Step by Step Hydraulic Calculation

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2
Step-by-Step Hydraulic SuPPLemeNT
Calculations for a Fire

Sprinkler System
Cecil Bilbo
Editor’s Note: This supplement is intended to assist anyone who designs or reviews fire sprinkler systems as
they apply the rules from NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, in manually performing
the hydraulic calculations of fire sprinkler systems. The text is extracted from “Basic Hydraulic Calculations for
the Fire Sprinkler Industry,” which is an unpublished manuscript by Cecil Bilbo.
For many users of NFPA 13, it will be your responsibility to ensure that 7. Calculate how much energy and flow will be needed for the
the system being installed is capable of delivering a certain amount of entire remote area because of that first sprinkler.
water during a fire event. When you have gathered all of the informa- 8. Compare the waterflow and pressure you think is needed to the
tion about a project, you can proceed with the eight steps required to waterflow and pressure that is available at the water supply. If
assess the system’s ability to deliver the appropriate amount of water. the demand is less than that what is available, the calculation
While that sounds simple, it is not easy! Let’s learn, together, how to can be considered successful.
make sure we “put the wet stuff on the red stuff.”
The truth is, we do not do many manual calculations anymore. Current
technology makes it practical for nearly 100 percent of all hydraulic
OVERVIEW calculations to be performed with a computer program. However, a
First, we will determine how much water and energy it will take to con- true understanding of how to perform these calculations manually
trol a fire. Then, we will make sure that the systems we are designing or opens up a world of efficiency, accuracy, and compliance for the user
reviewing will deliver when they are called on. An outline of the eight of NFPA 13 that takes years to accomplish by simply reading hydraulic
steps for hydraulically calculating a fire sprinkler system is as follows: software reports. This supplement uses the sample project described
below to demonstrate how to manually perform hydraulic calcula-
1. Select an appropriate “density/area” or “flow/pressure” strategy tions in accordance with NFPA 13.
for the system to be analyzed.
2. Determine the coverage area for each sprinkler (calculation
SAMPLE PROJECT
spacing versus sprinkler spacing).
3. Determine the arrangement of the system piping, valves, A small building owned by a company that processes and distrib-
and fittings, including changes in elevation. utes fruit juice beverages will be protected with a wet pipe sprinkler
4. Determine the minimum amount of water needed from each system. The 3,792 ft2 building will be used to fill small cans of fruit
individual sprinkler. juices. The system will be designed to protect an ordinary hazard
5. Determine which sprinklers will open in a fire (remote area) (Group 1) occupancy in accordance with the 2016 edition of NFPA 13.
and which ones will be the most demanding of the water The sprinkler system will use quick-response sprinklers having a
supply. 1
⁄2 in. NPT connection and a 5.6 K-factor. The piping will be black-steel,
6. Determine which single sprinkler will be the most demanding, Schedule 40. The branch lines will use cast-iron, threaded fittings, and
and then determine the primary water path and any “attach- the cross main will use cast-iron, grooved fittings. The riser will use
ment” paths. cast-iron flanged fittings except at the top of the riser where it meets
1169
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Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

1170
the cross main. The system riser will have a flanged OS&Y gate valve as
its control valve. The system riser will also have a flanged swing check 4′–0″
valve with gauges and a main drain. 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
The insurance company has determined that the available water 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
5′–0″ 5′–0″
supply for this building will have a static pressure of 72 psi, and a up 1¹⁄₂″ Ordinary hazard Group I
residual pressure of 58 psi with 1200 gpm flowing. This supply has 3″ 9′–0″ 3′–0″ QR sprinklers: K = 5.6
been adjusted to represent the water available at the base of the
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
system riser. The insurance company has indicated that any required
7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
71′– 0″ wall to wall

allowance for fire department hoses should be added at the base of
the riser. up 1¹⁄₂″
3″ 3′–0″
exhibit S2.1 illustrates most of the information needed for the 9′–0”
project sprinkler system. Notice that in order to save space within
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
this text, only the first three branch lines and the riser location within 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
the building are included for this project. A graph of the water sup-
up 1¹⁄₂″ Steel frame building with a flat
ply information provided by the insurance company is shown in
49′–0″ 3″ 47′–0″ 3′–0″ roof without ceiling pockets
exhibit S2.2. at 20′ above finished floor.
2′–0″ 52′–0″ wall to wall
STEP ONE: Select the appropriate “density/area” or
“flow/pressure” strategy for our system.
Exhibit S2.1 System Information and Layout.
While most discussions about hydraulic calculations focus on
the occupancy hazard approach, there are several different
approaches found in Chapter 11, “Design Approaches,” of NFPA 13.
11.2.2 Water Demand Requirements—Pipe Schedule method
These do not include storage applications and other more
11.2.3 Water Demand Requirements—Hydraulic Calculation
intense defensive strategies. Chapter 11 covers common design
methods
approaches for our sample project. The various strategies listed in
11.2.3.2 Density/Area method
Chapter 11 include the following sections:
11.2.3.3 Room Design method
11.2 Occupancy Hazard Fire Control Approach for Spray Sprinklers 11.2.3.4 Special Design Areas
80
Static:
72 psi 0 gpm
70
Residual:
58 psi 1200 gpm
60
50 Water supply available

at the base of the
40 system riser
30
20
10
0
A 0 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325
B 0 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650
C 0 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300
D 0 300 450 600 750 900 1050 1200 1350 1500 1650 1800 1950
Exhibit S2.2 Water Supply Information Provided by Insurance Company.
2016 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

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1171
11.3 Special Design Approaches

11.3.1 Residential Sprinklers 4′–0″
11.3.2 exposure Protection 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
11.3.3 Water Curtains 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
5′–0″ 5′–0″
11.3.4 Sprinklers in “Attics” up 1¹⁄₂″ Determine As
3″ 9′–0″ 3′–0” for this sprinkler
For our project, we have been told to protect this building using
an ordinary hazard (Group 1) occupancy. This would normally lead us 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
to the density/area curves found in 11.2.3.1.1 of NFPA 13. We would 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″

usually choose a “density” of 0.15 gpm/ft2 to be delivered over a 1500 ft2 up 1¹⁄₂″
area of sprinkler operation. The density is how many gallons will need 3′–0″
3″ 9′–0″
to be delivered in each square foot in every minute of the expected fire
event. See Step Four for more about using the density correctly. The 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
“area of sprinkler operation” is also referred to as the “remote area.” See 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
Step Five for more about determining the remote area. up 1¹⁄₂″
We have determined that the appropriate density/area strategy 49′–0″ 3” 47′–0″ 3′–0″
for Step One is from the Ordinary 1 line in Figure 11.2.3.1.1. From this
point on, we will refer to the area/density in its abbreviated form: 2′–0″ 52′–0″ wall to wall
0.15/1500.
Exhibit S2.3 Determining As for an End-of-Line Sprinkler.

STEP TWO: Determine the coverage area of
each sprinkler.
2. Determine the L dimension (spacing between the branch lines)
Our strategies for calculating a system require us to know something 3. Determine the area of coverage (As) by using S × L
about the area that each sprinkler is expected to protect. This is called
the individual sprinkler’s “area of protection.” A sprinkler’s area of pro- Next, determine the As for this sprinkler using the steps we dis-
tection is often referred to as the coverage area of the sprinkler (As). cussed:
Chapter 8 of NFPA 13 tells us how large the coverage area can be for 1. Determine the S dimension (spacing along the branch line).
any sprinkler. The chapter is broken into sections that deal with each a. Twice the distance to the wall is 2 × 5 ft = 10 ft.
type of sprinkler that is commonly available on the market. The best b. The distance to the next sprinkler is 14 ft.
place to start when trying to understand the coverage areas is often c. Choose the larger number of 14 ft for the S dimension.
the first set of rules for an individual type of sprinkler. Section 8.6 2. Determine the L dimension (spacing between the branch lines).
defines the rules for standard spray upright and pendent sprinklers. If a. Twice the distance to the wall is 2 × 4 ft = 8 ft.
we look at 8.6.2.2.1, it provides tables to tell us the maximum square b. As shown at the 3 in. cross main, the distance to the next
feet that a sprinkler is allowed to cover. branch line (or the next sprinkler) is 9 ft.
When trying to determine how much area a sprinkler covers, we c. Choose the larger number of 9 ft for the L dimension.
usually start with 8.5.2 of NFPA 13. This section is titled, “Protection 3. Determine the As by calculating S × L:
Areas per Sprinkler,” and among other things, it explains something
called the “S3 L Rule.” This rule states that the As is equal to the space As = S × L
between sprinklers along the branch line (S) multiplied by the space As = 14 ft × 9 ft
between the branch lines (L). As = 126 ft2
No matter which direction we are discussing, the distance for S The sprinkler we chose in exhibit S2.3 has an area of coverage
and for L are determined the same way. We choose the spacing from that is 126 ft2. If you applied the S × L rules to each sprinkler shown
one of the following: on the first three branch lines of our project, each one will have an As
1. Distance between sprinklers, or that is also 126 ft2. (This assumes that it is 9 ft between the third and
2. Distance to the wall times two. fourth branch lines.)
Always choose the number from these options that results in the
largest distance. STEP THREE: Determine the arrangement of the
If we tried to determine the spacing for the sprinkler in the system piping, valves, and fittings, including
upper-right corner of our project (see exhibit S2.3), we would take the changes in elevation.
following steps:
As stated previously, the piping connecting the sprinklers will be
1. Determine the S dimension (spacing along the branch line) black-steel, Schedule 40. The branch lines will use cast-iron, threaded
Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook 2016

