F.Y.I. Specifying Fire Protection Systems Using Division 13

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1 F.Y.I. Specifying Fire Protection Systems Using Division 13 Automatic fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm and detection systems are increasingly installed in modern buildings. Even where building codes do not require these systems, knowledgeable and responsible professionals recognize the exceptional value of automatic on-site fire suppression. These state-of-the-art protection systems economically reduce the loss of life and property from fire. The increased demand for fire protection systems has resulted in the development of separate industries to fill these needs. These industries have responded with new products and technologies, aimed at increasing both the effectiveness of the systems and their economical installation in buildings. Traditionally, the separate identify of the fire protection industry is not well recognized. Fire sprinkler systems were often lumped with building mechanical systems, and alarm and detection systems were considered an extension of the building s electrical system. This categorization prevented the design professional from making knowledgeable up-front decisions regarding the installation of the fire protection systems, which in turn affected other basic design decisions. It also created conflicts within project specifications and lack of coordination between fire protection trades. In 1995, the Construction Specifications Institute and Construction Specifications Canada revised their MasterFormat. The new revisions place both detection and alarm systems and fire suppression systems in Division 13 for Special Construction. The use of Division 13 promises more economical and effective fire protection for today s buildings. Why Division 13? The CSI/CSD MasterFormat arranges related construction products and activities into sixteen level one titles, called divisions. In the past, fire sprinkler and other suppression systems were often located within Division 15--Mechanical. Detection and alarm systems were located within Division 16--Electrical. This relegated these important specifications to subsection status, prevented early decision-making which could utilize these systems to their maximum design potential and hampered coordination between the suppression and alarm industries. Division 13 addresses special construction, systems and features which are not common to all buildings, but which require special consideration. This list includes diverse systems such as security access and surveillance, hazardous material remediation, and lightning protection. By using Division 13 for fire protection systems specifications, design professionals can eliminate a host of problems and conflicts.

2 What Conflicts Are Avoided? In the United States and Canada, fire protection systems are installed in accordance with standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA standards rely heavily upon product evaluation and listings by organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual Research Corporation. As a result of the need to comply with specialized fire protection standards, there may often be conflicts with the general requirements found in Division 15 for Mechanical systems and Division 16 for Electrical systems. Even basic specifications for piping and hangers may produce conflicts. Manufacturers of fittings for both the mechanical and fire protection industries often reference ASME standards for the mechanical systems and NFPA standards for the fire protection systems. The Underwriters Laboratories requirements for pipe hangers for fire protection piping do not match those of the Manufacturers Standardization Society for mechanical piping. Where sprinkler systems are specified as a subset of mechanical systems, contractors are often directed to adhere to certain aspects of the general mechanical specifications that are in conflict with codified fire protection standards. This can lead to misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and contractual disputes. How can the use of Division 13 improve design decisions? Modern building codes contain a number of construction alterations or "trade-off" by which the installation of fire protection systems like automatic sprinklers can reduce other fire protection requirements. Examples include larger building areas for specific construction types, reduced fire separation and fireproofing requirements for building members, longer exit travel distances, a wider range of interior finish materials, and elimination of special exit windows or devices. Making design decisions relative to fire protection systems early in the design process permits a design professional to take full advantage of these code-based construction alternatives. In many jurisdictions, the "trade-off" extend beyond the building walls. For example, installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems is permitted to reduce fire flow demands of community water systems, increase hydrant spacing, permit construction in outlaying areas, and increase zoning density. An intelligent design professional will explore these options before committing to a particular building design. Working with fire protection systems at an early point in Division 13 permits a more direct relationship between the design professional and fire protection professionals who can assist in exploring the cost and versatility of various fire protection system options. For example, the use of new technology ESFR sprinklers can eliminate the need for in-rack sprinklers in warehouses, but only if the initial design decisions permit an acceptable type of roof construction.

