Objectives of Training

Sprinkler System Types – Potential Influence of Age

Sprinkler Systems Basics (13 vs 13R, Storage, High Hazard)

Occupancy Class vs. Commodity Class

BUR, ASGR, RCP Code

LCS Role in the process

 Automatic Fire Sprinklers:
a Multipurpose System

Detects fire
Sounds an alarm
Controls or suppresses the fire
Reduces severity of loss
Minimizes business interruption
Enhances life safety
Most reliable and effective of all fire protection devices /
systems
Common Misconceptions
about AS Systems
If a fire occurs, all sprinklers will discharge water.

Sprinkler systems are too expensive to install. Not really. New

construction: $1.00-$2.00 sq. ft. (similar to the cost of carpet in the
bldg) for ordinary hazard occupancy.

Testing will cause heads to open and discharge water. Incorrect.

Heads open only as a result of heat.

Water damage occurs all the time in AS buildings.

Types of Systems
Four main types of sprinkler systems
Wet Pipe Systems
Dry Pipe Systems
Preaction Systems
Deluge Systems
•Wet Pipe Systems – Riser Examples
Pipe Schedule & Hydraulic
Hydraulic Systems – Placards
 Sprinkler Types
Pendent

ESFR - Pendent
Upright

Special Application Heads Ordinary Temp Head Dry Pendent Automatic Sprinkler
Wet Pipe Systems
PROS
Water in overhead pipes at all times
Heat responsive elements on all sprinklers
Water instantly discharged when sprinkler activates
Most common type of system installed
Most dependable system

CONS
Subject to freezing
More prone to leaks, rust
Dry Pipe Systems
PROS
Installed in areas where cold temperatures are present (cold storage
facilities, cold climates, etc.)
Pressurized with air in normal state
Air releases through head when sprinkler actuates, causing dry pipe
valve to ‘trip’ and sends water into piping

CONS
More expensive to install
More lag time before water delivery
Higher maintenance systems
Sprinkler Systems –
What are we looking for?
Is the water supply adequate?

Was the system properly designed & installed for current occupant?

Is the system and all components protected from cold,

vandalism, earthquake or other damage?

Is the system being properly tested and maintained?

Annual MD? 5-Yr Cert?

Are all sprinkler control valves accessible / open / locked / supervised?

FDC?

Are the alarms tested / working / monitored?

 Hydraulic vs. Pipe Schedule
Hydraulic Pipe Schedule
Density and Area Demand and Occupancy
Design for anything Light, Ordinary or Extra
High Piled Storage Not for High Piled Storage
Demand based on design Demand without regards to actual
system needs
 Why Do They Fail?

Construction
6%
Maintenance Other Causes
Obstructions 8% 11%
8%

Partial Protection 8% Operational Status

Inadequate Water Not Maintained
10% 35%
Occupancy
14%

National Fire
Protection Association
 NFPA 13 vs 13 R
NFPA 13R NFPA 13
A 13 R system is a life safety NFPA 13 is a property protection
sprinkler system that is intended guideline designed with sprinklers
to prevent a room of fire origin everywhere... Attic, all rooms,
from flashing over. This system between floor levels, corridors, etc.
has a low water flow design, (0.05
to 0.1) doesn't cover all areas -
i.e. attics, between floor spaces,
closets, overhangs, etc.
Rack Storage
 HIGH HAZARD
What is wrong with this picture????
Occupancy Hazard Classification
Light: Offices, Apts/Condos, Churches, Nursing Homes, Theaters, Restaurant Seating Areas
OH -1: Restaurant Kitchens, Bakeries, Electronics & Glass Mfg, Laundries, Beverage Mfg, Dairy Products
OH -2: General Retail, Dry Cleaners, Machine Shops, Metal Working, Plastics fab, Cereal Mills, Chemical
Mfg, Candy Mfg
EH -1: Upholstery shops, Metal extruding, Plywood Mfg, Textile Mfg, Rubber vulcanizing, Printing
(flammable ink)
EH -2: Flammable Liquid Spraying, Plastics Mfg, Solvent Cleaning, Varnishing/Paint Dipping Operations

Area/Density
Curve
Commodity Classifications
Describes the nature of goods, packaging material and storage aids.

Commodity classes and associated sprinkler requirements are based

on data from full-scale fire tests.

Materials are categorized according to the following burning

characteristics:
 Heat of combustion
 Rate of heat release
 Rate of flame spread
 Free flowing characteristics
 Liquid filled
Commodity Classifications
Class I (Least hazardous – Non Combustible)
Class II
Class III
Class IV (Most Haz of non plastics - Combustible)

Plastics Group A (Most Hazardous)

Plastics Group B
Plastics Group C (Least hazardous)
How Hydrant Flow Data is Determined
 Automatic Sprinkler Grading Report

SPOC/NFPA Occupancy Class

 SPOC 1 = Light hazard (e.g., offices, churches)

 SPOC 2 = Ordinary Hazard - Group 1 (restaurants, metalworkers)

 SPOC 3 = Ordinary Hazard – Group 2 (mercantile, warehouse)

 SPOC 4 = Ordinary Hazard – Group 2 (woodworkers, auto repair shops)

 SPOC 5 = Extra Hazard – Group 1 (saw mills, plastic manufacturing)

 SPOC 6 = Extra Hazard – Group 2 (flammable liquid spraying, mattress

warehouses)
Automatic Sprinkler Grading
Report
Automatic Sprinkler Grading
Report
 Automatic Sprinkler Grading
Report
Additional Considerations - Fire Pumps

 Deficiency Charges

 No supervision and single power source = 60 points

 Central Station Supervision = 40 points

 Secondary power source = 10 points

Automatic Sprinkler Grading
Report
Automatic Sprinkler Grading
Report
Automatic Sprinkler
Grading Report
RCP Code

 Rating: 1-4
o 1-Spec. Non Sprinklered
o 2-Class
o 3-Class Substandard
o 4-Spec. Sprinklered

 Construction: Class 1-6

 Protection Class: 01-10

Automatic Sprinkler Grading

QUESTIONS?