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1172
fittings, and the cross main will use cast-iron, grooved fittings. The
riser will use cast-iron flanged fittings except at the top of the riser As = 126 ft2
where it meets the cross main. The system riser will have a flanged
OS&Y gate valve as its control valve. The system riser will also have a 4′
flanged swing check valve with gauges and a main drain.
14′
We will also need to know that the branch lines are installed 1 ft 8′–6″
below the roof deck. exhibit S2.1 indicates that the roof deck is 20 ft True footprint
4′–6″
above the finished floor (or 20 ft aff ). Therefore, the branch lines = 102 ft2
will be installed at 19 ft above the floor (or 19 ft aff ). exhibit S2.1 also 9′
7′ 5′
indicates that the cross main is located 3 ft below the branch lines (as
indicated by the length of the riser nipples). Therefore, the cross main 12′–0″
will be installed at 16 ft above the floor (or 16 ft aff ).
Fittings such as tees and elbows will need to be accounted for
in our calculations. Any valves that occur in the path of waterflow will
Exhibit S2.5 Determining As for an Individual Sprinkler Showing
also need to be included. Therefore, we must identify where there are True Footprint Area.
changes in the direction of waterflow (usually through fittings) and
where the water will travel through valves and other special devices.
We have all of the information we will need regarding the But we must use the S × L Rule to determine how much water is required
arrangement of system piping, valves and fittings, and elevation from a sprinkler. For our project, that means we must use 126 ft2 as the
changes as shown in exhibit S2.4. area of coverage for the calculations.
Now that we have determined the sprinkler’s As, imagine that in
each square foot we place a pan to catch the water coming from the
sprinkler. While it is not accurate, the diagram shown in exhibit S2.6
4 3 2 1 4′–0″
1� 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″ gives you an idea of what we are describing. When we calculate the
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″ water from a sprinkler, we must ensure that an appropriate amount of
5′–0″ 5′–0″ water falls in each square foot (or pan).
up 1¹⁄₂″
3″ 9′–0″ 3′– 0″ The amount of water that falls into each square foot in one min-
8 7 6 5 ute is called the density. Therefore, we could say that density is gal-
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
lons per minute per square foot (gpm/ft2). If we know the coverage
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″
71′–0″ wall to wall
area of a sprinkler and the density that is required, we can determine

up 1¹⁄₂″ 9 the total amount of water that must come from a sprinkler. In other
3″ 3′– 0″ words, the total amount of water that must flow from a sprinkler (Qs),
9′–0″
D 1″
is determined by multiplying the As by the density (D). This could be
1¹⁄₄″ C 1¹⁄₄″ B 1″ A
expressed as:
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″
up 1¹⁄₂″
Q s = As × D
49′–0″ 3″ 47′– 0″ 3′– 0″ In Step One, we determined that this project would have a required
density of 0.15 gallons per minute per square foot (0.15 gpm/ft2). using
2′–0″ 52′– 0″ wall to wall
Exhibit S2.4 Determining As for an Individual Sprinkler.

As = 126 ft2
STEP FOUR: Determine the minimum amount of 4′

water needed from each individual sprinkler.
We determined that the sprinkler we chose in exhibit S2.3 has an area of
4′–6″
coverage that is 126 ft2 (As = 126 ft2). We use this area to determine how
much water must come from the sprinkler during a fire event. Some
readers might not understand that the area of coverage (for determin- 7′ 5′
ing waterflow) is different than the actual area that might be on the
floor under the sprinkler. For our project (see exhibit S2.5), the sprinkler
only has 102 ft2 of floor space beneath it (8 ft, 6 in. × 12 ft, 0 in. = 102 ft2). Exhibit S2.6 Diagram of 126 ft2 Area.

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1173
the sprinkler from our project (see exhibit S2.6), we could say that the For our project, the only area reduction or increase in the
flow from the sprinkler (Qs) is the area of coverage (As = 126 ft2) times the standard that would apply is the reduction allowed for using quick-
density (D = 0.15 gpm/ft2) or: response sprinklers. According to 11.2.3.2.3, the four criteria that must
be met in order to reduce the size of the remote area are as follows:
Q s = As × D
Qs = 126 ft2 × 0.15 gpm/ft2 1. It must be a wet pipe system.
Qs = 18.9 gpm 2. The occupancy must be light or ordinary hazard.
3. The highest point of the ceiling can be no more than 20 ft from
The flow from any sprinkler on our project will need to be at least
the floor.
18.9 gpm to meet the minimum requirements of NFPA 13.
4. There must be no unprotected ceiling pockets larger than 32 ft2
as allowed in 8.6.7 and 8.8.7.
STEP FIVE: Determine which sprinklers will open
In looking back at exhibit S2.4, we are able to confirm that we
in a fire (remote area) and which will be the most
meet all of these criteria. Therefore, we can apply Figure 11.2.3.2.3.1
demanding of the water supply. of NFPA 13 in determining the reduction allowed for our remote area.
In Step One, we selected an “area of sprinkler operation” of 1500 ft2. This figure indicates that the higher the ceiling, the lower the per-
We chose a value from the density/area curves found in Figure missible reduction. Or, in other words, the closer the quick-response
11.2.3.1.1 of NFPA 13. We chose the ordinary hazard (Group 1) curve sprinklers are to the fire, the more we can reduce the remote area
and selected the smallest area of sprinkler operation available for because of how quickly the sprinklers will activate. The higher the
that curve. The “area of sprinkler operation” is also referred to as the ceiling gets, and the farther from the fire the sprinklers are, the longer
“remote area.” The remote area could be considered to indicate the it will take the sprinklers to activate. The higher the ceiling, the larger
area of a fire we would be expected to control using the occupancy the remote area will be required to be. We can see from exhibit S2.7
hazard method. When using the density/area method from 11.2.3 of that we can reduce the remote area on our project by 25 percent
NFPA 13, we are told to adjust the size of the remote area (without because we have a 20 ft high ceiling.
changing the density) for different situations that might exist in the
building we are protecting. Sometimes we are required to increase
the size of the remote area, and other times we might be permitted to y-axis
Percent reduction to design area
reduce the size of a remote area.

40
In NFPA 13, 11.2.3.2.5 requires us to increase the size of the
remote area by 30 percent to accommodate the delay in water
30
delivery from a dry pipe or a double interlock preaction system.
The delay in water delivery will allow the fire to grow and will result
20
in more sprinklers opening. If the system you are calculating is of
the dry or double interlock type, you would be required to increase
10
a 1500 ft2 remote area by 30 percent. This would mean that you
would have an area of sprinkler operation that is 1950 ft2 (1500 ft2
x-axis
× 1.3 = 1950 ft2). 10 20 30
Ceiling height (ft)
In NFPA 13, 11.2.3.2.3 permits you to reduce the size of the
–3x
remote area if you use quick-response sprinklers, provided that Note: y = 2 + 55
your project meets other certain conditions. This would be allowed For ceiling height ≥ 10 ft, and ≤ 20 ft, y = –3x
2
+ 55
For ceiling height < 10 ft, y = 40
when the sprinklers are close enough to the fire scenario to activate
For ceiling height > 20 ft, y = 0
faster than standard-response sprinklers and gain control of the fire For SI units, 1 ft = 0.31 m.
when it is smaller in size. And among other conditions, the fire would
need to be in a less challenging occupancy. using this allowance, we
might actually consider a fire that is up to 40 percent smaller than Exhibit S2.7 Design Area Reduction for Quick-Response Sprinklers
(Source: Figure 11.2.3.2.3.1, NFPA 13, 2016 edition).
the size of the remote area.
Once we have finally applied all of the increases and reductions,
11.2.3.1.4 of NFPA 13 would require us to ensure that the remote area A reduction of 25 percent means we need to multiply the
is at least 3,000 ft2 in size. This would be needed when certain combus- original remote area size we chose from the density/area curves by
tible concealed spaces are left unprotected in accordance with other 75 percent. A 1500 ft2 remote area multiplied by 75 percent equals
rules in NFPA 13. In these certain situations, the standard requires that 1125 ft2. Therefore, the remote area for our project will need to be at
we double the usual 1500 ft2 remote area to at least 3000 ft2 in size. least 1125 ft2.
Again, this is required after all other reductions and increases have The final density/area we will use for calculating our project is
been applied. 0.15 gpm/1125 ft2.

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1174
Now that we have determined the size of the remote area, we

must next determine the shape of the remote area. This shape of the Length of remote area = 1.2 × √A
remote area determines which sprinklers will be calculated to flow
water in the event of a fire. Since our remote area is 1125 ft2, it would
be very easy to create a square remote area.
If we determined the square root of the remote area, this
would give us the length of one side of a square (L) that would be
large enough to meet the requirement for our remote area. (See
exhibit S2.8.)
Exhibit S2.9 Rectangular Remote Area Opens More Sprinklers on

Length of remote area = 1.2 × √A a Line.
L = 1.0 × √A L = 1.2 × √A The shape of our remote area for our project needs to be at least
40 ft, 3 in. long. And then we need to add enough sprinklers so that
the remote area will be at least 1125 ft2 in size. How many sprinklers
will we need if we know from Step Two that each sprinkler on our
project will be considered to have a coverage area of 126 ft2 (As =
126 ft2)?
The remote area divided by the area of sprinkler coverage equals
the number of sprinklers you will need.
Remote Area ÷ As = min. Number of Flowing Sprinklers

