• Restaurant seating areas
• Theaters and auditoriums, excluding stages and prosceniums
• Unused attics
Ordinary Hazard Group 1
Ordinary Hazard Group 1 occupancies are those where combustibility is low, the quantity of combustibles is moderate,
stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed 8 feet, and fires with moderate rates of heat release are expected. Examples
include:
• Automobile parking lots and showrooms
• Bakeries
• Beverage manufacturing
• Canneries
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• Dairy product manufacturing and processing
• Electronic plants
• Glass and glass product manufacturing
• Laundries
• Restaurant service areas
Ordinary Hazard Group 2
Ordinary Hazard Group 2 occupancies are defined as occupancies where the quantity and/or combustibility of contents
is moderate to high, stockpiles of contents with moderate rates of heat release do not exceed 12 feet, and stockpiles of
contents with high rates of heat release do not exceed 8 feet. Examples include:
• Cereal mills
• Chemical plants (ordinary)
• Distilleries
• Dry cleaners
• Feed mills
• Horse stables
• Leather goods manufacturing
• Libraries with large stack rooms
• Machine shops
• Metal working
• Paper and pulp mills
• Piers and wharves
• Post offices
• Repair garages
• Stages
• Tire manufacturing
Extra Hazard Group 1
Extra Hazard Group 1 occupancies are those where the quantity and combustibility of contents are very high and dust
or other materials are present, introducing the probability of rapidly developing fires with high rates of heat release,
but with little or no combustible or flammable liquids. Examples include:
• Aircraft hangars
• Combustible hydraulic fluid use areas
• Die casting
• Metal extruding
• Plywood and particle board manufacturing
• Printing (using inks having flash points below 100°F)
• Rubber reclaiming, compounding, drying, milling, and vulcanizing
• Saw mills
• Textile picking, opening, blending, garnetting, carding, and the combining of cotton, synthetics, wool shoddy, or
burlap
• Upholstering with plastic foams
Extra Hazard Group 2
Extra Hazard Group 2 occupancies have moderate to substantial amounts of flammable or combustible liquids or ex-
tensive shielding of combustibles. Examples include:
• Asphalt saturating
• Flammable liquid spraying
• Flow coating
• Mobile home or modular building assemblies (where a finished enclosure is present and has combustible interiors)
• Open oil quenching
• Plastic processing
• Solvent cleaning
• Varnish and paint dipping

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COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS
In general, all components used in a sprinkler system should be listed (i.e., approved by a third-party testing agency)
and used in accordance with their listing. Certain components that do not affect system performance are not required
to be listed (e.g., drain valves and signs).
Sprinklers
The automatic sprinkler head is a thermosensitive device that is automatically activated when the area in which it is
installed reaches a predetermined temperature. Once this temperature is met, the sprinkler head releases a stream of
water and distributes it in a specific pattern and quantity over a designated area. Water reaches the sprinklers through
a network of overhead pipes, and the sprinklers are placed along the pipes at regular, geometric intervals.
Sprinkler heads shall never be stored where temperatures may exceed 100°F. Sprinkler heads shall never be painted,
coated, or modified in any way after leaving the manufacturing premises. Care should be exercised to prevent damage
to sprinkler heads during handling.
The sprinkler should be selected based on the following Table 9-1  Sprinkler Temperature Ratings and Temperature Classification
Color Codes
criteria: Maximum Color Code
• Temperature ratings are based on the expected Temperature Temperature Glass Bulb
Ceiling (with Fusible
Rating Classification Color
ambient ceiling temperature around the sprinkler Temperature Link)
(see Table 9-1). Where the maximum expected tem- Uncolored or
Orange
perature is less than 100°F, ordinary temperature 100°F 135–170°F Ordinary (135°F) or
Black
Red (155°F)
sprinklers should be selected. Sprinklers located in
Yellow
areas exposed to heat-producing devices (space heat- 150°F 175–225°F Intermediate White (175°F) or
ers, steam mains, skylights, etc.) should have higher Green (200°F)
temperature ratings to prevent accidental operation. 225°F 250–300°F High Blue Blue
• Orifice sizes are based on the available pressure and 300°F 325–375°F Extra High Red Purple
the required water flow rate. Larger K factors mean 375°F 400–475°F
Very Extra
Green Black
that less pressure is required to reach a given flow rate. High
• Thermal sensitivity refers to how quickly a sprinkler 475°F 500–575°F Ultra High Orange Black
will respond to a change in the ambient temperature. 625°F 650°F Ultra High Orange Black
Source: NFPA 13
Quick-response sprinklers increase the protection
of life and property and are generally required in all new light hazard occupancies. They also are often used in
ordinary hazard occupancies because their faster response to a fire allows reductions in the design area, thereby
resulting in smaller pipe sizes.
