LECTURE ON NFPA 13:

DESIGN & INSTALLATION OF AUTOMATIC

SPRINKLER SYSTEM
 PRESENTATION INDEX

PART 1 • Design Methodology

A Step by step procedure of the Design of Sprinkler System

PART 2 • Calculation Procedure

Preparing a manual calculation of the sprinkler system including pipe
sizing, pump rating and water tank capacity

• System Accessories
PART 3
Various accessories required for the proper operation of the system

• Fire Protection System in High-Rise Buildings

PART 4 Various configuration in the design of sprinkler system in high-rise
buildings.

• THANK-YOU!
PART 1 – DESIGN METHODOLOGY
• PROCEDURE / STEPS FOR THE DESIGN OF FIRE
PROTECTION SYSTEM:

1. DETERMINE THE HAZARD CLASSIFICATION

2. DESIGN DENSITY AND AREA OF OPERATION

3. WATER DEMAND REQUIREMENTS

4. SPACING OF SPRINKLERS

5. PIPE SIZING / SCHEDULE

6. DESIGN / HYDRAULIC CALCULATION

7. DESIGN LAYOUT

8. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
 1. HAZARD CLASSIFICATION:
From NFPA_13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler System

LIGHT ORDINARY GRP I ORDINARY GRP II EXTRA

Churches Automobile Parking Cereal Mills (Group I)
Clubs Bakeries Chemical Plants Aircraft hangars
Eaves & Overhangs Beverage mfg. Confectionery Products Combustible hydraulic fluid
Educational Canneries Distilleries use areas
Libraries, except large stack Dairy products mfg. & Dry Cleaners Die casting
rooms processing Feed Mills Metal extruding
Museums Electronic Plants Horse Stables Plywood & particle board
Nursing homes Glass mfg. Leather goods mfg. mfg.
Offices Laundries Libraries-Large stack room Printing
Residential Restaurant service areas areas Rubber reclaiming
Restaurant seating Machine shops Saw mills
areas Metal working Textile
Theaters & Auditoriums Mercantile Upholstering w/ plastic
Unused attics Paper & pulp mills foams.
Paper process plants (Group II)
Piers & Wharves Asphalt saturating
Post Offices Flammable liquid spraying
Printing & publishing Flow coating
Repair Garages Manufactured home or
modular building assemblies
Stages
Open oil quenching
Textile manufacturing
Plastic processing
Tobacco products mfg.
Solvent cleaning
Wood machining
Varnish & paint dipping
Wood product assembly
2. DESIGN DENSITY & AREA OF OPERATION
Refer to NFPA_13 (Figure 5-2.3 p.64 ‘Area / Density Curves’)
 -4-2.1. System Protection Area Limitations. The maximum floor area on
any one floor to be protected by sprinklers supplied by any one sprinkler
system riser or combined system riser shall be as follows:

Light Hazard 52,000 sq. ft. (4831 m2)

Ordinary Hazard 52,000 sq. ft. (4831 m2)

Extra Hazard
Pipe schedule 25,000 sq. ft. (2323 m2)
Hydraulically Calculated 40,000 sq. ft. (3716 m2)
Storage – High piled storage
(as defined in 1-4.2) and storage 40,000 sq. ft. (3716 m2)
covered by other NFPA standards
3. WATER DEMAND REQUIREMENTS
Based on NFPA 13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

Table 5-2.2: Water Supply Requirements for Pipe Schedule Sprinkler System

Occupancy Minimum Residual Acceptable Flow at

Duration in Minutes
Classification Pressure Required Base of Riser

Light Hazard 15 psi 500 – 750 gpm 30 – 60

Ordinary Hazard 20 psi 850 – 1500 gpm 60 - 90

Table 5-2.3: Hose Stream Demand and Water Supply Duration Requirements

Total Combined Inside

Occupancy Inside Hose
& Outside Hose Duration in Minutes
Classification (gpm)
(gpm)

Light Hazard 0, 50, or 100 100 30

Ordinary Hazard 0, 50, or 100 250 60 – 90

Extra Hazard 0, 50, or 100 500 90 – 120

4. SPACING OF SPRINKLERS
From NFPA_13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

Table 4-6.2: Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing (SSU/SSP)

Light Hazard Ordinary Hazard Extra Hazard

Construction
Protection Maximum Protection Maximum Protection Maximum
Type
Area Spacing Area Spacing Area Spacing
Ft2 (m2) Ft. (m) Ft2 (m2) Ft. (m) Ft2 (m2) Ft. (m)