3 How are fire protection systems specified? Under the new Division 13 concept, Detection and Alarm Equipment is specified as Section While this section also includes gas detection and leak detection, it permits smoke detection and fire alarm systems to be directly specified outside of Division 16--Electrical. In general, specification should be in accordance with the options presented by NFPA 72--The National Fire Alarm Code. Much of the current alarm detection technology utilizes low-voltage equipment and is only interconnected with the building electrical system through a system control panel. The use of low-voltage equipment permits more economical provision of emergency power required under the standard. Automatic Fire Suppression Systems are now specified within the following subsections of Section Fire Suppression: Fire Protection Basic Materials and Methods Hangers and Supports Pipe and Fittings Piping Specialties Valves Fire Pumps Wet-Pipe Fire Suppression Sprinklers Dry-Pipe Fire Suppression Sprinklers Pre-Action Fire Suppression Sprinklers Combination Dry-Pipe and Pre-Action Deluge Fire Suppression Sprinklers Foam Fire Extinguishing Alternative Fire Extinguishing Systems Halon Alternatives Water Mist Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishing Standpipes and Hoses Most of these fire suppression systems have applicable NFPA standards which can be referenced: Wet-Pipe Sprinklers NFPA 13 - for most buildings NFPA 13R - for residential buildings up to four stories in height NFPA 13D-for one- and two- family dwellings and manufactured homes Dry-Pipe Sprinkler Systems Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems Combination Dry-Pipe/Pre-Action Systems NFPA 13

4 Storage/Warehouse Sprinkler Systems NFPA for non-miscellaneous storage NFPA 231C - for storage on racks NFPA 231D - for rubber tire storage NFPA 231F - for storage of rolled paper NFPA 30 - for storage of flammable and combustible liquids NFPA 30B - for storage of aerosols Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems NFPA 16 - Foam Water Deluge Sprinkler Systems NFPA 16A - Closed-Head Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems Fire Pumps NFPA 20 Standpipe and Hose Systems NFPA 14 Private Fire Service Mains (Yard Systems and Hydrants) NFPA 24 Carbon Dioxide Systems NFPA 12 Water Spray Deluge Systems NFPA 15 Clean Agent (Halon Alternatives) NFPA 2001 Water Mist Systems NFPA 750 Dry/Wet Chemical Systems NFPA 17/17A In many cases, these standards are adopted as applicable reference standards by building codes. Where appropriate, they provide a set of reasonable minimum standards to ensure quality system design and installation. Manufacturers literature can often be used to enhance specifications by identification of specific features of equipment desirable for aesthetic or other purposes. Is professional help available? Working with the National Fire Sprinkler Association and the Automatic Fire Alarm Association, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers endorsed the move of fire protection specifications from Divisions 15 and 16 to Division 13. Fire protection engineering is now a recognized and distinct specialty licensing area in most states. Especially in unusual, complex, or high hazard occupancies, a fire protection engineer should be consulted to assist in the development of appropriate fire protection system specifications. Essential system design criteria can thereby be included in the project specifications. Utilizing the provisions of the applicable NFPA standards, fire protection engineering technicians working in the employ of fire protection contractors can then prepare detailed working plans. Most states now license fire protection contractors, and licensing laws generally specify minimum demonstrated levels of technical competency. The National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) maintains a program of testing and certification which is

5 referenced by state licensing laws. NICET offers certification for technicians in the field of fire protection within three separate subfields: Automatic Sprinkler Systems Alarm and Detection Special Hazards How does the use of Division 13 improve coordination? As building codes increasingly rely upon fire protection systems, the interface between the fire suppression systems industry and the fire alarm detection industry also increases. The use of Division 13 permits easy identification of system interface issues. In general, this consists of alarm service indicating activation of a fire suppression system, as well as supervisory served indicating the ready condition of key system components. Examples include tamper switches on system control valves and temperature monitors on stored water supplies. How will the use of Division 13 affect the building owner? The building owner is the chief beneficiary of the use of Division 13 for fire protection system specifications. Every improvement in design efficiency, coordination, and elimination of conflicts translates to reduced construction costs. And the building owner will also benefit from the improvement in reliability and protection that is the inevitable result of greater attention to fire protection system specifications. How does one obtain the Master Format? The MasterFormat is available from: The Construction Specifications Institute 601 Madison Street Alexandria, Virginia Telephone: (800) Fax: (703) Construction Specifications Canada 100 Lombard Street, Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario M5C 1M3 Telephone: (416) Fax: (416) For More Information, Contact: National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. 40 Jon Barrett Road - Patterson, NY Telephone: (845) Fax: (845)