Residential Sprinkler

System Design
Mad e E as y
By
Marshall A. Klein, PE,
and
Julius Ballanco, PE

Why are residential sprinklers such a big issue?

• In 2006, 66 percent of fire deaths and more than 25
percent of firefighter on-duty deaths occurred in one-
and two-family dwellings.1
• The available time to escape a flaming fire in a home
has been reduced significantly, from an average of 17
minutes in 1975 to as few as three minutes in 2003.2
Modern furnishings burn fast, and smoke alarms no
longer may sound in time for occupants to escape.
• Lightweight construction endangers occupants and
firefighters. Sprinklers protect lightweight construction.
• When both fire sprinklers and smoke alarms are present
in a home, the risk of dying in a fire is reduced by 82
percent when compared to a residence without either.3
• In almost 2,000 fire incidents in homes protected with
fire sprinklers, no fire-related deaths were reported
during the 2002–2005 period.3

12  Plumbing Systems & Design  SEPTEMBER 2008 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

 Major resistance to requiring residential sprinklers in new
homes by code officials in the past has included the following
concerns.
• Sprinkler installation needs to be enforced by the code offi-
cial through the International Residential Code (IRC), and
the official should be able to find such requirements in the
IRC. The official should not need to look to another code or
standard to find the appropriate requirements. The intent of
the IRC, as well as its predecessor, the CABO One- and Two-
family Dwelling Code, is to have one self-contained, stand-
alone code book that has all the prescriptive requirements
for the building of a home that both the homebuilder and the
code official can use for the design, review, construction, and
inspection of the home.
• The sprinkler system must be clear and simple enough to be
designed and installed by a homeowner building his own
home. In many parts of the country, homeowners desire
to do the great majority of work in building their home, so
requirements in the IRC should attempt to accommodate to
the maximum extent possible the needs of these homeown-
ers through simplicity of homebuilding requirements.
• The sprinkler design and installation should be permitted to
be either a stand-alone sprinkler system or a multipurpose
piping system (serving both the domestic water and sprin-
kler system) that the homeowner builder or plumber can
install. If the objectives of the first two concerns above are
met, there is no reason not to permit the homeowner builder
or the plumber from following the code requirements and
installing the sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings.
Both the International Plumbing Code and the Uniform
Plumbing Code permit multipurpose piping systems, where
the sprinkler system is a part of the plumbing system. Of
course, if one desires to contract with a sprinkler installer for
the design and installation of the sprinkler system, that pres-
ents no problems under the code.

What has changed this year?

Founded in 2007, the IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition has grown
to include more than 80 international, national, and regional
supporting organizations, including fire and code official groups
in 38 states, all of whom support the installation of residential
fire sprinkler systems in new homes. The mission of the Coali-
tion is to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public
and emergency responders by supporting the installation of fire
sprinklers in residential occupancies. More information can be
found at www.ircfiresprinkler.org.
Established in 1873, the International Association of Fire
Chiefs (IAFC) represents the leadership of more than 1.2 million
firefighters. IAFC members are the world’s leading experts in
firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response,
hazardous material spills, natural disasters, search and rescue,
and public safety legislation. More information can be found at
www.iafc.org.
For the latest IRC code cycle for the next edition of the IRC
(2009), the IAFC jointly worked with the IRC Fire Sprinkler
Coalition to draft an IRC Code Proposal to address the above
concerns of the code officials. IRC Code Proposal RP3-07/08
was submitted and published by the International Code Council
(ICC) in its Code Proposal Monograph in November 2007, and
testimony was heard before the IRC Plumbing and Mechanical

