Description

• The fire sprinkler system is one of the fire suppression measures that consists of an integrated network of piping designed in accordance with the NYC Building Code and NFPA standards. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed, installed, inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the NYC Fire Code, and the applicable referenced standards. This includes the location and size of water supplies, the location, number, and type of sprinkler heads, location and size of all feed mains, control valves, waterflow alarm, temper switches, gauges, drains, and other essential features of the system.  
• If the pressure needed to ensure adequate flow to all parts of the sprinkler system exceeds the supply pressure, a sprinkler booster pump is required for the purpose of boosting or increasing the city water pressure in the sprinkler system. 
• In light hazard occupancies with only limited ordinary hazard areas, an automatic fire pump serving the lower part of the standpipe system may be used as the primary supply to the sprinkler system, provided that an automatic switching secondary power supply is available to drive the pump. Fire pumps shall be in rooms that are separated from all other areas of the building by 2-hour fire barriers with some exceptions. 
• The New York City Building Code requires the installation of automatic sprinklers be based on several factors, such as the height and size of the building, occupancy classifications, fire areas, occupant loads, the layout of partitions, fire-rated construction, and the contents or hazards present in the building. In general, Building Code Chapter 9 and Building Code Appendix Q, which amends references to various National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, governs the sprinkler system application, installation, and design.
• Sprinklers shall not be required in the following cases: 
  • 1. Sprinklers shall not be required in electrical equipment rooms where all of the following conditions are met: 
  • 1.1 The room is dedicated to electrical equipment only. 
  • 1.2 Only dry-type electrical equipment is used. 
  • 1.3 Equipment is installed in a 2hour fire rated enclosure including protection for penetrations. 
  • 1.4 No combustible storage is permitted to be stored in the room. 
  • 2. Sprinklers shall not be permitted in elevator machine rooms and elevator machinery spaces. 
  • 3. Sprinklers shall not be required in rooms and spaces protected by an alternative fire suppression system in accordance with the New York City Fire Code and Section 904 of this code 

Baseline

• Water supply information (static pressure and flow) is obtained by requesting hydrant flow test from DEP.
• System type and configuration is designed based on the site plan and codes. Tree piping layout of sprinkler heads is commonly proposed. 
• The associated hazard class of occupancy is evaluated in compliance with NFPA 13 standards.
• The minimum pipe size is 1 inch.
• The maximum spacing between branch lines and sprinkler heads of 12 or 15 ft is estimated. 
• Sprinklers shall be located a minimum of 4 in. from a wall. 
• The type of sprinkler must be selected and consequently its K factor is determined. 
• The minimum area of sprinkler operation is estimated based on the hazard class. 
• The location of the most remote head should be determined by hydraulic calculation and have a pressure of not less than 7 psi.
• Hydraulic calculations shall be used for all heads within the sprinkler operation area, resulting in the required total pressure and maximum flow rate.
• When the domestic water is used to supply sprinklers, the domestic water supply line shall be at least the size of the sprinkler line and the capacity available shall be at least equal to the capacity required for the sprinklers.
• The water supply line from the tank or street shall have the required pressure.  
• A check valve and backflow preventer shall be installed on the sprinkler supply branch.
• Booster Pumps shall be of approved centrifugal type, capable of delivering at least 200 gpm, and shall be capable of supplying the calculated flow and pressure demand of the sprinkler system. Pumps shall be maintained under approved automatic control and shall be supplied from the street side of the building service switch. 
• Threads provided for FDNY connections to sprinkler systems, standpipes, yard hydrants or any other fire hose connection shall be compatible with the connections used by FDNY.
• Types of Fire Sprinklers such as: Pendent Fire Sprinkler Heads, Upright Fire Sprinkler Heads, Sidewall Fire Sprinkler Heads, and/or Concealed Fire Sprinkler Heads shall be determined by designer.

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Last Updated on October 10, 2024 at 2:18 pm