Exhibit S2.8 Remote Area Shapes (Determining ‘L’).
1125 ft2 ÷ 126 ft2 = 8.9 sprinklers
Since we will never open part of a sprinkler, any time we pass a whole
This calculation would be fine if every fire were to grow sym-
number of sprinklers, we must round to the next whole number. For
metrically and stay within the square. But as we do with everything
example, 7.1 sprinklers means that we would open eight sprinklers.
in calculating fire sprinkler systems, we should account for a fire that
For our project, we will need to open at least nine sprinklers.
grows in a way that is challenging to the sprinkler system.
This works perfectly when the area of coverage is the same as
So, rather than having the length of the remote area (L) equal the
the actual footprint of each individual sprinkler and when all the
square root of the remote area, we could make the remote area lon-
sprinklers have the same area of coverage.
ger. In fact, the instruction for calculating sprinkler systems in Chapter
Our next step is to determine where the shape of our remote
23 of NFPA 13 requires us to increase the square root of the remote
area will be placed on our system. We should place it away from the
area by 20 percent to determine the length of the remote area (L).
water supply and in a place that will be the most challenging to get
(See 23.4.4.2.1 of NFPA 13.) If we looked at the relative shapes for
water to the sprinklers that will open within our remote area shape.
remote areas using these two methods of determining shapes, they
In fact, try to determine which sprinkler will be the most challenging
would appear similar to exhibit S2.8.
to get water to.
If we wanted to see how using a longer rectangular remote
We will begin by looking at the system and determining where
area might be more challenging when calculating the sprinkler
the most challenging place to deliver water to sprinklers will be. For
system, we should think about how many sprinklers would open
our project, this is a simple exercise, and it begins by evaluating the
on a single branch line if these shapes were our choices. exhibit
sprinkler at the upper-right corner. This is the one we used in Step
S2.9 shows us how the rectangular shape would require more
Two to determine the area of coverage for an individual sprinkler.
sprinklers on a single branch line to be considered open during
(See exhibit S2.10.)
a fire event.
use the far point of this sprinkler’s area of coverage to lay out
In 23.4.4.1.1.1 of NFPA 13, it states, in part: “. . . the design area
the shape of our 1125 ft2 remote area. We said that the length of the
shall be a rectangular area having a dimension parallel to the branch
remote area (L) needed to be at least 40 ft, 3 in. That would mean we
lines at least 1.2 times the square root of the area of sprinkler opera-
should draw a line from the far corner of the building as shown in
tion (A) used . . .”
exhibit S2.11 to represent L.
Our next step is to determine how long the remote area for
If this dimension goes beyond the midway point between two
our project needs to be. We need to determine L by multiplying the
sprinklers, then we must add an additional sprinkler to ensure that we
square root of 1125 ft2 by 1.2.
meet the minimum L dimension we determined earlier. In this case,
L = 1.2 × √1125 exhibit S2.12 shows that the midway point between the third and
L = 40.25 fourth sprinkler on this line is shorter than the minimum L dimension.

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1175
L turns out to be 52′–0″ L must be at least 40′–3″

4′–0″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
40′–0” midway between sprinklers to wall
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
5′–0″ 5′–0″ 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″ 5′–0″
up 1¹⁄₂″ Likely the most
demanding sprinkler 5′–0″
3″ 9′–0″ 3′– 0″ up 1¹⁄₂″
3″ 9′–0″ 3′–0″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″

up 1¹⁄₂″ Exhibit S2.13 Actual “L” Dimension Ends up Being Required to
3′– 0″
3″ 9′–0″ Be 52 ft.
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″ open if we are to cover enough area to meet the minimum size for
our remote area.
up 1¹⁄₂″
49′–0″ 3″ 47′– 0″ 3′– 0″
We will need four sprinklers on the first branch line (all of them
on the first branch line) and then another four sprinklers on the sec-
2′–0″ 52′– 0″ wall to wall ond branch line. The question becomes, which sprinkler on the third
branch line should we use as the ninth sprinkler? (See exhibit S2.14.)
Exhibit S2.10 Most Demanding Sprinkler.
4 3 2 1 4′–0″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
L must be at least 40′– 3″ along the branch lines 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
5′–0″ 5′–0″
up 1¹⁄₂″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
3″ 9′–0″ 3′–0″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 5′–0″
8 7 6 5
5′–0″ 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
up 1¹⁄₂″
7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″

3″ 9′–0″ 3′– 0″
up 1¹⁄₂″ 9
3″ 3′–0″
9′–0″
Exhibit S2.11 Minimum L Dimension. D 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ C 1¹⁄₄″ B 1″ A
7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
up 1¹⁄₂″
L must be at least 40′– 3″
49′–0″ 3″ 47′–0″ 3′–0″
40′– 0″ midway between sprinklers to wall
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 5′–0″
5′–0″
up 1¹⁄₂″
3″ 9′–0″ 3′– 0″ Exhibit S2.14 Determining Which Is the Ninth Sprinkler to Open.
The answer to our question can be deceiving. It is instinctive to

Exhibit S2.12 Midway Between the Third and Fourth Sprinkler Is say that it would be more challenging to make water flow from the
Too Short to Meet the “L” Dimension. sprinkler labeled “A” in exhibit S2.14. But we must remember that we
will pushing on the water hard enough to deliver water to sprinkler
Therefore, we are going to need to include the fourth sprinkler in number one. As we get closer to the water supply, the pressure we
order to have opened enough sprinklers to meet the minimum length have available at each sprinkler will be higher. For this reason, Figure
of our remote area shape (L) that is required by NFPA 13. exhibit S2.13 A.23.4.4 in NFPA 13 indicates that the sprinkler closest to the main
shows the actual L dimension that must be used. should be chosen for tree systems. (See Note 2 in exhibit S2.15.)
Once we have determined how many sprinklers will open on Therefore, we should choose Sprinkler C from exhibit S2.14
one branch line, we must add additional sprinklers until we reach the above as the ninth sprinkler for our remote area. exhibit S2.16 shows
correct size for our remote area (1125 ft2 for our project). We deter- all nine sprinklers chosen for our original attempt at selecting the cor-
mined earlier that we are going to need at least nine sprinklers to rect size and shape of our remote area.

. ..

1176
4 3 2 1 4′–0″
1 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
X X X X X X
10' 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
between lines 5′–0″ 5′–0″
2 X X X X X X up 1¹⁄₂″
3″ 9′–0″ 3′–0″
3 8 7 6 5
X X X X X X 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″

4 X X X X X X up 1¹⁄₂″
3″ 3′–0″
A B C D E F 9′–0″
9
Notes: 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
1. For gridded systems, the extra sprinkler (or sprinklers) on branch
7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
line 4 can be placed in any adjacent location from B to E at the
designer’s option. up 1¹⁄₂″
2. For tree and looped systems, the extra sprinkler on line 4 49′–0″ 3″ 47′–0″ 3′–0″
should be placed closest to the cross main.

Exhibit S2.15 Choosing the Sprinkler Closest to the Main.
Exhibit S2.17 Actual Floor Area Covered by Sprinklers 1–4.
4 3 2 1 4′–0″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″
5′–0″ 4 3 2 1 4′–0″
5′–0″ 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
up 1¹⁄₂″
3″ 9′–0″ 3′– 0″ 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
8 7 6 5 5′–0″ 5′–0″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″ up 1¹⁄₂″
3″ 9′–0″ 3′–0″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″
8 7 6 5
up 1¹⁄₂″ 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
3′– 0″ 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″

3″ 9′–0″
9 up 1¹⁄₂”
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″ 3′–0″
3″ 9′–0″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″
9
up 1¹⁄₂″ 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
49′–0″ 3″ 47′– 0″ 3′– 0″ 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
up 1¹⁄₂″
2′–0″ 52′– 0″ wall to wall 49′–0″ 3″ 47′–0″ 3′–0″

Exhibit S2.16 Nine Sprinklers Originally Selected for Our Remote Area.
Our next step is to determine if the sprinklers we selected actu- Exhibit S2.18 Actual Floor Area Covered by Sprinklers 5–8.
ally do cover enough floor space to meet the minimum size for a
1125 ft2 remote area. The first thing we will do now is to determine The area that is actually covered by these four sprinklers can be
the area of coverage for Sprinklers 1–4, as shown in exhibit S2.17. determined by multiplying the width of the remote area by the dimen-
The area that is actually covered by these four sprinklers can sion of coverage of this branch line perpendicular to the branch line.
be determined by multiplying the width of the remote area by the The first branch line covers a length of 52 ft wide by 9 ft, 0 in. perpen-
dimension of coverage of this branch line perpendicular to the dicular to the branch line.
branch line. The first branch line covers a length of 52 ft wide by 8 ft,
52 ft × 9 ft, 0 in. = 468 ft2
6 in. perpendicular to the branch line.
The next step is to determine the area of coverage for Sprinkler
52 ft × 8 ft, 6 in. = 442 ft2
9, as shown in exhibit S2.19.
The next step is to determine the area of coverage for Sprinklers The area that is actually covered by this sprinkler is the same as the
5–8, as shown in exhibit S2.18. “area of coverage” for each individual sprinkler (14 ft × 9 ft = 126 ft2).

. ..

1177
4 3 2 1 4′–0″ 4 3 2 1 4′–0″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″ 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
5′–0″ 5′–0″ 5′–0″ 5′–0″
up 1¹⁄₂″ up 1¹⁄₂″
3″ 9′–0″ 3′– 0″ 3″ 9′–0″ 3′–0″
8 7 6 5 8 7 6 5
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″ 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″

