13314

INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

maximum

36 in. (0.9 m) for 1 in. pipe

48 in. (1.2 m) for 1 in. pipe
60 in. (1.5 m) for 1 in. pipe
or larger

Greater than 36 in. (0.9 m) for 1 in. pipe

Greater than 48 in. (1.2 m) for 1 in. pipe
Greater than 60 in. (1.5 m) for 1 in. pipe or larger

Then extend here

FIGURE A.9.2.3.4 Distance from Sprinkler to Hanger.

For any pipe size:

12 in. (305 mm) maximum for steel pipe
6 in. (152 mm) maximum for copper pipe

For any pipe size:

Greater than 12 in. (305 mm) for steel pipe
6 in. (152 mm) for copper pipe

Then extend here

FIGURE A.9.2.3.4.4(a) Distance from Sprinkler to Hanger Where Maximum Pressure Exceeds
100 psi (6.9 bar) and Branch Line Above Ceiling Supplies Pendent Sprinklers Below Ceiling.

A.9.2.6 Examples include headers and horizontal runs of

pipe that need support from the floor.
Where applicable, the design of pipe stands should consider additional loading from other sources. Environmental
impacts, including water accumulation at the base, corrosion,
and wind should also be taken into account as appropriate.
A.9.3.1 Sprinkler systems are protected against earthquake
damage by means of the following:
(1) Stresses that would develop in the piping due to differential building movement are minimized through the use of
flexible joints or clearances.
(2) Bracing is used to keep the piping fairly rigid when supported from a building component expected to move as a
unit, such as a ceiling.
Areas known to have a potential for earthquakes have been
identified in building code and insurance maps.
Displacement due to story drift is addressed in 9.3.2 through
9.3.4.
A.9.3.2 Strains on sprinkler piping can be greatly lessened
and, in many cases, damage prevented by increasing the flexibility between major parts of the sprinkler system. One part of
the piping should never be held rigidly and another part allowed to move freely without provision for relieving the strain.

Flexibility can be provided by using listed flexible couplings,

by joining grooved end pipe at critical points, and by allowing
clearances at walls and floors.
Tank or pump risers should be treated the same as sprinkler
risers for their portion within a building. The discharge pipe of
tanks on buildings should have a control valve above the roof line
so any pipe break within the building can be controlled.
Piping 2 in. (51 mm) or smaller in size is pliable enough so
that flexible couplings are not usually necessary. Rigid-type
couplings that permit less than 1 degree of angular movement
at the grooved connections are not considered to be flexible
couplings. [See Figure A.9.3.2(a) and Figure A.9.3.2(b).]
A.9.3.2.3.1(1) Risers do not include riser nipples as defined
in 3.5.8.
A.9.3.2.3.1(4) A building expansion joint is usually a bituminous fiber strip used to separate blocks or units of concrete to
prevent cracking due to expansion as a result of temperature
changes. Where building expansion joints are used, the flexible coupling is required on one side of the joint by 9.3.2.3(4).
For seismic separation joints, considerably more flexibility
is needed, particularly for piping above the first floor. Figure
A.9.3.3(a) shows a method of providing additional flexibility
through the use of swing joints.

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2013 Edition

Copyright National Fire Protection Association

4/2012