SEPTEMBER 2008  Plumbing Systems & Design  13

FEATURE: Residential Sprinkler System Design Made Easy
Code Development Committee on February 21, 2008, at the ICC sizes for underground and aboveground piping and different
Code Development Hearings in Palm Springs, California. The meter sizes.
IRC Plumbing and Mechanical Code Development Committee The cost of residential sprinkler systems using the method
voted to recommend approval of this code proposal to the IRC proposed ranges from $0.050 per square foot to $1.75 per square
membership. The final vote on its adoption into the 2009 IRC will foot. Of course, pricing will vary throughout the country based
be conducted in September during the ICC Annual Conference on material and labor costs. The typical installation will be closer
at the Final Action Hearing in Minneapolis. to the middle or higher end of the price range rather than the
Code Proposal RP3-07/08 provides a simple, prescriptive, and lower end.
cost-effective approach to residential fire sprinkler systems that For coordination purposes, the same prescriptive design
is fully contained in the IRC. This text will allow a contractor or method and tables were submitted to the NFPA 13D Committee
homebuilder to install a residential sprinkler system without for inclusion in the next edition of NFPA 13D (2009). Code Pro-
referencing another code or standard. The requirements are posal NFPA 13D-54 would add a new Section 8.4.10: “Prescrip-
intended to be fully consistent with National Fire Protection tion Pipe Sizing Method” and the same prescriptive tables as
Association (NFPA) 13D: Standard for the Installation of Sprin- were proposed for the IRC. The NFPA 13D Committee reviewed
kler Systems in One- and Two-family Dwellings and Manufac- this proposal at its ROP Meeting and approved it. This proposal
tured Homes, but they are simplified. Homebuilders still have the and the recommendation of approved were published for public
option of using the nationally recognized standard, NFPA 13D, comment in the committee’s June 2009 Report on Proposals.
which allows an engineered design option and other piping con- The deadline for public comments to NFPA 13D was August 29,
figurations. The approach of including prescriptive tables in the 2008. Since this article when to press before the public comment
deadline for NFPA 13D, we do not know if any public
comments were sent into NFPA concerning Code Pro-
posal NFPA 13D-54.

IRC RP3-07/08: Prescriptive Pipe Sizing

Method
The following proposed, germane text on the pre-
scriptive pipe sizing comes from IRC Code Proposal
RP3-07/08. This new text is under the proposed Section
P2904: “Dwelling Fire Sprinkler Systems.”
P2904.1 General. Where installed, residential fire
sprinkler systems, or portions thereof, shall be in accor-
dance with NFPA 13D or Section P2904, which shall be
considered equivalent to NFPA 13D. Section P2904 shall
apply to stand-alone and multipurpose wet-pipe sprin-
kler systems that do not include the use of antifreeze.
A multipurpose fire sprinkler system shall provide
domestic water to both fire sprinklers and plumbing fix-
tures. A stand-alone sprinkler system shall be separate
and independent from the water distribution system.
A backflow flow preventer shall not be required to
separate a stand-alone sprinkler system from the water
IRC, but still permitting an engineered design alternative based
distribution system.
on recognized standards, is a logical, reasonable way to handle
P2904.6.2 Prescriptive pipe sizing method. Pipe shall be
residential sprinkler requirements.
sized by determining the available pressure to offset friction loss
A fundamental assumption of RP3-07/08 is that the piping will
in piping and identifying a piping material, diameter, and length
comply with all of the requirements applicable to a residential
using the equation in Section P2904.6.2.1 and the procedure in
plumbing system established by IRC. Another fundamental
Section P2904.6.2.2.
assumption of RP3-07/08 is that the designer and installer will
P2904.6.2.1 Available pressure equation. The pressure avail-
make use of manufacturer instructions for sprinklers and sprin-
able to offset friction loss in the interior piping system (Pt) shall
kler pipe and that the instructions will include all of the basic
be determined in accordance with Equation 29-1:
requirements necessary to design and install these components.
Pt = Psup – PLsvc – PLm – PLd – PLe – Psp
The most notable aspect of the proposed section is the tabular
approach to dealing with hydraulic design. In an effort to sim- where
Pt = Pressure used in applying Tables P2904.6.2(4) through
plify the design of residential sprinkler systems, comprehensive P2904.6.2(9)
pipe sizing tables have been provided, addressing elevation Psup = Pressure available from the water supply source
loss and all sources of pressure loss in a system as a basis for PLsvc = Pressure loss in the water service pipe
prescribing a maximum pipe length between the water supply PLm = Pressure loss in the water meter
and the most remote sprinkler. The tables accommodate various PLd = Pressure loss from devices other than the water meter
PLe = Pressure loss associated with changes in elevation
Psp = Maximum pressure required by a sprinkler