Non-
combustible 225 (20.9)
Obstructed and
Unobstructed 200 (18.6) 15 (4.57) 130 (12.0) 15 (4.57) 100 (9.3) 12 (3.6)
and For pipe
Combustible schedule
unobstructed

Combustible
168 (15.6) 15 (4.57) 130 (12.0) 15 (4.57) 100 (9.3) 12 (3.6)
obstructed

Legend:
SSU – Sprinkler Standard Upright (K-factor = 5.6 gpm/psi ; 8.0 lpm/kpa)
SSP – Sprinkler Standard Pendent (K-factor = 5.6 gpm/psi ; 8.0 lpm/kpa)
Table 4-7.2: Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing (Standard Sidewall Spray Sprinkler)

Ordinary Hazard
Light Hazard

Non-combustible or Non-combustible or
Combustible Combustible
Limited combustible Limited combustible
Finish Finish
Finish Finish

Maximum distance
14 ft (4.3 m) 14 ft (4.3 m) 10 ft (3.0 m) 10 ft (3.0 m)
along the wall

Maximum room
12 ft (3.7 m) 14 ft (4.3 m) 10 ft (3.0 m) 10 ft (3.0 m)
width (L)

Maximum protection
120 ft2 (11.1 m2) 196 ft2 (18.2 m2) 80 ft2 (7.4 m2) 100 ft2 (9.3 m2)
area
5. PIPE SIZING SCHEDULE
Table 6-5.2.2: Light Hazard Pipe Schedule
Steel
1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers
1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers
1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers
2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 10 sprinklers
2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 30 sprinklers
3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 60 sprinklers
3 ½ (90 mm) ………………….... 100 sprinklers
4 in (100 mm) …………………... see 4-2.1
Table 6-5.3.2: Ordinary Hazard Pipe Schedule
Steel
1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers
1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers
1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers
2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 10 sprinklers
2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 20 sprinklers
3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 40 sprinklers
3 ½ (90 mm) ……………….……. 65 sprinklers
4 in (100 mm) ………………….. 100 sprinklers
5 in (125 mm) ………………….. 160 sprinklers
6 in (150 mm) ………………….. 275 sprinklers
8 in (200 mm) ………………….. see 4-2.1
Copper
1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers
1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers
1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers
2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 12 sprinklers
2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 40 sprinklers
3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 65 sprinklers
3 ½ (90 mm) ………………….... 115 sprinklers
4 in (100 mm) …………………... see 4-2.1
Copper
1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers
1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers
1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers
2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 12 sprinklers
2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 25 sprinklers
3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 45 sprinklers
3 ½ (90 mm) ……………….……. 75 sprinklers
4 in (100 mm) ………………….. 115 sprinklers
5 in (125 mm) ………………….. 180 sprinklers
6 in (150 mm) ………………….. 300 sprinklers
8 in (200 mm) ………………….. see 4-2.1
6. DESIGN / HYDRAULIC CALCULATION:

Refer to Fire Protection Hydraulic Software (e.g. HYENA, ELITE, HASS, etc) Computer Generated
Output.

7. DESIGN LAYOUT:

Refer to Project Plans & Specifications.

PART 2 – CALCULATION PROCEDURE

Figure A: Hydraulic Calculation Plan & Elevation

Formulas:

Pressure: ****Where:
P = 0.433 H Q – Flow rate (gpm)
P – Pressure (psi)
Flow; GPM: k – 5.6 Sprinkler discharge
 Q = design density x maximum characteristic, ½ nominal
coverage area of sprinkler orifice
C – Hazen Williams C Factor, friction
Q=k√P loss coefficient, 120
d – inside diameter
Pipe Friction Loss (psi/ft): H – height in feet
P fl = 4.52 Q 1.85 PTl – total pipe length (ft)
C 1.85 d 4.87
(Hazen Williams formula)

Friction Loss (psi):

 Pf = Pfl x PTl
Step 1 in figure B, sprinkler 1 and branchline 1 (BL-1) are identified in the nozzle identification and location column.
The flow for the first sprinkler is determined using the formula Q = D x A, where the selected density of 0.15 gpm/ft2
(6.1 mm/min) is multiplied by the area of coverage per sprinklers, 130ft 2 (12m2). This result in a flow of 19.5 gpm (74
l/min) from sprinkler 1. The final pipe size is determine through a combination of trial and error and experience. In this
case, a 1 in. (25 mm) pipe has been selected.

