Commercial Building Inspector B2Public Safety and Special ConstructionMedium
A designer is specifying an automatic sprinkler system for a new Group R-2 occupancy building. The building is four stories above grade plane and has a total area of 25,000 square feet per floor. Which standard should be referenced for the design and installation of this sprinkler system?
- ANFPA 13R
- BNFPA 72
- CNFPA 14
- DNFPA 13D
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. NFPA 13R
NFPA 13R is the standard for the installation of sprinkler systems in residential occupancies up to and including four stories in height. Given the building is Group R-2 and four stories, NFPA 13R is the appropriate standard.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. NFPA 72 covers fire alarm and signaling systems, not sprinkler system installation.
- C. NFPA 14 covers standpipes and hose systems, not automatic sprinkler systems for residential buildings.
- D. NFPA 13D is for sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes, not multi-story R-2 occupancies.
NFPA 13R Applicability
NFPA 13R is the standard for the installation of sprinkler systems in residential occupancies up to and including four stories in height, offering less stringent requirements than NFPA 13.
- Applies to Group R occupancies (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4).
- Limited to buildings four stories or less above grade plane.
- Provides a cost-effective sprinkler option for certain residential buildings.
Memory trick: 13R for Residential, Four stories or less, a sensible request.