Sprinkler Types
Standard sprinkler heads are made for installation in an upright or pendent position and must be installed in the posi-
tion for which they were constructed. Architects sometimes require special sprinkler types to be used for certain ap-
plications. The many types of commercially available sprinklers include the following:
• Upright: Normally installed above the supply pipe
• Pendent: Installed below the pipe
• Sidewall (horizontal and vertical): Similar to standard sprinkler heads except for a special deflector, which al-
lows the discharge of water toward one side only in a pattern resembling one-quarter of a sphere. The forward
horizontal range of about 15 feet is greater than that of a standard sprinkler. For special applications, a sidewall
vertical type is used.
• Extended coverage: Covers more than 225 square feet per head or greater distances than standard sprinklers
• Open sprinklers
• Corrosion resistant: Mostly regular pendent or upright type heads used in areas where corrosive substances
are present (e.g., chlorine storage rooms and salt-water reservoirs) that are coated with wax or Teflon by the
manufacturer to protect against corrosives
• Nozzles
• Dry pendent and dry upright: Used where a limited enclosure is subject to freezing; may be connected to a wet
pipe system through a special dry pipe connector
• Quick response (QR)
• Quick response, extended coverage (QREC)
• Quick response, early suppression (QRES)
• Early suppression, fast response (ESFR)
• Ornamental
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• Recessed: Most of the body is mounted within a recessed housing and Table 9-2  Approved Materials for Sprinkler System
operation is similar to a standard pendent sprinkler Pipe
• Flush: The working parts of the sprinkler head extend below the ceiling Material Standard
into the area in which it is installed without affecting the heat sensitiv- Ferrous piping (welded and
ASTM A795
ity or the pattern of water distribution seamless)
• Concealed: The entire body, including the operating mechanism, is Welded and seamless steel ASTM A53
above a cover plate, which drops when a fire occurs, exposing the pipe
thermosensitive assembly. The deflector may be fixed, or it may drop Wrought steel pipe ASME B36.10M
below the ceiling level when water flows. Electric-resistance welded
ASTM A135
steel pipe
• Residential: Designed to respond to a fire much faster than standard Copper tube (drawn, ASTM B42; ASTM
commercial and industrial sprinklers seamless) B75
• On/off sprinkler heads Seamless copper water tube ASTM B88
Piping Wrought seamless copper
ASTM B251
and copper alloy tube
NFPA allows the use of steel pipe, copper tube, and other specially listed pipes
Fluxes for soldering
(see Table 9-2). The pipe selected should be based on the maximum system applications of copper and ASTM B813
pressure, ambient conditions, aesthetics, and possible exposure of the pipe copper alloy tube
to fire conditions. Brazing filler metal
(classification BCuP-3 or AWS A5.8
Alarms BCuP-4)
Three basic types of alarms can be part of a sprinkler system: Solder metal ASTM B32
• Vane-type water flow: This alarm comes equipped with a small paddle Alloy materials ASTM B446
that is inserted directly into the riser pipe (see Figure 9-6). The paddle ASTM F442; ASTM
Plastic pipe (CPVC, PEX)
responds to water flow as low as 10 gallons per minute (gpm), which F876
then triggers an alarm. This type may be equipped with a delayed sys- Source: NFPA 13
Note: Always verify approved materials with the AHJ.
tem (adjustable from 0 to 120 seconds) to prevent false alarms caused
by normal water pressure fluctuations.
• Mechanical water flow (water motor gong): This alarm involves a check valve that lifts from
its seat when water flows (see Figure 9-7). The check valve may vary as follows. The differ-
ential type has a seat ring with a concentric groove connected by a pipe to the alarm device.
