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TECHNICAL BULLETIN
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Sprinkler Protection
NFPA 13 – 2016
Edition
The latest version of NFPA 13: Standard for the Each of these new sections is a beginning
Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Installation of approach to improving protection, but not
Sprinkler Systems sets a new benchmark for an end. This is one of the reasons NFPA
automatic fire sprinkler systems to safeguard standards are revised every three years, so
people and property against fire. Revised to that new research can be incorporated into
reflect the challenges of fire protection in today's the standard. NFPA 13-16 represents the
built environment, NFPA 13-16 presents the latest most up-to-date application of research,
requirements for automatic sprinkler system science and analysis.
design, installation and acceptance testing. The
NFPA 13-16 is an installation standard, not
National Fire Protection Association, UL and FM
an occupancy code. The local building code
Global conducted extensive full scale testing to
will determine whether sprinklers are
guide development of NFPA 13 -16.
required and will also determine whether
Updates to NFPA 13-16 allow for more design the latest version of NFPA 13-16 is in force.
options and greater usability. Changes that are NFPA 13-16 may not yet be the governing
most relevant for manufacturers and distributors standard, but it does represent current best
of EPS products include: practices when designing and installing
sprinkler systems. Refer to the local code
applicable in your area to determine which
• New and
New and upda
updateted
d comm
commododit
ity
y clas
classi
sific
ficat
atio
ion
n version of NFPA 13-16 is currently
tables, the first update in two decades referenced for compliance.
• For the
For the firs
firstt time
time in NF
NFP
PA 13’
13’s
s his
histo
tory
ry
protection schemes for Group A exposed
expanded plastics stored in racks were added
There are several changes to Chapter 5 The first level of Group A plastics are now
Classification of Occupancies and Commodities separated into cartoned, exposed and free-
to help users properly define what type of flowing. These changes were made to help
storage commodity they are dealing with. They simplify the identification of commodity
reflect modern day storage facilities and materials classes, and to place free-flowing as a
that have evolved from wood and metal to standalone consideration. Now when a
plastics. Updated classification tables based on designer is attempting to classify plastics, the
today’s materials help sprinkler system designers question simply becomes is the commodity
avoid common errors in classifying commodities. cartoned, exposed or free-flowing. At that
This improves accuracy and reduces the risk for point the only item requiring additional
mistakes that could prove catastrophic in a fire. consideration are exposed plastics.
CLASS I CLASS II
CLASS III CLASS IV
NON-COMBUSTIBLE NON-COMBUSTIBLE
PLASTICS
EXPANDED NON-EXPANDED
A basic familiarity with the types of sprinklers In addition to k-factor of the sprinkler, water
and sprinkler systems will be helpful to system pressure is also critical. Pressure not
understand the fire protection expert’s input. only impacts output, but also influences
Different sprinkler types include: water droplet size. Minimum pressures of
7-10 psi may be sufficient in some situations,
but high flow systems may require pressure
• ESFR Early Suppression Fast Response of 50 psi or more. High pressure and volume
• CMSA Control Mode Specific Application may require on-site pumping capabilities
• CMDA Control Mode Density/Area which add expense and complexity. While
all sprinkler systems should be evaluated for
their effectiveness, manufacturers who store
Sprinklers are further designated by k-factor, exposed Group A plastics should exercise
which is used to calculate the output of a due diligence to ensure they have adequate
sprinkler head by the following formula: protection.
Q = k-factor • √ pressure
© EPS Industry Alliance 2017 | The EPS industry Alliance publishes technical bulletins to help inform building professionals on
the performance characteristics of expanded polystyrene (EPS) building products. The information contained herein is provided
ithout any express or implied warranty as to its truthfulness or accuracy.
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