up 1¹⁄₂″ up 1¹⁄₂″
3″ 3′– 0″ 3′–0″
9′–0″ 3″ 9′–0″
9 10 9
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″ 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
up 1¹⁄₂″ up 1¹⁄₂″
49′–0″ 3′– 0″ 49′–0″ 3′–0″
3″ 47′– 0″ 3″ 47′–0″
2′–0″ 52′– 0″ wall to wall 2′–0″ 52′–0″ wall to wall
Exhibit S2.19 Actual Floor Area Covered by Sprinkler 9. Exhibit S2.20 Final Shape and Size of Remote Area with Ten
Flowing Sprinklers.
If we add all three of these areas together we can determine the
actual area being covered by these sprinklers. many designers refer to water supply. This can happen when there are different spacings
this as the “footprint” of the remote area. for individual sprinklers on a project. For our project, the path that
the water takes from the water supply to Sprinkler 1 (the “primary
Sprinklers 1–4 442 ft2
path”) is very easy to determine. We need to describe this path, and
Sprinklers 5–8 468 ft2
to do that we will need to place reference points on our drawing
Sprinkler 9 126 ft2
to help us label the path. A reference point is often called a “node”
Total Remote Area 1036 ft2 when performing hydraulic calculations. A node is any point on the
This is not enough area to meet the minimum requirements of system to which we assign a label. usually, nodes are the endpoints
NFPA 13 for our remote area of 1125 ft2, so we must add sprinklers of a piece of pipe. Nodes can also be placed at the connection
until we cover enough actual area in our “footprint” to meet the mini- points to valves, any flowing sprinklers, and other system devices.
mum of 1125 ft2. So, the next step is to add a tenth sprinkler to our By using nodes to describe the path that water flows, we can break
remote area, as shown in exhibit S2.20. the system into manageable parts so we can determine how much
Sprinkler 10 has an actual footprint of 12 ft × 9 ft, or 108 ft2. When energy we need for pushing water through a system. Nodes come
we add sprinkler 10 to the 1036 ft2 covered that are actually covered in handy for many other reasons, and we will try to show some of
by Sprinklers 1–9, we end up with a remote area of 1144 ft2. This will those later.
be the size and shape of the remote area for our project. So, where do we need to place the nodes on this system? There
are four criteria that will determine the location where nodes will be
required. We will need to place nodes at the following locations:
STEP SIX: Determine which single sprinkler will
be the most demanding, and then determine the 1. Open sprinklers
primary water path and any “attachment” paths. 2. Any point where water flows away from the primary path
3. Any change in pipe diameter (usually a change in pipe size or
As we stated at the beginning of Step Five, we have good reason to
pipe type)
believe that Sprinkler 1 will be the most challenging sprinkler in terms
4. Any change in internal roughness (usually a change in C-factor
of delivering water. We say this for two reasons. First, the sprinkler is
due to pipe or system type)
the farthest from the water supply. And second, no other sprinkler has
a larger “area of coverage” (As) that would indicate a need to deliver We have already placed nodes at open sprinklers when we
more water. labeled the sprinklers in our most remote area. We previously identi-
Step Six asks us to determine the “primary path” that water fied sprinklers by placing Nodes 1 through 10 on our system draw-
would take from the water supply to the single most demanding in exhibit S2.20. Now, we must identify all of the nodes needed
ing sprinkler. We will call that sprinkler the most remote sprinkler, to describe this entire system. We will place nodes as determined by
even though it might not be the sprinkler that is farthest from the the four criteria listed above. The placement of nodes on this project

..

1178
becomes rather simple, as we only need to place nodes where the

pipe sizes change. Later, you will see that this also includes locations RN1 3 2 1
CM1 3″
1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″
where waterflow changes. Because the internal roughness does not
To 7′–0″ 14′–0″ 14′–0″
change on the system piping that we will be considering, no addi-
sprinkler
tional nodes are needed for this factor. We have placed nodes at the #4 3″ 9′–0″
up 1¹⁄₂″
3′–0″ 3″ 11′–0″
top of the branch line riser nipples (RN1, RN2, and RN3) and where the
CM2
riser nipples meet the cross mains (Cm1, Cm2, and Cm3). And finally, To branch line #2
we have placed a node at the base of the riser (BOR) where our analy-
sis of this system will end. Primary path:
3″ 9′–0″ 1, 2, 3, RN1, CM1, CM2, CM3, BOR
examine exhibit S2.21 and try to list all of the nodes that will
identify the primary path. That is to say, if you were the water and 3″ 2′–3″
CM3
you had to travel from Node BOR all the way to Node 1, which nodes
would you have to pass along the way? To branch line #3 BOR
3″ 47′–0″
BOR
RN1
CM1
4 3 2 1 4′–0″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″ Exhibit S2.22 Identifying the Primary Path.
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″
5′–0″ 5′–0″
up 1¹⁄₂″ exhibit S2.23 shows an isometric version of our project for us to use as
RN2 3″ 9′–0v 3′– 0″ we try to describe the attachment paths.
8 CM2 7 6 5
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″ The first attachment path we will describe is where water leaves
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0v the primary path at node RN1 and flows to Sprinkler 4. If we were
to list the nodes in that path, we would simply write 4-RN1. (See
up 1¹⁄₂″
3′– 0″ exhibit S2.24.)
RN3 3″ 9′–0″
We need to describe each attachment path so we can see the
10 CM3 9
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1″ minimum amount of energy and water that will be needed to flow
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 14′– 0″ water in that path. We will account for that path by describing it as an
outlet in the primary path. Remember that we identified the nodes
up 1¹⁄₂″
49′–0″ 3’– 0″ where water flows away from the primary path. Where this occurs,
3″ 47′– 0v we will create an outlet or an equivalent K-factor to describe all of
2′–0″ BOR 52′– 0″ wall to wall the pipe and fittings in that attachment path. We will first calculate
the minimum flow (Q) and pressure (P) that would be required in that
attachment path. Then we will use that information to determine an
Exhibit S2.21 System with All Required Nodes. equivalent K-factor (Keq). (Keq = Q ÷ p .) We will use that equivalent
I often ask my students to “be the water” as they try to determine

paths and node placements. If you imagine yourself traveling 4 RN1
3 2
through the system piping toward Node 1, you will easily under- 1¹⁄₄″ 1″ 1
1¹⁄₄″
stand which node points make up the primary path. In exhibit S2.22, 8 RN2 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 1″
7 14′–0″
we show only the piping and the nodes that make up the primary 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ CM1 14′–0″
10 RN3 1¹⁄₄″
7′–0″ 7′–0″ 1″
path. 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 14′–0″ 6
14′–0″ 5
Notice that while we are “being the water,” we show the nodes 7′–0″ 7′–0″
3″ 9 CM2
where water flows away from the primary path. This would be at the
nodes representing sprinklers (1, 2, and 3), at the node where water 47′–0″ CM3
will go out to Sprinkler 4 (RN1), and at the second and third branch
lines (Cm2 and Cm3). We have colored these nodes green in our list of
nodes in exhibit S2.22.
3″
Next, we will need to describe any other path where water
flows. Besides flowing directly from sprinklers, we know that water BOR
leaves the primary path at nodes Cm3, Cm2, and RN1. We will need to
describe the piping of each of those paths by listing the nodes in each
of these attachment paths. Exhibit S2.23 System Isometric with Nodes.

. ..

1179
4 RN1 RN1
3 2 3 2
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 1 1¹⁄₄″ 1
1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″
8 RN2 7′– 0″ 7′– 0″ 1″ 8 RN2 7′–0″ 1v
7 14′– 0″ 7 14′–0″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ CM1 14′–0″ 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ CM1 14′–0v
10 RN3 1¹⁄₄″ 10 RN3 1¹⁄₄″
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 1″ 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 1″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 14′– 0″ 6 1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 14′–0″ 6
14′– 0″ 5 14′–0″ 5
7′–0″ 7′–0″ 7′–0″ 7′–0″
3″ 9 CM2 3″ 9 CM2
47′–0″ CM3 47′–0″ CM3
3″ 3″
BOR BOR
Exhibit S2.24 First Attachment Path. Exhibit S2.26 Second Attachment Path.
K-factor to represent the outlet in our primary path, and this will be and pressure (P) that would be required from the first branch line
how we ultimately determine how much water would flow from the (Cm1) to determine an equivalent K-factor (Keq). (Keq = Q ÷ p )
sprinklers in the attachment path. (See exhibit S2.25.) We will use that equivalent K to represent the outlet in our pri-
mary path and this will be how we ultimately determine how much
water would flow from the sprinklers on the second branch line. (See
Use K-factor
from 1st path exhibit S2.27.)
RN1 3 2 1
1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″
8 RN2 7′– 0″ 1″
7 14′– 0″
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ CM1 14′–0″
10 RN3 1¹⁄₄″ RN1 3
7′–0″ 7′– 0″ 1″ 2
1″ 1¹⁄₄″ 14′– 0″ 6 1¹⁄₄″ 1
14′– 0″ 5 1¹⁄₄″
7′–0″ 7′–0″ 1″
7′–0″ 14′–0″
3″ 9 CM2 14′–0″
10 RN3 CM1
47′–0″ CM3 1″ 1¹⁄₄″
7′–0″ 7′–0″
3” 9 CM2
47′–0″ CM3 Use K-factor
3″ from CM1
BOR
3″
BOR
Exhibit S2.25 Plugging in an Equivalent K-factor for First
Attachment Path.
The second attachment path is where water leaves the primary Exhibit S2.27 Plugging in an Equivalent K-factor for Second
path at node Cm2 and flows to Sprinklers 5, 6, 7, and 8. (See exhibit S2.26.) Attachment Path.
As we did previously, we will account for this path by describing
it as an outlet in the primary path. We will again create an outlet or Next, we will need to identify the third attachment path. This
an equivalent K-factor to describe all of the pipe and fittings in the path is where water leaves the primary path at Node Cm3 and flows
second attachment path. As we did previously, we’ll first calculate the to Sprinklers 9 and 10. (See exhibit S2.28.) We would choose to list the
attachment path and then use the minimum flow (Q) and pressure (P) nodes for this path as 10-RN3-Cm3. Of the two sprinklers on this path,
to determine an equivalent K-factor (Keq). we would choose to start with Sprinkler 10 as it will be the more chal-
If you examine the pipe and fitting arrangement of the entire lenging sprinkler to which we must deliver water.
second branch line, you will see that the second branch line is iden- Water flows away from this attachment at Node RN3 and goes
tical to the first branch line. So, rather than perform two calcula- out to Sprinkler 9. We will need to describe the piping that goes
tions for identical branch lines, we will use the minimum flow (Q) from 9-RN3 as an outlet in the third attachment path. We will first

. ..