When the clapper of the alarm valve rises to allow water to flow to the sprinklers, water
enters the groove and flows to the alarm-giving device. Another type has an extension arm
connected to a small auxiliary pilot valve, which, in turn, is connected to the alarm system.
• Pressure-activated alarm switch: This is used in conjunction with dry pipe valves, alarm
check valves, and other types of water control valves. It has contact elements arranged to
open or close an electric circuit when subjected to increased or reduced pressure. In most Figure 9-6 Vane-Type
cases, the motion to activate a switch is given from a diaphragm exposed to pressure on one Water Flow Indicator
side and supported by an adjustable spring on the other side.
The alarm for a dry pipe sprinkler system is arranged with a connection from
the intermediate chamber of the dry pipe valve to a pressure-operated alarm
device. When the dry pipe valve trips, the intermediate chamber, typically con-
taining air at atmospheric pressure, fills with water at the supply pressure, which
operates the alarm devices. Sometimes both an outdoor water motor gong and a
pressure-operated electric switch are provided. The alarm devices for deluge and
preaction systems are the same as those used for dry pipe systems.
Codes require water supply control valves to indicate conditions that could
prevent the unwanted or unnecessary operation of the sprinkler system. This can
be achieved by using electric switches, also called temper switches, which can be
selected for open or closed contact. The signal that indicates valve operation is
given when the valve wheel is given two turns from the wide-open position. The
restoration signal sounds when the valve is restored to its fully open position. Figure 9-7 Alarm Check Valve Riser
This simply cancels the temper switch alarm.
Other Components
Sprinkler system components are typically designed for a minimum pressure of 175 pounds per square inch (psi). If
the pressure required in the system is higher than 175 psi, then all system components must be rated for the higher
pressure. It is not unusual for systems to be designed with maximum pressures of 250 to 300 psi.
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BASIC INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Area Limitations Table 9-3 Spacing for Standard Pendent and Upright Sprinklers
The maximum floor area that may be Protection Maximum
Construction Type System Type
Area, sf Spacing, ft
protected by sprinklers supplied on each
Light Hazard
system riser on any one floor is as follows:
Noncombustible Pipe schedule 200 15
• Light hazard: 52,000 square feet
Combustible unobstructed, exposed
• Ordinary hazard: 52,000 square members 3 feet or more on center
Pipe schedule 200 15
feet Noncombustible Hydraulically calculated 225 15
• High-piled storage: 40,000 square Combustible unobstructed, exposed
feet Hydraulically calculated 225 15
members 3 feet or more on center
• Extra hazard, pipe schedule: Combustible obstructed, exposed members
All 168 15
25,000 square feet 3 feet or more on center
• Extra hazard, hydraulically calcu- Combustible obstructed or unobstructed,
All 130 15
exposed members less than 3 feet on center
lated: 40,000 square feet
Ordinary Hazard
Spacing per Sprinkler Head and All All 130 15
Between Sprinkler Heads Extra Hazard
The maximum spacing for standard All Pipe schedule 90 12
pendent and upright sprinklers is shown Hydraulically calculated
in Table 9-3. Other sprinklers, such as All with density more than or 100 12
equal to 0.25
sidewalls, extended coverage, control
Hydraulically calculated
mode specific application (CMSA), ESFR, All
with density less than 0.25
130 15
and residential sprinklers have different
rules, and NFPA 13 and the specific listings of each sprinkler should be consulted for proper design and installation
methods.
Deflector Positions
Under unobstructed construction, the sprinkler deflector should be a minimum of 1 inch and a maximum of 12 inches
below the ceiling. Under obstructed construction, the sprinkler deflector should be located in a horizontal plane between
1 inch and 6 inches below the structural members and a maximum distance of 22 inches below the ceiling/roof deck.
Obstructions to Sprinkler Discharge
NFPA 13 contains numerous figures and tables to clarify where obstructions are considered too significant and could
cause sprinklers to provide inadequate coverage. These rules apply to obstructions such as beams, soffits, privacy
partitions, joists, ducts, lights, etc. In general, sprinklers should be located to minimize obstructions to discharge, or
additional sprinklers should be provided to ensure adequate coverage.