The fitting directly connected to the sprinkler is not usually included in the calculations, because it is accounted for in
the sprinkler’s K-factor. The equivalent pipe length is the total center to center distance between sprinklers, which, in
this case, the actual pipe length of 13 ft (3.9 m). The friction loss (psi/ft) or (bar/m) is determine by using the Hazen
Williams formula shown in the previous page in this report. When using 1 in. (25 mm) schedule 40 pipe with C factor of
120, the formula is as follows:

p = 5.10 x 10-4 x Q1.85

Note that the actual inside diameter of 1 in. (25 mm) schedule 40 pipe is 1.049 in.
When the flow (Q) is 19.5 gpm, then the following is the result:

p = 0.124 psi / ft

By multiplying 0.124 psi/ft by 13 ft (3.9 m), a friction loss of 1.6 psi (0.11 bar) from sprinkler 1 to sprinkler 2 exist.
The total pressure (Pt) at sprinkler 1 is determined by using the following formula:

Pt = (Q / K)2

Where:
Pt = pressure (psi)
Q = flow from sprinkler (gpm)
K = K-factor of sprinkler

The total pressure in the case of the example is as follows:

(19.5 gpm / 5.6 ) = 12.1 psi

The pressure at sprinkler 2 is determined by adding the pressure at sprinkler 1 plus the pressure drop cause by
friction loss. In this case, the pressure demand at sprinkler 2 is 13.7 psi (0.93 bar) (from 12.1 psi ( 0.82 bar) at
sprinkler 1 plus 1.6 psi (0.11 bar) friction loss). The flow (Q) from sprinkler 2 is determined using the following
formula:

Q=K√P

Where:
K = K-factor of sprinkler 2 (5.6)
P = pressure at sprinkler 2 (13.7 psi)

The flow at sprinkler 2 is, therefore 20.7 gpm (78 L/min). This flow is added to sprinkler 1, and the same procedures
in determining friction loss and flow for the pipe between sprinkler 1 and 2 are followed for determining the
information for pipe between sprinklers 2 and 3.

In step 4, the four sprinklers in the first branch line have been calculated, and the pressure loss between sprinkler 4
and cross main needs to be determined. The pipe length (L) includes the 13.0 ft (4.0 m) between sprinklers plus 6.5
ft. (2.0 m) for a starter piece plus 1.0 ft. (0.3 m) for a riser nipple, for a total of 20.5 ft. (6.3 m). The tees at the top and
bottom of the riser nipple are included in the analysis of the friction loss and are equal to 8 ft. (2.4 m) of pipe each
(see table 22.4.3.1.1 NFPA 13 2007 ed.). The 1 ft. (0.3 m) changed in elevation (1 ft X 0.433 psi/ft) also needs to be
taken account at this point.

A K-factor is established for branch line 1 (BL-1) by dividing the flow (Q) by the square root of P, which, in this case,
is 85.2 divided by the square root of 26, or 16.71. This K-factor is used in predicting the flow in subsequent branch
lines that are identical to BL-1. This K-factor is based on the same hydraulic principle as the K-factor assigned to a
sprinkler – namely, that the K-factor for BL-1 describes the physical characteristics of the pipe opening in the cross
main for the branch line and identifies the constant relationship between the flow and the pressure at this point. When
the flow is associated with the branch line K-factor, a corresponding flow can then be established for the branch line.
If the system design area is of such a nature that it is not symmetrical, and if sprinklers of the design area occurs in
both side of the branch line, then two K-factors must be determined, and the flow must be balanced to properly reflect
the effect of the higher pressure.

In step 8, the pressure due to a 15 ft. (4.6 m) change in elevation (Pe) of 6.5 psi (0.5 bar) (15 ft x 0.433 psi/ft) is
added. In this case, the elevation pressure is considered, because the change in elevation occurs within the step with
no additional water flowing from the system between the two points considered by this step. Any change in elevation
needs to be taken into account where it occurs.

At this point, we are now able to determine if the pressure requirement from our calculation can be supplied from city
main fire protection system or if we need to introduce a pressure boosting fire pumps to meet the required pressure.
Figure B: Hydraulic Calculation Tabulation Sheet
Sample Summary for High-Rise Buildings
A. Type of Occupancy : Offices, Business Occupancy
Hazard Classification : Light Hazard
Design Density of Discharge : 0.10 gpm/ft2
Area of Operation : 1500 ft2 (139 m2)
Maximum area coverage per Sprinkler : 200 ft12 (18.6 m2)
Type of Sprinkler : Standard response (pendent & upright)
Orifice size : ½ inch (15 mm)
Orifice K-factor : 5.6 gpm/psi (8.0 Lpm/kpa)
Minimum Duration of Water Supply : 30 minutes
Inside & outside hose stream allowances : 100 gpm (378 Lpm)

