NFPA 13Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems1999 EditionCopyright 1999 NFPA, All Rights ReservedNFPA 13Standard for theInstallation of Sprinkler Systems1999 EditionNOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter designating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on the paragraph can be found in Appendix A. A dagger () following the number or letter designating a paragraph or section in the text indicates explanatory test data and procedures with regard to that paragraph or section can be found in Appendix C.A reference in parentheses () at the end of a section or paragraph indicates that the material has been extracted from another NFPA document. The bold number in parentheses indicates the document number and is followed by the section number where the extracted material can be found in that document. The complete title and current edition of an extracted document can be found in the chapter on referenced publications.Information on referenced publications can be found in Chapter 13 and Appendix E.Chapter 1 General Information1-1 Scope.This standard provides the minimum requirements for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems and exposure protection sprinkler systems, including the character and adequacy of water supplies and the selection of sprinklers, fittings, piping, valves, and all materials and accessories, including the installation of private fire service mains. This standard encompasses “combined service mains” used to carry water for both fire service and other uses as well as mains for fire service use only.1-2* Purpose.The purpose of this standard is to provide a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire through standardization of design, installation, and testing requirements for sprinkler systems, including private fire service mains, based on sound engineering principles, test data, and field experience. This standard endeavors to continue the excellent records that have been established by sprinkler systems while meeting the needs of changing technology. Nothing in this standard is intended to restrict new technologies or alternate arrangements, provided the level of safety prescribed by this standard is not lowered. Materials or devices not specifically designated by this standard shall be utilized in complete accord with all conditions, requirements, and limitations of their listings.1-2.1A sprinkler system and private fire service mains are specialized fire protection systems and require knowledgeable and experienced design and installation. 1-3 Retroactivity Clause.The provisions of this document are considered necessary to provide a reasonable level of protection from loss of life and property from fire. They reflect situations and the state of the art at the time the standard was issued.| Unless otherwise noted, it is not intended that the provisions of this document be applied to facilities, equipment, structures, or installations that were existing or approved for construction or installation prior to the effective date of this document. Exception: In those cases where it is determined by the authority having jurisdiction that the existing situation involves a distinct hazard to life or property, this standard shall apply. 1-4 Definitions.1-4.1 NFPA Definitions.Approved.* Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.Authority Having Jurisdiction.* The organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.Listed.* Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.Standard. A document, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and which is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions shall be located in an appendix, footnote, or fine-print note and are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard.1-4.2 General Definitions.Compartment. A space completely enclosed by walls and a ceiling. The compartment enclosure is permitted to have openings to an adjoining space if the openings have a minimum lintel depth of 8 in. (203 mm) from the ceiling.Drop-Out Ceiling. A suspended ceiling system, which is installed below the sprinklers, with listed translucent or opaque panels that