Many plumbing and fire protection professionals are familiar with the basic fire pump design standards and requirements stated in NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection. 

The increased plastic content in packaging used to transport and store products creates new, higher-risk challenges. Companies must adapt to meet customer expectations — and electronically activated sprinkler systems are ready to meet that demand.

Understanding the strategies allows fire protection engineers and system designers to help influence the ceiling design that may, in turn, result in a more efficient sprinkler design and layout. 

There is a happy medium between no delegation and full delegation of the fire protection system. 

The requirements of residential sprinkler systems are similar across the three installation standards, with a few variations to provide cost-saving options for homeowners. Where additional protections are necessary or desired, it is up to the engineer to specify.

The use of UL-listed antifreezes helps meet the intent of NFPA freeze protection requirements and the requirement of using an agency-listed antifreeze in both new and existing systems.

Early suppression fast response sprinkler (ESFR) technology was introduced in the late 1980s.

UL examined and tested sprinklers sampled from field installations in accordance with the recommendations and requirements of applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for several decades.Ï