14  Plumbing Systems & Design  SEPTEMBER 2008 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

 P2904.6.2.2 Calculation procedure. Deter-
mination of the required size for water distri-
bution piping shall be in accordance with the
following procedure:
Step 1: Determine Psup. Obtain the static
supply pressure that will be available from the
water main from the water purveyor, or for an
individual source, the available supply pressure
shall be in accordance with Section P2904.5.1.
Step 2: Determine PLsvc. Use Table
P2904.6.2(1) to determine the pressure loss in
the water service pipe based on the selected size
of the water service.
Step 3: Determine PLm. Use Table
P2904.6.2(2) to determine the pressure loss
from the water meter based on the selected
water meter size.
Step 4: Determine PLd. Determine the pres-
sure loss from devices, other than the water
steps have been provided. The first blank worksheet is for a sin-
meter, installed in the piping system supplying sprinklers, such
gle-sprinkler design, with one sprinkler in the most hydraulically
as pressure-reducing valves, backflow preventers, water soften-
remote room in the dwelling. The second blank worksheet is
ers, or water filters. Device pressure losses shall be based on
for a two-sprinkler design, with a minimum of two sprinklers in
the device manufacturer’s specifications. The flow rate used to
the most hydraulically remote area or room in the dwelling. The
determine pressure loss shall be the rate from Section P2904.4.2,
third blank worksheet is a step-by-step description of the input
except that 5 gallons per minute (gpm) shall be added where the
information needed to use this prescriptive design method,
device is installed in a water service pipe that supplies more than
including how to calculate and look up the output results in
one dwelling. As an alternative to deducting pressure loss for a
the tables. For any dwelling’s sprinkler layout, you may need to
device, an automatic bypass valve shall be installed to divert flow
use only either the first or second worksheet if the design under
around the device when a sprinkler activates.
consideration is using only one sprinkler in each room or area
Step 5: Determine PLe. Use Table P2904.6.2(3) to determine
of the dwelling, or if the design under consideration is using two
the pressure loss associated with changes in elevation. The ele-
or more sprinklers in each room or area. However, if there are
vation used in applying the table shall be the difference between
rooms or areas in a dwelling with both single sprinklers in some
the elevation where the water source pressure was measured
rooms or areas, and two or more sprinklers in other rooms or
and the elevation of the highest sprinkler.
areas, then an analysis under both worksheets would be needed
Step 6: Determine Psp. Determine the maximum pressure
to determine the most hydraulically demanding pipe size for
required by any individual sprinkler based on the flow rate from
that dwelling. This explanation may appear quite complicated,
Section P2904.4.1. The required pressure is provided in the
but as you can see from the examples that follow, the layout
sprinkler manufacturer’s published data for the specific sprin-
of the worksheets makes the design quite straightforward and
kler model based on the selected flow rate.
simple to do.
Step 7: Calculate Pt. Using Equation 29-1, calculate the pres-
The example and calculations are for a two-story dwelling as
sure available to offset friction loss in water distribution piping
shown in the residential sprinkler layout of the first and second
between the service valve and the sprinklers.
floors. The worksheets for the first example are for such a dwell-
Step 8: Determine the maximum allowable pipe length. Use
ing on public water, and the worksheets for the second example
Tables P2904.6.2(4) through P2904.6.2(9) to select a material
are for the same dwelling on well water. For each example, you
and size for water distribution piping. The piping material and
needed to analyze three hydraulically remote conditions:
size shall be acceptable if the developed length of pipe between
the service valve the most remote sprinkler does not exceed the 1. The bedroom sidewall sprinklers, since only one sprinkler
maximum allowable length specified by the applicable table. will be operating. The analysis must confirm that each of
these sprinklers will flow a minimum of 16 gpm at an end
Interpolation of Pt between the tabular values shall be permitted.
head pressure of 16 pounds per square inch (psi). This
The maximum allowable length of piping in Tables remote bedroom area (master bedroom) is shown on the
P2904.6.2(4) through P2904.6.2(9) incorporates an adjustment second-floor sprinkler layout drawing. The analysis for this
for pipe fittings, and no additional consideration of friction room as the most hydraulically demanding area is shown
losses associated with pipe fittings shall be required. in the worksheet called “Public Water Example #1 (Design
Analysis #1)” and the worksheet called “Well Water Example
An Interactive Exercise #2 (Design Analysis #1).”
The best way to understand the methodology of the residential
2. The two sidewall sprinklers in the second floor hallway would
sprinkler system prescriptive design method is to review an be the most hydraulically demanding area on the second
example of its actual application. To help in designing under this floor for a two-sprinkler design analysis under the code. This
method, three sample blank worksheets with simple, concise remote area is shown on the second-floor sprinkler layout

