Klausbruckner & Associates

NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

Current Edition: 2013, Next Edition: 2016

NFPA 13 is the standard used worldwide for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. The codes and standards are considered by experts as living documents, where new technology, testing, and actual fire experiences are used to make changes.

This has been true with NFPA 13, especially in the storage and warehousing sprinkler design guidelines. New sprinkler head technology, such as low pressure ESFR and Extended Coverage sprinklers have changed the way we design sprinkler systems in warehouses. With these new technology sprinkler heads, a business owner can achieve a lot more for less money.

Protections and designs, such as low pressure ESFR sprinklers that can be designed in most cases without an expensive fire pump, also aid fire fighter safety, by enabling more buildings to be designed with sprinkler heads that extinguish fire, rather than control it, thereby avoiding manual fire fighting operations.

Extended coverage heads is specific to a variety of storage schemes and racks (such as Gondolas) with solid shelves to avoid the expense and maintenance of in-rack sprinklers in retail occupancies.

While new technology in NFPA 13 allows for more options, these designs have very specific limitations that must be adhered to. We can provide architects, business owners, sprinkler contractors, and developers with sprinkler options to help select the best sprinkler system to meet their needs.

Frequently asked questions on the application of ESFR sprinklers can be found in our article titled ESFR Sprinklers The Perfect Solution To Warehouse Fire Protection? Differences between the storage chapters of the 2002 Edition (previously adopted standard) and the 2010 Edition are summarized in NFPA 13 2010 Ed. Sprinkler Protection of Storage Occupancy in California.

Our licensed code experts (P.E.) will solve your fire and building code compliance issues fast and cost effectively!

Our services include

NFPA 13: Guidance on Fire Sprinkler Upgrade

Options for Allowable Building Area Increase Based on Sprinklers

Alternatives to NFPA 13 Using Factory Mutual Data Sheets

Sprinkler Options: CMSA, ESFR and Control Mode Sprinklers

Alternatives to In-Rack Sprinklers and In-Rack Options

Code Solutions to Flammable Liquid Warehousing

Smoke and Heat Vent Effects on Sprinkler Performance

Draft Curtains Effects on Sprinkler Performance

Exposed Expanded Plastics Storage Fire Protection

Fire Sprinkler Requirements for Freezer Food Warehouses

California Fire & Building Code Interpretation, International Fire Code Interpretation

Uniform Fire Code & Building Code Interpretation

Project Facilitation with Authorities Having Jurisdiction & Design Teams

Feasibility of Building Construction and Fire Protection Systems for
Change of Occupancy or Use

Performance Based Design & Code Compliance

Code Equivalency Development

Retail and Wholesale Storage Analysis

Warehousing and High-Piled Combustible Storage

Manufacturing and Specialty Use Facilities

Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Biomed Facilities

Alternative Fuel, Bio Diesel Facilities

Aerospace, Research and Government Facilities

Call us at 1-619.677.2004 and find out for yourself why so many clients consider us one of the best fire and building code consultants in the industry.