1180
RN1 3 RN1 3
2 1 2 1
Use K-factor 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″
from 1st path 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″
1″ 1″
7′– 0″ 14′– 0″ 7′–0″
(4-RN1) 14′–0″
14′–0″ 14′–0″
10 RN3 CM1 CM1
1″ 1¹⁄₄″
7′–0″ 7′–0″
3” 9 CM2 3″ CM2
47′–0″ CM3 47′–0″
CM3
Use K-factor
from 3rd path
3″ 3″
BOR BOR
Exhibit S2.28 Third Attachment Path. Exhibit S2.30 Plugging in an Equivalent K-factor for Third
Attachment Path.
calculate the minimum flow (Q) and pressure (P) that would be
attachment paths. And with exhibit S2.31, we can see the primary path
required at Sprinkler 9 and through the pipe feeding it. Then, we
that is used to perform the final calculations. We are finally ready to walk
will use that information to determine an equivalent K-factor (Keq).
through the actual calculation procedures for the system on our project.
(Keq = Q ÷ p .) We will use that equivalent K-factor to represent the
outlet at RN3 and use this outlet in calculating the third attachment
path. (See exhibit S2.29.)
Use K-factor
from 1st path RN1 3 2 1
1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″
1″
7′–0″ 14′–0″
RN1 14′–0″
3 2 CM1
Use K-factor 1¹⁄₄″ 1
from 1st path 1¹⁄₄″
1″
(4-RN1) 7′– 0″ 14′– 0″
14′–0″ 3″ CM2
RN3 CM1
1¹⁄₄″ 47′–0″ Use K-factor
CM3
from CM1
7′–0″
3″ 9 CM2 Use K-factor
from 3rd path
47′–0″ CM3
3″
BOR
3″
BOR
Exhibit S2.31 Primary Path with Outlets for the Attachment Paths.
Exhibit S2.29 Outrigger at Third Attachment Path. STEP SEVEN: Calculate how much energy and flow
will be needed for the entire remote area because
of that first sprinkler.
With a sprinkler at Node 10 and an equivalent K-factor at
Node RN3, we are all set to describe our third attachment path as We have discussed how much water must flow from individual sprin-
10-RN3-Cm3. Now we will be prepared to calculate the minimum klers and from created virtual paths for waterflow in our project sys-
flow (Q) and pressure (P) that would be required in the third attach- tem. It is now time to consider what amount of energy it will take
ment path. We will use that information to determine an equivalent to do the work of flowing water to the sprinklers. We will also con-
K-factor (Keq). (Keq = Q ÷ p .) We will use that equivalent K-factor to sider the turbulence and resulting friction losses created by fittings,
represent the outlet (Cm3) in our primary path. (See exhibit S2.30.) valves, and other devices.
Now with all three attachment paths defined, we can visualize We are ready to walk through the calculation procedures to com-
only the primary path and the points where we will account for our plete the calculation for this project. We will start with the attachment

. ..

1181
paths and finish with the primary path. The following steps are generally Step 7.1: Complete the hydraulic analysis form
used to calculate the piping in a path: using the data known for your path.
1. Complete a hydraulic analysis form using the data known for The first thing we will do is start entering data onto the NFPA
your path. hydraulic calculation forms. We will use the pipe analysis form for
2. Determine the minimum required starting pressure for your performing calculations manually. This detailed worksheet is Fig-
end outlet. ure 23.3.5.1.2(d) in NFPA 13. exhibit S2.32 shows the standards we
3. Determine the flow from the outlet (q) (if the pipe segment has will use for rounding the numbers in our calculation. Be sure to use
a K-factor shown). these standards if you would like to get the same results that are
4. Verify that Q, K, and P are valid each time a new pipe segment shown in this supplement.
is started. We will calculate the waterflow through the attachment paths
5. Determine the total flow (Q) in the pipe segment. to determine their equivalent K-factors. Then we will calculate the
6. Determine if any fitting modifiers would apply to the pipe primary path. enter the data we know for the first attachment path.
segment. We described this in Step Six as 4-RN1. We have entered the known
7. Determine the friction loss per foot. data for this path in exhibit S2.33.
8. Determine the friction loss for the entire pipe segment. We know the following data about this path and should enter it
9. Determine any elevation loss or gain. in the appropriate place on the form:
10. Total the required pressures to create a new total pressure (Pt)
for the next pipe segment. 1. Node tags (4 and RN1)
11. use the total pressure to begin again at Step 3 of this list on the 2. elevation of each node (19 ft and 16 ft)
next pipe segment. 3. K-factor for the sprinkler (5.6)
12. When you reach the end of an attachment path, create an 4. minimum required flow [Qs = As × density (D) = 126 × 0.15 =
equivalent K-factor to place in the primary path. 18.9 gpm]
13. When you reach the end of the primary path, compare the 5. Pipe size and actual internal diameter (1 in. and 1.049)
needed flow and pressure to that available from the water 6. Length of pipe (L) is 7 ft
supply. 7. Tee fitting. There is a tee attached to this pipe, and the energy we
14. Be sure to consider any requirement for hose allowance. Let’s walk would lose to friction by going through that fitting is the same as
through this process, one item at a time. if we went through 5 ft of pipe. (See Table 22.4.3.1.1, Tee or Cross.)
Node K flow added- C Pt total

Elev 1 Nominal ID fittings- L ft
1 factor this step (q) qty and
F ft Pf per Pe elev notes
Node equiv
Elev 2 total flow Actual ID foot
2 length T ft Pf frict
(Q)
0.1 0.1 Nom 1/4 or L 0.1 C= Pt 0.1

0.10 q
ID 1/2 (see Equivalent K-factors 0.22
F 0.1 Pe 0.1
(see notes) Fitting Modifiers 0.333
0.1 Q 0.1 Act 0.333
notes) 0.333 0.1
ID T Pf 0.1
Pt 0.1
Exhibit S2.32 Rounding Standards for NFPA Calculations.

Node equiv
(Q)
4 19.0 18.9 Nom L 7.0 C = 120 Pt

5.60 q 1
ID
1T = 5’ F 5.0 Pe
RN1 19.0 Q Act
1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf
Exhibit S2.33 Known Data in First Attachment Path (4-RN1).

. ..

1182
8. Total equivalent length of pipe (12 ft). riser will be accounted for twice. The water will turn going into the
9. C-factor (120). 1 in. outrigger. The water will also turn into the 11⁄4 in. pipe. We will
account for a tee in each of those pipe segments in our path. We will
Item 7 in the list above has us adding a certain amount of feet
also include a tee in the pipe segment that describes the riser nipple.
of pipe to represent the energy lost when we turn a corner or go
exhibit S2.36 shows where the fittings should be included.
through a piece of equipment that creates moderate turbulence. We
turn the corner through tees and elbows. Welded outlets are consid-
ered tees in NFPA 13 calculations. equipment, like gate valves and
This tee is accounted
check valves, also causes enough turbulence for us to consider in our for on both pipes.
calculations. When you place the nodes on the form, place the one
1″
closest to the water supply on the second line. We should determine 1¹⁄₄″
1¹⁄₄″
what valves and devices are between the two nodes and if there is 1″
a fitting at the node closest to the water supply. When determining
3″
which fitting should be at the “upstream” node, you should again “be A tee turn will need to be
accounted for at the bottom
the water.” If you were flowing through the pipe described by these of the riser nipple and should
end nodes, turn around to see what fittings you came through to get be included on the pipe that
is the riser nipple.
into this pipe. exhibit S2.34 shows the concept of how to choose fit-
tings for the pipe.
Exhibit S2.36 Fittings for the Branch Line.
1. Consider the direction

water will flow.
Step 7.2: Determine the minimum required starting
1″
pressure for your end outlet.
1¹⁄₄″
1¹⁄₄″
1″ The formula for determining the required starting pressure is P =
(Q ÷ K)2. As we discussed in Step Four, the minimum flow (Q) we need
3″ 2. Turn around and see from the sprinkler is 18.9 gpm. using the K-factor from Line 1 of the
the fittings the water had
to come through to get Hydraulic Analysis Form, we can now determine the minimum required
into and through this pipe. pressure for this outlet. using the formula P = (Q ÷ K)2, we can see that
the minimum required pressure will be 11.4 psi as shown below.
P = (Q ÷ K)2
Exhibit S2.34 Accounting for the Fittings.
P = (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2
P = 11.4 psi
When adding fittings to the hydraulic calculations, you should
be aware that certain fittings do not add enough turbulence to be We should enter this pressure total on the Hydraulic Analysis
included in the process. In 23.4.4.7.1 of NFPA 13, there are 10 items Form in the field labeled Pt. We should also make notes that include
that include direction on which fittings to include. It also gives guid- how we determined the minimum required flow and pressure at this
ance on which fittings do not need to be included. exhibit S2.35 point. (See exhibit S2.37.)
shows two of the situations where fittings are not included. When you start with the first outlet, you may skip the next item
For the branch line shown, we do need to include the tees at in the list (Step 7.3) and move on to Step 7.4.
the top of the riser nipple and at the bottom. The tee at the top of the
Step 7.3: If the pipe segment has a K-factor shown,
determine the flow from the outlet (q).
The fitting attached Anytime that you are calculating a pipe segment that is not the first
directly to the sprinkler
does not need to be pipe segment in your path, you will add the data in the pressure col-
considered. umn together, and enter that total into the Pt field on the next pipe
1″ segment. Once you enter that data, you should look to the left side
1¹⁄₄″
1¹⁄₄″ of the form for this pipe segment and see if there is a K-factor that
1″
applies. If so, you will need to determine what the flow will be. every
3″ time we have a K-factor and a pressure in the data for the pipe seg-
No fitting required for
water running straight ment, you will need to determine the flow from that outlet. (See the
through a tee. step-by-step calculation for the third attachment path in Step 7.14.)
The formula to determine the flow from an outlet is Q = K ÷ = p .
Exhibit S2.35 Fittings Not Required to Be Included. You will enter this data into the field labeled “flow added this step (q).”

. ..

1183

Node equiv
(Q)
Nom L 7.0 C = 120 Pt 11.4 q = As × density =

4 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5’ F 5.0 Pe
Act P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN1 19.0 Q 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Exhibit S2.37 Determine and Enter the Starting Pressure.
Step 7.4: Verify that Q, K, and P are valid each time Step 7.6: Determine if any fitting modifiers would
a new pipe segment is started. apply to the pipe segment.
The variables of Q, K, and P should always be verified by the formula Q = Table 23.4.3.1.1 of NFPA 13 is what we use to determine the equiva-
K × p . Verifying these numbers will ensure accuracy in the calculation lent length of pipe and fittings for the purposes of hydraulic calcula-
procedure. This is often a step in verifying reports that were printed from tions. You can instead choose to use the values for equivalent lengths
calculation software. exhibit S2.38 shows the fields we are discussing. given by the manufacturer of a project. However, when we use NFPA
13 equivalent lengths, there are two questions we must ask ourselves:
Step 7.5: Determine the total flow (Q) in the pipe 1. Are we using Schedule 40 steel pipe?
segment. 2. Does the pipe segment have a C-factor of 120?
The “total flow (Q)” field should now be determined. Add the Q (total If you answer “yes” to both of these questions, then you can
flow) from the previous step to the q (flow added in this step). In the use the equivalent lengths shown in the table. However, if you
first pipe segment of a path, Q is always the same as the q because answered “no” to either of these questions, then you must adjust
there is no previous flow to add. We will see this step required when these lengths to ensure that we are using the correct amount of
we calculate the third attachment path. (See exhibit S2.39.) energy loss in the fitting.