SEPTEMBER 2008  Plumbing Systems & Design  15

FEATURE: Residential Sprinkler System Design Made Easy
drawing. The analysis for this hallway as the most hydrauli- • Since the most demanding sprinkler area is the second floor
cally demanding area is in the worksheet called “Public hallway, the water distribution piping inside the dwelling
Water Example #1 (Design Analysis #2)” and the worksheet feeding these two hallway sidewall sprinklers can be 1-inch
called “Well Water Example #2 (Design Analysis #2).” copper (Type M), ¾-inch or 1-inch CPVC, or 1-inch PEX.
3. The two pendent sprinklers in the first-floor living room • For all other distribution piping inside the dwelling coming
would be the most hydraulically demanding area on the first off the piping allowed in the bullet item directly above, the
floor for a two-sprinkler design analysis under the code. This other bedroom sidewall sprinklers on the second floor and
remote area is shown on the first-floor sprinkler layout draw- all the pendent sprinklers on the first floor can be serviced
ing. The analysis for the living room as the most hydraulically from ¾-inch or 1-inch copper (Type M), ¾-inch or 1-inch
demanding area is in the worksheet called “Public Water CPVC, or 1-inch PEX.
Example #1 (Design Analysis #3)” and the worksheet called
“Well Water Example #2 (Design Analysis #3).” Well Water
Within each example and its worksheets, the assumptions Doing a similar review of the three worksheets for Example #2
made are noted and explained, and the values chosen are (well water), the following design conclusions can be made:
directly from the noted tables. The relevant specification sheets • The underground water service will be of any size and mate-
rial permitted by the plumbing code since the sprinkler sys-
for the pendent and sidewall sprinklers also are provided with
tem’s design is based on the pressure setting of the pump at
callouts noting the sprinkler water demand and pressure.
the entrance of the dwelling.
Note that the P2904 tables were adjusted for adoption in the
• For all distribution piping inside the dwelling, all the sprin-
IRC or NFPA 13D codes to work with both the single-sprinkler
klers can be serviced from ¾-inch or 1-inch copper (Type M),
and the two-sprinkler design analyses. For a two-sprinkler ¾-inch or 1-inch CPVC, or 1-inch PEX.
design analysis, use the sprinkler flow value in the tables that
This entire analysis is done with the use of the actual street
static pressure, actual length of the water
service pipe, manufacturer’s specification
sheets for the particular sprinklers you
desire to use, the picking of a value (pressure
loss in psi) out of the new proposed “lookup”
tables in the code, taking those pressure loss
values to do the subtraction in Equation
29-1, and finally going back to the lookup
tables in the code to pick out the maximum
allowable pipe length for the type of inside
water distribution piping you desire to use
to feed a multipurpose sprinkler/domestic
system (or if you desire a stand-alone sprin-
kler system).
The residential prescriptive design
method is truly a straightforward, simple,
cookbook design method that provides the
reasonable, conservative, and affordable
design and installation of sprinklers in resi-
dential dwellings.

