Insights topic · 3 articles
Sprinkler Systems
Choosing between NFPA 13, 13R and 13D, designing a sprinkler system and getting sprinkler drawings approved.
Sprinkler systems in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware are designed to NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D. The building code your jurisdiction has adopted decides whether a building needs sprinklers. The NFPA standard decides how the system is designed, installed, tested and approved. The guides below answer the questions owners, architects and contractors ask most, grouped by the kind of question.
Start here
What Is NFPA 13? A Plain-English Guide for Owners
NFPA 13 is the installation standard for sprinkler systems: how they are designed, not whether a building needs them. Editions by state, hazard classes, when storage rules apply and when…
Questions this topic answers
What it is
| Question | Code basis | Last reviewed |
|---|---|---|
| What Is NFPA 13? A Plain-English Guide for Owners | NFPA 13 (2016 to 2025 editions as referenced); IBC 903.2 and 903.3.1.1 (2021 PA, MD; 2024 NJ, NYS); 2022 NYC BC | Oct 2026 |
| What Are Sprinkler Shop Drawings? Inside a Sealed Set | NFPA 13 (2022) Ch. 28 plans and calculations, 4.5.1.1 flow test age; local building and fire codes for sealing requirements | Oct 2026 |
How the options compare
| Question | Code basis | Last reviewed |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 13 vs NFPA 13R vs 13D: Which Sprinkler Standard Applies? | IBC 903.3.1.1 to 903.3.1.3 (2021 PA, MD; 2024 NJ, NYS); NYC BC App. Q; NFPA 13, 13R, 13D (2022) | Oct 2026 |
From the project portfolio
ESFR sprinkler design for a 600,000 SF distribution center
- 600,000 SF
- 40 ft clear height
- K-25.2 ESFR
Result: Design approved on the first submission, with no changes to the steel package.
Read the project story Office · Manhattan, NYSprinkler and fire alarm modifications for a Class A office fit-out
- 2 full floors
- Exposed ceilings
- DOB and FDNY filings
Result: Approved without objections, and the client moved in on its original date.
Read the project story Warehouse & Distribution · Cranbury area, NJRack storage sprinkler design and fire pump analysis for a fulfillment center
- 3-level pick modules
- In-rack sprinklers
- Diesel fire pump
Result: The pump and tank were sized right the first time, and the system passed acceptance testing on day one.
Read the project storyOther topics
All Insights- Storage and Commodities42 articles
- Fire Alarm1 article
- Water Supply39 articles
- Life Safety and Egress1 article
- Inspection and Testing2 articles
- Approvals by Jurisdiction62 articles
- Code Strategy2 articles
- Working with a Fire Protection Engineer1 article
Need an engineer on this?
DGA Fire Protection Engineering works on these questions every week for owners, architects and contractors in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.