NFPA 13 Requirements for Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a nonprofit association dedicated to reducing the risks of fire by maintaining standards and regulations on fire protection systems and building codes as well as research, training, and education on fire prevention and public safety.

NFPA 13 provides the standard for installation of sprinkler systems, including dry and preaction sprinkler systems, in terms of acceptable approaches, design development alternatives, and component options. 

One of the components of the NFPA 13 is that a hydrostatic test is required when installing a new sprinkler system or when maintenance or repair involves more than 20 sprinklers.  Dry standpipe systems must be tested every 5 years to verify piping integrity.  These hydro tests for dry and preaction sprinkler systems introduce water and moisture into an otherwise usually dry pipe system.  If this moisture interacts with uncoated metal and oxygen, there is serious potential for corrosion to occur and spread throughout the system.  Corrosion in FPS can cause pinhole leaks and ultimately lead to system failure if not properly treated - or, better yet, avoided in the first place.

The N2-Blast® Corrosion Inhibiting System from South-Tek Systems as well as the AutoPurge System are both designed to comply with the standards and regulations put forth by NFPA 13 for installation of sprinkler systems.  While NFPA 13 requires the hydrostatic test of a preaction FPS upon installation, the N2-Blast System attached to the FPS will ensure that the piping and sprinklers are purged with Nitrogen to protect against corrosion and leaks, and to ensure the system integrity.

The N2-Blast Corrosion Inhibiting System for dry and preaction FPS helps to increase the safety, efficiency, endurance, and functionality of the system.

Contact the experts at South-Tek Systems, makers of the N2-Blast, to see how this system can benefit the performance of your dry or preaction FPS today: 888-526-6284.