Node equiv
(Q)

4 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5’ F 5.0 Pe
Act P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN1 19.0 Q 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Exhibit S2.38 Verifying Q, K, and Pt.

Node equiv
(Q)

4 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5’ F 5.0 Pe
Act P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN1 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Exhibit S2.39 Entering Total Flow (Q).

. ..

1184
If you are not using Schedule 40 steel pipe, then you must mod- Where:
ify the equivalent lengths using a formula based on a comparison of p = frictional resistance (psi per ft of pipe)
the actual internal diameter of the pipe and the internal diameter of Q = flow (gpm)
Schedule 40 pipe. The following formula is found in 23.4.3.1.3.1. C = friction loss coefficient
d = actual internal diameter of pipe (inches)
(Actual inside diameter ÷ Schedule 40 inside diameter)4.87 = Factor
We have rewritten the formula so that you may more easily enter
If the pipe segment does not have a C-factor of 120, then you it into your calculator as:
must modify the equivalent lengths using the factors given in Table
23.4.3.2.1 of NFPA 13 (and shown below as Table S2.1 in a slightly dif- p = 4.52 × Q1.85 ÷ C1.85 ÷ d4.87
ferent format), by multiplying the value of the fitting lengths by the
following values, based on the C-factor of the pipe segment. If the Generally, when performing hydraulic calculations for water-
pipe segment is neither Schedule 40, nor C-factor = 120, then you based fire protection systems, we use the Hazen– Williams formula to
must apply both fitting length modifiers as follows: determine this most important piece of information.
using a Q of 18.9 gpm, C of 120, and d of 1.049, would result in
Total Fitting equivalent Lengths (F) × New Adjusted a p of 0.117 psi/ft. You should enter this result in the “Pf per foot” field
=
Non-S40 modifier × C-factor modifier Length (Fadj) on the hydraulic calculation form as shown in exhibit S2.40.
Step 7.8: Determine the friction loss for the entire

tAbLE S2.1 C Value Multiplier. pipe segment.
C Value Multiplier Once you have determined the friction loss per foot (Pf per foot), you
multiply that value by the total length of pipe and fittings (T). This will
100 0.713 determine the total friction loss for the pipe segment (Pf). In our pipe
130 1.16 segment this would be expressed as follows:
140 1.33
150 1.51
12 ft × 0.117/ft = 1.4 psi
Source: Table 23.4.3.2.1, NFPA 13, 2016 edition.
enter this into the Pf (frict) field in the hydraulic calculation form
as shown in exhibit S2.41.
Step 7.7: Determine the friction loss per foot.
Step 7.9: Determine any elevation loss or gain.
Once we know how much water will be flowing (Q), the pipe size
through which it will flow (D), and the C-factor for the pipe seg- We must take any elevation change into account that occurs in our
ment, we can calculate the amount of friction loss that will occur in pipe segment. When the water flows uphill, there will be more energy
each foot (and equivalent foot) of pipe. Generally, when performing needed. This is represented by entering a positive value in the Pe(elev)
hydraulic calculations for water-based fire protection systems, we use field. When the water flows downhill, there will be energy gained.
the Hazen–Williams formula to determine this most important piece This is represented by entering a negative value in the Pe(elev) field
of information. The Hazen–Williams Formula as it appears in NFPA 13 (because this is energy we are getting back).
is as follows: The pipe segment we are calculating has no elevation change.
Both nodes are at an elevation of 19 ft, as shown in the elev 1 and elev
4.52Q1.85 2 fields. Therefore, we should enter 0.0 psi for the Pe(elev) field in the
P=
C 1.85d 4.87 hydraulic calculation form as shown in exhibit S2.42.

Node equiv
(Q)

4 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5’ F 5.0 Pe
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN1 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Exhibit S2.40 Determining Friction Loss per Foot (Pf ).

..

1185

Node equiv
(Q)

4 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5’ F 5.0 Pe
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN1 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf 1.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Exhibit S2.41 Determining Total Friction Loss (Pf – frict).

Node equiv
(Q)

4 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5’ F 5.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN1 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf 1.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Exhibit S2.42 Determining Total Friction Loss (Pf – frict).
Step 7.10: Total the required pressures to create a this becomes the beginning pressure and should be used to deter-
new Total Pressure (Pt) for the next pipe segment. mine the amount of flow (q) from any outlet shown in the K-factor
field for that segment. See the step-by-step calculation for the third
The only thing left in calculating this path is to add the needed pres- attachment path in Step 7.14.
sures together and determine the total pressure (Pt) we will need.
When there are more pipe segments in the path, this total will be the Step 7.12: When you reach the end of an
beginning pressure for the next pipe segment.
attachment path, create an equivalent
Add the pressure column and enter the result in the Pt(total) field
K-factor to place in the primary path.
on the next line of the hydraulic calculation form. See exhibit S2.43.
We have completed the calculation of the minimum required pres-
sure (Pt) and flow (Q) for the first attachment path. This is the informa-
Step 7.11: Use the total pressure to begin again at
tion we need in order to create the equivalent K-factor that describes
Step 3 on the next pipe segment.
all of the calculations we have just performed. When we know the P
As stated earlier, this total will be the beginning pressure for the next and the Q, we can determine an equivalent K-factor in the following
pipe segment. When there are additional pipe segments in the path, manner.

Node equiv
(Q)

4 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5’ F 5.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN1 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf 1.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Pt 12.8
Exhibit S2.43 Determining Total Pressure (Pt ) required for our pipe segment.

. ..

1186
K =Q÷ p water flow out of sprinkler 10 because it is on smaller pipe and will
Keq = 18.9 gpm ÷ 12.8 psi need more energy to flow enough water than will Sprinkler 9. See
Keq = 5.28 exhibit S2.46.
This should be shown in the notes section of the hydraulic cal-

culation form as shown in exhibit S2.44.
RN1 3 2 1
1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″
Step 7.13: When you reach the end of the primary 7′–0″ 14′–0″
1″
14′–0″
path, compare the needed flow and pressure to 10 RN3 CM1
that available from the water supply. 1″ 1¹⁄₄″
7′–0″ 7′–0″
See the calculation of the primary path that follows for the final pres- 3″ 9 CM2
9
sure and flow that will be required for our system. 47′–0″ CM3
10-RN3-CM3
Step 7.14: Be sure to consider any requirement for
hose allowance. Water flows away from the third
3″
attachment path here and goes
The insurance company for our sample project has told us to add any BOR to Sprinkler 9.
needed hose allowance at the base of the riser. We will use the hose
allowance required by NFPA 13 in Table 11.2.3.1.2. For an ordinary
hazard occupancy, we will be required to include an additional flow
of 250 gpm for the fire department to use for hoses during opera- Exhibit S2.45 Third Attachment Piping Layout.
tions when they arrive at the fire scene. When we complete the cal-
culations for the system, we will add 250 gpm to the demand before
comparing the needed flow to that flow available from the water RN1 3 2 1
supply. 1¹⁄₄″ 1¹⁄₄″
1″
7′–0″ 14′–0″
14′–0″
Calculating the Third Attachment Path 10 RN3 CM1
1″
The third attachment path requires us to create an equivalent K-factor 7′–0″
3″ CM2
for the pipe that feeds Sprinklers 9 and 10 (10-RN3-Cm3). Water flows
away from this attachment at Node RN3 and goes out to Sprinkler 9. 47′–0″ CM3 Create K-factor
We will need to describe the piping that goes from 9-RN3 as an outlet for 9-RN3
in the third attachment path. See exhibit S2.45.
We will first calculate the minimum flow (Q) and pressure (P)
3″
that would be required at Sprinkler 9 and through the pipe feed-
ing it. Then, we will use that information to determine an equiva- BOR
lent K-factor (Keq) (Keq = Q ÷ p ). We will use that equivalent K-factor

to represent the outlet at RN3 and use this outlet in calculating the
third attachment path. We chose Sprinkler 10 as the end sprinkler Exhibit S2.46 Determining the Equivalent K-factor (Keq ) for the
on the third attachment path. It will be more demanding to make Third Attachment Path.

Node equiv
(Q)

4 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5’ F 5.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN1 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf 1.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Pt 12.8 Keq@RN1 = Q ÷ √Pt = 5.28
Exhibit S2.44 Determining the Equivalent K-factor (Keq ) for the First Attachment Path.

. ..

1187
When we walk through the same process we used for the first After we have entered the friction losses for the first pipe, we
attachment path, the results for the 9-RN3 pipe segment should be can total the pressure column and enter the total pressure (Pt) for
as shown in exhibit S2.47. We establish an equivalent K-factor for this the next pipe segment (RN3-Cm3). However, this is the first time we
pipe segment, and we will insert it into our third attachment path. have encountered a second pipe segment in a path. And as we said
With the remaining sprinkler at Node 10 and an equivalent K at node previously, when we enter the Pt data on a new pipe segment, we
RN3, we are all set to describe our third attachment path as 10-RN3-Cm3. must look to the left side of the hydraulic analysis form to see if this
Now we are prepared to calculate the minimum flow (Q) and pressure (P) segment has a K-factor. We can see that this second pipe segment
that would be required in the third attachment path. We will use that infor- (RN3-Cm3) has the equivalent K-factor we created for the pipe seg-
mation to determine an equivalent K-factor (Keq) (Keq = Q ÷ p ). We will use ment labeled 9-RN3. Therefore, we must use it to determine how
that equivalent K-factor to represent the outlet for this attachment path at much water would actually flow out to Sprinkler 9 when we flow
Cm3 in our primary path. See exhibit S2.30. As always, we enter the known the minimum required flow from Sprinkler 10. So we will use Q =
information about our attachment path. See exhibit S2.48. K × p to determine that this outlet will flow 19.7 gpm as shown in
We can complete the calculation for friction loss per foot and for exhibit S2.50.
the total equivalent pipe length for this segment. enter the data as Now we can combine the “flow added this step (q)” from the out-
shown in exhibit S2.49. let with the “total flow (Q).” This would be 19.7 + 18.9 = 38.6 gpm,

Node equiv
(Q)

9 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1 1/4
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 6′ F 6.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.031 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN3 19.0 Q 18.9 1.380
ID T 13.0 Pf 0.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Pt 11.8 Keq@RN3 = Q ÷ √Pt = 5.50
Exhibit S2.47 Calculation for Third Attachment Equivalent K-factor.

