Print this pageOverview of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems
Lawrence R. Eichner, P.E.
Course Outline
Every year, US fire departments respond to an average of 372,000 home structure fires that are estimated to result in 2,600 civilian fatalities, 12,900 civilian injuries, $7.2 billion in property damage and 25,600 firefighter injuries. The proven benefits of residential fire sprinkler systems are truly impressive; these systems can reduce civilian fire deaths by 83%, reduce direct property damage by 69%, and reduce firefighter injuries by 65%. Nevertheless, only 4.6% of residential structures have fire sprinkler systems. As a result, more and more cities and communities are adopting regulations to mandate the installation of sprinkler systems in all new residential construction as well as retrofit systems in existing structures. All building design professionals should have an in-depth understanding of the unique requirements for sprinkler systems in residential occupancies. This online course provides an overview of the fundamental fire protection concepts of residential sprinkler systems, the evolving technology, and allied standards and codes. The course materials are based entirely on Residential Sprinkler Systems by Daniel Madrzykowski and Russell P. Fleming, Volume 2; Chapter 6 - Section 16; NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 20th Edition 2008. The course is intended to give engineers and architects an overview of residential fire sprinkler systems as well as motivation to learn more about the national standards governing their proper specification, design, and installation.
This course requires the completion of a multiple-choice quiz at its conclusion in order to obtain the necessary certification.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be aware of:
- The origins of national standards for residential sprinkler systems;
- The primary purpose of residential sprinkler systems;
- The performance objectives of a residential system;
- The significant differences between sprinkler systems designed in accordance with NFPA 13D and NFPA 13;
- The direction and focus of developments in residential sprinkler technology;
- Why residential sprinkler standards were developed in response to the specific home fire problems;
- How residential sprinkler standards were developed by areas of origin, items first ignited, and individuals most at risk of death or injury;
- The basis for development of the first edition of NFPA 13D;
- Research and development of the fast response sprinkler;
- The evolution of measuring sprinkler sensitivity and the standardization of sensitivity testing;
- Special characteristics of residential sprinklers;
- Underwriters Laboratory UL 1626 test procedures for residential sprinklers;
- Subsequent revisions to NFPA 13D design requirements;
- The unique requirements for the use of residential sprinklers in NFPA 13;
- Why NFPA 13R was developed;
- Advances in sprinkler and system technology;
- Documentation of residential sprinkler system experience and performance;
- Various types of incentives to stimulate interest in the use of residential systems; and
- National codes that mandate residential sprinkler systems.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for engineers and architects.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendee will understand the evolution of the residential sprinkler system and governing standards as well as the unique fire protection concepts, technology and features, and requirements.
Course Introduction
A recent survey finds that only 4.6% of single and multi-unit homes have sprinklers. Yet most fire-related civilian deaths in the US occur in the home – an average of 2,600 each year. Faced with this alarming statistic and the fact residential sprinkler systems can reduce civilian fatalities by 83% and property damage by 69%, municipalities across the US are enacting legislation requiring the installation of sprinkler systems in all new residential construction. Both NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000 require fire sprinkler systems in all new one- and two family dwellings, health care facilities, and hotels. NFPA 13 requires residential type sprinklers in all new light hazard construction. This course provides building design professionals with an overview of the evolution of residential sprinkler systems, the underlying unique fire protection concepts as well as the genesis of the technology and standards.
Course Content
In this lesson, you are required to download and study the following document:
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Course Summary
Based on Chapter 6 of the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook – Residential Sprinkler Systems, this course provides a broad overview of residential sprinkler systems – the development and evolution of the concepts, and the unique technology and allied standards. Chapter 6 covers these topics in seven sections:
- Introduction
- Developing a Sprinkler System in Response to the Home Fire Problem
- Residential Sprinkler Standards
- New Technology in Residential Sprinkler Systems
- Residential Sprinkler Experience
- Incentives for More Widespread Use of Residential Sprinklers
- Summary
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following website:
NFPA Codes & Standards, NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R
Fire Sprinkler Initiative
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