The rule commonly known as the “three times rule” states that a sprinkler located within 24 inches of an obstruction
should be located a distance at least three times the maximum dimension of the obstruction. For example, a sprinkler
located near a 4-inch wide by 4-inch deep obstruction should be located at least 12 inches from the obstruction.
In general, sprinkler deflectors should be located 18 inches above storage or other obstructions that could interrupt
the discharge pattern of the sprinkler.
Additional sprinklers should be installed under fixed obstructions that are more than 4 feet in width (e.g., ducts,
overhead doors). Table 9-4 Drain Sizes for Sprinkler
Systems
System Drains
Riser Pipe, in. Drain Pipe, in.
All sprinkler systems must be installed so the system may be drained if necessary.
If repairs or alterations are required, a main drain valve will allow the system to be 2 and smaller ¾ or larger
2½ to 3½ 1¼ or larger
emptied. Wet pipe systems may be installed level, while dry pipe and preaction systems
4 and larger 2
must be pitched for drainage. The required pitch is ½ inch per 10 feet for branch lines
and ¼ inch per 10 feet for mains. Mains must be pitched at least ½ inch per 10 feet in refrigerated areas.
The required drain pipe size as a function of the riser size is shown in Table 9-4.
Hanging and Restraint Requirements
In general, all components of hanger assemblies that directly attach to the pipe or the building structure must be listed.
NFPA 13 does allow a licensed Professional Engineer to certify other hangers if they meet these requirements:
• They can support five times the weight of the water-filled pipe plus 250 pounds at each point of piping support.
• These points of support shall be adequate to support the system.

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• The spacing between hangers does not exceed that allowed by NFPA 13. Table 9-5 Hanger Rod Sizing
• All hanger components are ferrous. Rod
Pipe Size, in.
Diameter, in.
• Detailed calculations shall be submitted showing the stresses and safety factors allowed.
Sprinkler piping and hangers should not be used to support non-system components. Up to and 3/8
including 4
Hanger rods shall be sized as shown in Table 9-5, and the maximum distance between hangers 5 to 8 ½
is shown in Table 9-6. 10 to 12 5/8
Except when sprinklers are less than 6 feet apart, a hanger is
required on each section of pipe. Sprigs 14 feet or longer need to Table 9-6 Maximum Distance Between Hangers, ft
be restrained against lateral movement. Where sprinkler systems Type of Pipe Pipe Size, in.
are subject to damage by earthquakes, bracing, restraint, and the 1 1¼ 1½ 2 2½ 3 4 6 8
use of flexible joints or clearances must be provided. Steel (except
threaded 12 12 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
lightwall)
DESIGN APPROACHES
Threaded
12 12 12 12 NA NA NA NA NA
Pipe Schedule Systems lightwall
Whereas all systems were once designed on a pipe schedule basis, Copper tube 8 10 10 12 12 12 15 15 15
NFPA 13 no longer allows pipe schedules to be used except for CPVC 6 6½ 7 8 9 10 NA NA NA
modifications or extensions to existing systems or for new systems
less than 5,000 square feet. To determine the water
supply requirements for a pipe schedule, consult
NFPA 13, which gives flow rates and operational
durations for light and ordinary hazards.
Hydraulically Calculated Systems
Three methods to determine the required water
supply using hydraulic calculations follow:
• The design/area method uses design/area
curves (see Figure 9-8). For example, a light
hazard system can be designed to provide
a density of 0.1 gpm over a remote area of
1,500 square feet. Any point along the curve
can be selected. Where quick-response sprin-
klers are used, the area of sprinkler operation Figure 9-8 Design Area Curve Example
can be reduced by up to 40 percent, depend-
ing on the elevation of the ceiling.
• The room design method can be used when all rooms are enclosed with walls having a fire-resistive rating equal
to the required water supply duration. This method allows the water supply requirement to be based on the
sprinklers in the room that creates the greatest demand. Where a room communicates through an unprotected
opening with other rooms, up to two additional sprinklers must be included for each additional room.
• Special design areas: Where a building service chute (trash or linen) is protected with sprinklers, the three most
remote sprinklers shall be calculated with a minimum discharge of 15 gpm each. In spaces where residential
sprinklers can be used within the scope of NFPA 13, the design area shall include the four adjacent sprinklers
that produce the greatest hydraulic demand.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

When developing a sprinkler system design, code requires certain data to be included on the working design drawings.