10 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5′ F 5.0 Pe
Act P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN3 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
RN3 19.0 Nom L 3.0 C = 120 Pt

5.50 q 1 1/2
ID
1T = 8′ F 8.0 Pe 1.3 Pe = .433 × 3′ = 1.3 psi
CM3 16.0 Q Act
1.610
ID T 11.0 Pf
Exhibit S2.48 Calculating Third Attachment Flow and Pressure.

10 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5′ F 6.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN3 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 13.0 Pf 1.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
RN3 19.0 Nom L 3.0 C = 120 Pt

5.50 q 1 1/2
ID Q = K × √P = 5.5 × √12.8 =
1T = 8′ F 8.0 Pe 1.3 19.4 gpm
CM3 16.0 Q Act
ID T 11.0 Pf
Exhibit S2.49 Calculating Third Attachment Friction Loss and Total Equivalent Pipe Length.

. ..

1188

10 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5′ F 5.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN3 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf 1.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Nom L 3.0 C = 120 Pt 12.8

RN3 19.0 5.50 q 19.7 1 1/2
ID Q = K × √P = 5.5 × √12.8 =
1T = 8′ F 8.0 Pe 1.3 19.7 gpm
CM3 16.0 Q Act
ID T 11.0 Pf
Exhibit S2.50 Calculating Flow for Sprinkler 9.
and we enter the data into the “total flow (Q)” field for this pipe seg- the next line. So we add Pt + Pe + Pf for this pipe segment to determine
ment as shown in exhibit S2.51. the Pt for the next line:
With this flow determined, we can now calculate the friction
12.8 + 1.3 + 0.6 = 14.7 psi
losses (Pf per foot, Pf for total length) for this pipe segment. We enter
this data as shown in exhibit S2.52. enter this data and determine the result as shown in exhibit S2.53.
Once we have completed the fields that apply to this pipe seg- We have completed the calculation of the minimum required
ment, total the pressure column and place the result in the Pt field on pressure (Pt) and flow (Q) for the third attachment path. This is the

10 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5′ F 5.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN3 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf 1.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Nom L 3.0 C = 120 Pt 12.8

RN3 19.0 5.50 q 19.7 1 1/2
ID Q = K × √P = 5.5 × √12.8 =
1T = 8′ F 8.0 Pe 1.3 19.7 gpm
CM3 16.0 Q 38.6 Act
ID T 11.0 Pf
Exhibit S2.51 Calculating Third Attachment Total Flow.

10 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5′ F 5.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN3 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf 1.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Nom L 3.0 C = 120 Pt 12.8

RN3 19.0 5.50 q 19.7 1 1/2
ID Q = K × √P = 5.5 × √12.8 =
1T = 8′ F 8.0 Pe 1.3 19.7 gpm
CM3 16.0 Q 38.6 Act 0.055
ID T 11.0 Pf 0.6
Exhibit S2.52 Calculating Friction Losses.

10 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5′ F 5.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN3 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf 1.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Nom L 3.0 C = 120 Pt 12.8

RN3 19.0 5.50 q 19.7 1 1/2
ID Q = K × √P = 5.5 × √12.8 =
1T = 8′ F 8.0 Pe 1.3 19.7 gpm
CM3 16.0 Q 38.6 Act 0.055
ID T 11.0 Pf 0.6
Pf 14.7
Exhibit S2.53 Calculating Pt (Total Pressure).

. ..

1189
information we need in order to create the equivalent K-factor that we did not perform the calculations for Branch line 2. If you will remem-
describes the piping arrangement we just calculated as an outlet ber, we said that since Branch line 2 is the exact same piping arrangement
in our primary path. When we know the P and the Q, we can deter- as Branch line 1, we will determine an equivalent K-factor at Cm1 for use
mine an equivalent K-factor in the following manner. at Cm2 as we calculate the primary path. This means that it is time for us to
K =Q÷P finish this calculation by performing the calculations for the primary path.
Keq = 38.6 gpm ÷ √14.7 psi
Keq = 10.07 Primary Path Calculations
This should be shown in the notes section of the hydraulic calcu- We will continue following the process described earlier by first entering
lation form as shown in exhibit S2.54. all of the data we know for the primary path onto the hydraulic analysis
Now that we have calculated the first and third attachment paths, we form. This includes the equivalent K-factors for the first and third attach-
can calculate the remaining primary path. You might be wondering why ment paths. See exhibit S2.55.

10 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
1T = 5′ F 5.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
RN3 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 12.0 Pf 1.4 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Nom L 3.0 C = 120 Pt 12.8

RN3 19.0 5.50 q 19.7 1 1/2
ID Q = K × √P = 5.5 × √12.8 =
1T = 8′ F 8.0 Pe 1.3 19.7 gpm
CM3 16.0 Q 38.6 Act 0.055
ID T 11.0 Pf 0.6
Pf 14.7 Keq@CM3 = Q ÷ √Pt = 10.07
Exhibit S2.54 Calculation for Third Attachment Equivalent K-factor.

1 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
F 0.0 Pe 0.0
Act P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
2 19.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 14.0 Pf (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Nom L 14.0 C = 120 Pt
2 19.0 5.60 q 1 1/4
ID
F 0.0 Pe 0.0
Q Act
3 19.0 1.380 Pf
ID T 14.0
3 19.0 Nom L 7.0 C = 120 Pt

5.60 q 1 1/4
ID
1T = 6’ F 6.0 Pe 0.0
RN1 19.0 Q Act
1.380 T 13.0
ID Pf
Nom L 3.0 C = 120 Pt
RN1 19.0 5.28 q 1 1/2
ID
1T = 8′ F 8.0 Pe 1.3
Q Act
CM1 16.0 1.610 Pf
ID T 11.0
CM1 16.0 Nom L 9.0 C = 120 Pt

q 3
ID
F 0.0 Pe 0.0
CM2 16.0 Q Act
3.068 9.0
ID T Pf
Nom L 9.0 C = 120 Pt
CM2 16.0 ?? q 3
ID
1T = 5′ F 0.0 Pe 0.0
Q Act
CM3 16.0 3.068 Pf
ID T 9.0
CM3 16.0 Nom L 47.0 C = 120 Pt

10.13 q 3
ID
E+G+C F 24.0 Pe 6.5
BOR 1.0 Q Act
ID 3.068 7+1+16 T 71.0 Pf
Pt
Exhibit S2.55 First and Third Attachment Hydraulic Data.

..

1190
Be sure to enter the correct equivalent K-factor values for the the second pipe segment. We show the results you should obtain in
attachment paths. Note the question marks that are entered at Cm2 to exhibit S2.56.
remind us to determine an equivalent K-factor from Cm1 to describe using the new Pt for the second pipe segment (Nodes 2 and
the second attachment path, which is the same piping arrangement 3), we can determine the flow that will come from the second sprin-
that we will calculate for the first branch line. kler on our most remote branch line. using the formula, Q = K × p ,
At this point you should be able to walk through the proce- will result in a flow (q) of 20.2 gpm from Sprinkler 2. This is shown in
dure for calculating the first pipe segment and determine the Pt for exhibit S2.57.

1 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
F 0.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
2 16.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 14.0 Pf 1.6 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Nom L 14.0 C = 120 Pt 13.0

2 19.0 5.60 q 1 1/4
ID
F 0.0 Pe
3 19.0 Q Act 1.380
ID T 14.0 Pf
Exhibit S2.56 Calculating Pt for Second Pipe Segment.

1 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
F 0.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
2 16.0 Q 18.9 1.049
ID T 14.0 Pf 1.6 (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
Nom L 14.0 C = 120 Pt 13.0

2 19.0 5.60 q 20.2 1 1/4
ID Q = K × √P = 5.6 × √13.0 =
F 0.0 Pe 0.0 20.2 gpm
3 19.0 Q 39.1 Act 1.380 0.118
ID T 14.0 Pf 1.7
Pt 14.7
Exhibit S2.57 Calculating Flow for Sprinkler 2.
exhibit S2.57 also shows the total flow in this step (Q), the fric- This should be shown in the notes section of the hydraulic calcu-
tion loss per foot (0.118), the total friction loss (Pf), and the new total lation form as shown in exhibit S2.58.
pressure (Pt) of 14.7 that will be used to determine the flow from the One of the benefits of using the primary path method to calculate
outlet in the next pipe segment. As you can see, this starts to become systems is that once all of the equivalent K-factors have been deter-
very repetitive. mined, you can continue the calculations through the primary path
We must complete the calculations for Branch line 1 so that until you reach the water supply. exhibit S2.59 shows the remainder of
we can determine the equivalent K-factor that will apply to Branch the calculations for the primary path.
line 2. exhibit S2.58 shows the data entered in the first portion The sprinkler system for our project requires a minimum flow
of the primary path, stopping at the end of Branch line 1 (Node and pressure of 214.1 gpm @ 33.7 psi. We will need to add a hose
Cm1). allowance of 250 gpm at the base of the riser (Node BOR). We will
exhibit S2.58 shows the minimum required pressure (Pt) and add the hose allowance to the required flow without changing the
flow (Q) for Branch line 1. This is the information we need in order required minimum pressure.
to create the equivalent K-factor that describes the piping arrange-
Sprinkler System Requirement: 214.1 gpm at 33.7 psi
ment we just calculated. We will use this to create the equivalent
K-factor to use at node Cm2 (Branch line 2) in our primary path. Hose Allowance: +250.0 gpm
When we know the P and the Q, we can determine an equivalent K Total Required Flow and Pressure: 464.1 gpm at 33.7 psi
in the following manner.
Congratulations for making it this far. You have learned more than the typ-
K =Q÷P ical engineer and designer in the fire protection industry. It is time to see if
Keq = 83.1 gpm ÷ √22.0 psi all of our work has paid off. move on to Step eight to see if your calculation
Keq = 17.72 can be considered successful.