B. Type of Occupancy : Basement Carparks

Hazard Classification
Design Density of Discharge
Area of Operation
Maximum area coverage per Sprinkler
Type of Sprinkler
Orifice size
Orifice K-factor
Minimum Duration of Water Supply
Inside & outside hose stream allowances
: Ordinary Hazard Group 1
: 0.15 gpm/ft2
: 1500 ft2 (139 m2)
: 130 ft12 (12.1 m2)
: Standard response, (pendent & upright)
: 1/2 inch (20 mm)
: 5.6 gpm/psi (8.0 Lpm/kpa)
: 60 minutes
: 250 gpm (946 Lpm)
PART 3 – SYSTEM ACCESSORIES

DETAIL OF FIRE PUMP

1 EQUIPMENT ARRANGEMENT
SCALE NTS
 6 UPRIGHT TYPE
SCALE NTS

CROSSMAIN TO
7 BRANCHLINE CONNECTION DETAIL
SCALE NTS
PART 4 – FIRE PROTECTION in HIGH-RISE
BUILDINGS
EXAMPLES:

Chicago allows a single standpipe zone height of up

to 275 feet (see Figure 1).Above that height, separate additional
zones of a maximum 20 stories each are required. The additional
zone must be supplied by a minimum of two express risers per
zone.
 New York requires a roof tank on buildings higher
than 300 feet and an additional manually controlled fire pump.
Upper levels of the standpipe system must be supplied from the
roof tank. The low zone of the system must have the pressure
reduced to 160 psi maximum.
 NFPA 14 requires 4" minimum diameter standpipes
and 6" minimum diameter combined sprinkler/standpipes be
connected by a common bulk main from the fire pump at the
lowest level. Pressure regulating valves are required to reduce
pressures if the pressure is greater than 175 psi.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Discharge Head
The required discharge head, whether expressed in feet of head (ft.) or pounds per square inch (psi), is the pressure that is
required to produce the sum of:

The required residual pressure at the highest, most remote fire department valve outlet at the required flow rate.
The frictional losses of fittings, valves and lengths of piping in the flow path, adding the friction of subsequent flowing
standpipes from the most remote outlet back to the source fire pump.
The static elevation pressure of the most remote outlet’s location (2.31 ft. = 0.434 psi).

The required residual pressure varies with the codes in question. For example, the requirements are 25 psi in New York, 65
psi in Chicago and 100 psi for the International Building Code and International Fire Code. The 100 psi requirement appears
in NFPA 14, the Standpipe Installation Standard.

The piping design layout influences the frictional losses. The Building Code may dictate requirements for the piping layout,
especially as the building’s overall height increases, resulting in the need for multiple zones.

Design Points on the Fire Pump Curve

The estimated discharge pressure for the system is established at the pump’s discharge flange. The estimated gallons per
minute flow rate required for the system’s supply is determined using the required pressure. The duty point or “Primary
Rating Point” of the fire pump expresses the overall system’s 100% Q (flow rate) at 100% P (pressure) requirements.
This is the design point on the pump curve that is normally used to select and specify the fire pump model and the
horsepower.

NFPA 20 prescribes two additional points that must be met on the fire pump curves.
The “Secondary Rating Point” of 150% Q at 65% P expresses the conditions at the normal fire pump test flow point.
The “Shut-Off” condition of 0% Q at 120 to 140% P expresses the pump’s discharge pressure at no flow.

All fire pumps listed for fire protection service must have performance curves that meet these three curve conditions. Fire
pumps are generally selected within a range of 90% to 130% of the primary rating point of a given pump capacity. As an
example, a 750-gpm pump might be selected and utilized for a demand of between 675 gpm and 975 gpm, but once the
primary rating point of the next size pump is reached, the larger pump should be selected.
Once a fire pump is selected from a specific manufacturer’s curve, other important system design points can be evaluated.
Plotting the fire pump’s performance curve on a graph of the project’s water flow test data allows for the prediction of the
system’s maximum churn pressure.

According to NFPA 20, the “Shut-Off”condition pressure, plus the water supply static pressure, should not exceed 175 psi for
single-zone sprinkler/standpipe systems and 350 psi in multiple-zone systems.
Thank You
Prepared by:
Jonathan J. Espino
Fire Safety Engineer

For more queries and information, please don’t hesitate to email at

jj7espino@gmail.com