NFPA 13 lists all of the information required, which includes the following:
• Name, location, and address of the property in which the system will be installed
• Owner and occupant
• Point of compass (north direction)
• Type of construction
• Distance from hydrant
• Special hazard requirements, etc.

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SYSTEM ACCEPTANCE
Hydrostatic Tests
When the sprinkler system’s operating pressure is 150 psi or less, the test pressure must be 200 psi, and the length of
the test must be two hours. For any other operating pressure, the test must be the maximum working pressure plus 50
psi. If the test takes place during the winter, air may be temporarily substituted for water.
Pneumatic Tests
In addition to hydrostatic tests, dry pipe and double-interlocked preaction systems require an air pressure leakage test.
These systems must be tested at 40 psi for a 24-hour period and must not lose more than 1.5 psi during this period.
Flushing
Table 9-7 Underground Main
After installation, underground mains, lead-in connections, and risers must be flushed. This Flushing Flow Rates
operation is very important, because factory-supplied pipes may contain dust, rust, etc., Pipe Size, in. Flow Rate, gpm
in addition to impurities and debris collected during installation. If not eliminated, these 4 390
foreign materials may block a sprinkler’s orifice and render it inoperable. The flushing rates 6 880
prescribed by NFPA 13 for underground mains are shown in Table 9-7. 8 1,560
Operational Tests 10 2,440
All water flow devices should be tested. NFPA 13 allows up to five minutes after flow begins 12 3,520
before an audible alarm sounds on the premises.
Dry pipe systems must have a full-flow trip test. The test should be started by opening the inspector’s test connection
and measuring the time required to trip the valve and the time for water to discharge from the inspector’s test connection.
Deluge and preaction systems should be trip-tested through both manual and automatic means.
All control valves should be operated under system pressure to ensure proper operation.
A main drain test should be conducted and recorded for comparison during future tests.
Each pressure-reducing valve must be tested at both the maximum and normal inlet pressures.

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CE Questions — “Automatic Sprinkler Systems” (CEU 242)

1. Which of the following is a type of commercially available 7. _______ are used in very high-hazard areas where rapid
sprinkler? application of large volumes of water is required to quickly gain
a. early suppression, fast response control of a fire.
b. pendent a. deluge systems
c. quick response b. dry pipe systems
d. all of the above c. preaction systems
d. none of the above
2. A bakery is an example of which occupancy classification?
a. Light Hazard 8. What is the flushing rate prescribed by NFPA 13 for an 8-inch
b. Ordinary Hazard Group 1 underground main?
c. Ordinary Hazard Group 2 a. 390 gpm
d. Extra Hazard Group 1 b. 880 gpm
c. 1,560 gpm
3. A _______ employs automatic sprinklers attached to a piping d. 2,440 gpm
network containing water under pressure at all times.
a. dry pipe system 9. Extended coverage sprinklers cover more than _______ per head
b. wet pipe system or greater distances than standard sprinklers.
c. preaction system a. 100 square feet
d. antifreeze system b. 125 square feet
c. 200 square feet
4. The maximum floor area that may be protected by sprinklers d. 225 square feet
supplied on each system riser on any one floor for an ordinary hazard
occupancy is _______. 10. Sprinkler system components are typically designed for a
a. 25,000 square feet minimum pressure of _______.
b. 40,000 square feet a. 175 psi
c. 42,000 square feet b. 200 psi
d. 52,000 square feet c. 225 psi
d. 275 psi
5. The type of sprinkler piping selected should be based on which
of the following? 11. What is the maximum distance between hangers for 2½-inch
a. maximum system pressure copper tube?
b. ambient conditions a. 15 feet
c. possible exposure of the pipe to fire conditions b. 12 feet
d. all of the above c. 10 feet
d. 9 feet
6. What color glass sprinkler bulb indicates an extra high
temperature classification? 12. A _______ system is often used where valuables are stored and
a. green accidental water discharge may cause damage.
b. blue a. dry pipe
c. purple b. antifreeze
d. black c. preaction
d. deluge