. ..

1191

1 19.0 5.60 q 18.9 1
ID 126 × .15 = 18.9 gpm
F 0.0 Pe 0.0
Act 0.117 P = (Q ÷ K)2 =
2 16.0 Q 18.9 1.049 Pf (18.9 ÷ 5.6)2 = 11.4 psi
ID T 14.0 1.6
2 19.0 20.2 Nom L 14.0 C = 120 Pt 13.0

5.60 q 1 1/4
ID Q = K × √P = 5.6 × √13.0 =
F 0.0 Pe 0.0 20.2 gpm
3 19.0 Q 39.1 Act 0.118
1.380 T 14.0
ID Pf 1.7
Nom L 7.0 C = 120 Pt 14.7
3 19.0 5.60 q 21.5 1 1/4
ID Q = K × √P = 5.6 × √14.7 =
1T = 6′ F 6.0 Pe 0.0 21.5 gpm
Act 0.266
RN1 19.0 Q 60.6 1.380 3.5
ID T 13.0 Pf
RN1 19.0 5.28 Nom L 3.0 C = 120 Pt 18.2 Flow to first attachment path
q 22.5 1 1/2
ID Q = K × √P = 5.8 × √18.2 =
1T = 8′ F 8.0 Pe 1.3
Act 22.5 gpm
CM1 16.0 Q 83.1 1.610 0.225
ID T 11.0 Pf 2.5 Pe = 3′ × 0.433 psi = 1.3 psi
Nom L 9.0 C = 120 Pt 22.0

CM1 16.0 q 3
ID
F 0.0 Pe 0.0 Keq@CM1 = Q + √Pt = 17.72
Q Act
CM2 16.0 3.068 Pf
ID T 9.0
Exhibit S2.58 Primary Path Hydraulic Data.
Nom L 9.0 C = 120 Pt 22.0

CM1 16.0 q 0.0 3
ID
F 0.0 Pe 0.0 Keq@CM1 = Q + √Pt = 17.72
Act 0.010
CM2 16.0 Q 83.1 3.068 Pf
ID T 9.0 0.1
CM2 16.0 83.3 Nom L 9.0 C = 120 Pt 22.1 Flow to second attachment path
17.72 q 3
ID Q = K × √P = 17.72 × √22.1 =
F 0.0 Pe 0.0
Act 83.3 gpm
CM3 16.0 Q 166.4 0.035
3.068 T 9.0
ID Pf 0.3
Nom L 62.0 C = 120 Pt 22.4 Flow to third attachment path
CM3 16.0 10.07 q 47.7 3
ID Q = K × √P = 10.07 × √22.4 =
E+G+C F 24.0 Pe 6.5
Act 47.7 gpm
Q 3.068 0.056
BOR 1.0 214.1 7+1+16 T 86.0 Pf 4.8 Pe = 15′ × 0.433 psi = 6.5 psi
ID
Pt 33.7
Exhibit S2.59 Primary Path Hydraulic Data Calculated to Base of Riser.
STEP EIGHT: Compare the waterflow and pressure to indicate an increasing demand as sprinklers open during a fire
you think is needed to the flow and pressure that event. It is not an accurate representation of water flowing during a
is available at the water supply. If the demand is fire. See exhibit S2.61.
We should next draw a line showing that we added the hose
less than that available, the calculation can be
allowance that is required from NFPA 13, Chapter 11. NFPA 13 requires
considered successful.
an allowance of 250 gpm for systems designed to protect ordinary
Now compare the results of our calculation to the available water hazard occupancies. See exhibit S2.62.
supply for this project. The available water supply is shown in We add the hose allowance to the sprinkler demand without
exhibit S2.60. revising the required pressure. This can be stated as follows:
Next, identify the point on the graph that represents our sprin-
Sprinkler System Requirement: 214.1 gpm at 33.7 psi
kler system demand of 214.3 gpm at 32.9 psi. We will also draw a
line that starts with no water and no energy being used (0.0 gpm Hose Allowance: +250.0 gpm
and 0.0 psi), and goes to the system demand. This line is drawn Total Required Flow and Pressure: 464.1 gpm at 33.7 psi

. ..

1192
80
Static:
72 psi 0 gpm
70
Residual:
58 psi 1200 gpm
60
50 Water supply available

at the base of the
40 system riser
30
20
10
0
A 0 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325
B 0 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650
C 0 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300
Exhibit S2.60 Available Water Supply.
80
Static:
72 psi 0 gpm
70
Residual:
58 psi 1200 gpm
60
50
40
Sprinkler system
requirement
30 33.7 psi
214.1 gpm
20
10
0
A 0 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325
B 0 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650
C 0 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300
Exhibit S2.61 Sprinkler System Demand.
This total needs to be indicated on the water supply graph as shown In exhibit S2.63, we can see that have approximately 69 psi avail-
in exhibit S2.62. It becomes apparent that the minimum required able from the water supply when 464.1 gpm are flowing. The differ-
flow and pressure for our project system does not exceed the avail- ence between the available pressure and the required pressure is
able water supply. In fact, we need to indicate the available flow and often called the safety factor or buffer. There is no minimum safety
pressure as shown in exhibit S2.63. factor required by NFPA 13. The NFPA 13 calculation process has

. ..

1193
80
Static:
72 psi 0 gpm
70
Residual:
58 psi 1200 gpm
60
50 Sprinkler system
requirement
33.7 psi
40 214.1 gpm
30 Total project water

Hose allowance requirement
250 gpm 33.7 psi
20
464.1 gpm
10
0
A 0 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325
B 0 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650
C 0 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300
Exhibit S2.62 Adding Hose Allowance.
80
Static:
72 psi 0 gpm
70
Residual:
Available flow 58 psi 1200 gpm
60 and pressure
+/– 69 psi
464.1 gpm
50 Sprinkler system
requirement
33.7 psi
40 214.1 gpm
30 Total project water

Hose allowance requirement
250 gpm 33.7 psi
20
464.1 gpm
10
0
A 0 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325
B 0 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650
C 0 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300
Exhibit S2.63 Comparing Available Supply to the Demand.
built in safety factors that allow designers to simply have a demand piping so that the demand came closer to the available water supply.
that is less than the available supply. We could say that this system By so doing, the designer will save the owner money without lowering
calculation was successful since the available water pressure of 69 the minimum required level of safety for their project. And ultimately,
psi and a system demand of 33.7 psi would leave a safety factor of we should be trying to design and install the lowest cost system that
35.3 psi. However, it would seem prudent to resize this system’s meets or exceeds the minimum requirements.

. ..

1194
systems. While this might have been an entire supplement of “alpha-

SUMMARY
bet soup,” you have learned about A, As, Qs, D, gpm, psi, K, C, d, L, F, T,
We have covered a lot of territory in this supplement that simply can- Pt, Pe, Pf, q, Q, Keq, BL, RN, and Cm. (Whew!) And if you managed to stay
not be fully addressed in such a manner. We have hopefully given you with the flow of this text (pardon the pun), you have learned how to
the tools needed to review or begin the calculations of fire sprinkler perform a hydraulic calculation, step-by-step.

Step by Step Hydraulic Calculation

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Step by Step Hydraulic Calculation

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. ..

Calculations for a Fire

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

71′– 0″ wall to wall

50 Water supply available

Exhibit S2.2 Water Supply Information Provided by Insurance Company.

2016 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

11.3 Special Design Approaches

71′– 0″ wall to wall

Exhibit S2.3 Determining As for an End-of-Line Sprinkler.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook 2016

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

area of a sprinkler and the density that is required, we can determine

Exhibit S2.4 Determining As for an Individual Sprinkler.

STEP FOUR: Determine the minimum amount of 4′

2016 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

reduce the size of a remote area.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook 2016

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

Now that we have determined the size of the remote area, we

Exhibit S2.9 Rectangular Remote Area Opens More Sprinklers on

Remote Area ÷ As = min. Number of Flowing Sprinklers

2016 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

L turns out to be 52′–0″ L must be at least 40′–3″

71′– 0″ wall to wall

Exhibit S2.10 Most Demanding Sprinkler.

71′–0″ wall to wall

The answer to our question can be deceiving. It is instinctive to

Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook 2016

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

71′–0″ wall to wall

2′–0″ 52′–0″ wall to wall

Exhibit S2.17 Actual Floor Area Covered by Sprinklers 1–4.

71′–0″ wall to wall

2′–0″ 52′–0″ wall to wall

2016 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

71′– 0″ wall to wall

71′– 0″ wall to wall

2′–0″ 52′– 0″ wall to wall 2′–0″ 52′–0″ wall to wall

Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook 2016

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

becomes rather simple, as we only need to place nodes where the

I often ask my students to “be the water” as they try to determine

2016 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook 2016

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

2016 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

Node K ﬂow added- C Pt total

0.1 0.1 Nom 1/4 or L 0.1 C= Pt 0.1

Exhibit S2.32 Rounding Standards for NFPA Calculations.

Node K ﬂow added- C Pt total

4 19.0 18.9 Nom L 7.0 C = 120 Pt

Exhibit S2.33 Known Data in First Attachment Path (4-RN1).

Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook 2016

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System

1. Consider the direction

2016 Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook

Supplement 2 • Step-by-Step Hydraulic Calculations for a Fire Sprinkler System