For Extra Credit

If you are inclined to delve into sprinkler
hydraulics beyond the cookbook approach
is two times the single-sprinkler flow for the sprinkler under discussed here, go to the IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition website
analysis. Also, for the Psp for Equation 29-1 (see Step 6 in the (www.ircfiresprinkler.org). You will find an Excel spreadsheet
worksheets), always use the sprinkler end head value for a single template free for downloading that does calculations identical to
sprinkler regardless of whether or not it is a single- or two-sprin- those in the lookup tables. However, because Table P2904.6.2(1):
kler design analysis. Again, the tables for the prescriptive design “Water Service Pressure Loss” was simplified for inclusion in the
method have been adjusted to work for both the single- and two- codes to cover all the common, permitted types of materials (PE,
sprinkler designs. PVC, PEX, and copper), that table’s pressure losses are based on
the most restrictive losses of all these materials, which is PE at a
Public Water
SRD value of 11.
After reviewing the three worksheets for Example #1 (public
In the Excel spreadsheet template are pull-down input
water), the following design conclusions can be made:
• The underground water service will be a minimum of 1 inch. menus that permit entry of the actual type (material) of the
The meter size is a minimum of ¾ inch. The underground outside water service piping and its actual length. Therefore,
piping material can be PE, PVC, PEX, or copper that meets the final values for the maximum allowable length of the piping
the plumbing code. inside the dwelling will be greater than the lookup table values

16  Plumbing Systems & Design  SEPTEMBER 2008 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

(Tables P2904.6.2(4) through P2904.6.2(9)). The more precise
Excel spreadsheet template values may be helpful in situations
where the “cookbook” design gets you close to the inside pipe
size you desire, but because of the conservative design of Table
P2904.6.2(1) for the outside water service piping, the allowable
inside pipe length is falling short.

A Step in the Right Direction

IRC Code Proposal RP3-07/08 and NFPA Code Proposal NFPA
13D-54 represent a major advancement in the effort to make
residential sprinkler systems simple and affordable and serve as
a basis for incorporating a prescriptive approach to residential
sprinkler systems in both the 2009 edition of the IRC and the
2009 edition of NFPA 13D.

References
1. Ahrens, Marty. Trends and Patterns of U.S. Fire Losses. NFPA.
2007.
2. NIST Technical Note 1455: Performance of Home Smoke
Alarms. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
2004.
3. Benefit-Cost Analysis of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems.
National Institute of Standards and Technology. 2007.

Marshall Klein is president of Marshall A. Klein and

Associates Inc., an engineering consulting firm that specializes in
national building and fire code issues. He is an active participant
in the ICC code change cycles. Julius Ballanco
is president of JB Engineering and Code
Consulting, a firm specializing in code and
standard consulting in the areas of plumbing,
mechanical, life safety, and fire protection
engineering. For more information or to
comment on this article, e-mail article@
psdmagazine.org.

SEPTEMBER 2008  Plumbing Systems & Design  17

FEATURE: Residential Sprinkler System Design Made Easy
TABLE P2904.6.2(1) TABLE P2904.6.2(2)
WATER SERVICE PRESSURE LOSS (PLSVC)a, b MINIMUM WATER METER PRESSURE LOSS (PLM)A
(Underlining of table omitted for clarity) 5/8 inch METER 3/4 inch METER 1 inch METER
¾ inch Water Service Pressure 1 inch Water Service Pressure 1¼ inch FLOW RATE PRESSURE LOSS PRESSURE LOSS PRESSURE LOSS
Loss (psi) Loss (psi) Pressure (GPM) B
(PSI) (PSI) (PSI)
Water
Flow 101' 101' Service 8 2 1 1
Rate c
40' or 41' to 76' to to 40' or 41' to 76' to to 40' or 41' to Loss (psi) 101' to 10 3 1 1
(gpm) less 75' 100' 150' less 75' 100 150' less 75' 76' to 100' 150' 12 4 1 1
14 5 2 1
8 5.1 8.7 11.8 17.4 1.5 2.5 3.4 5.1 0.6 1.0 1.3 1.9
16 7 3 1
10 7.7 13.1 17.8 26.3 2.3 3.8 5.2 7.7 0.8 1.4 2.0 2.9 18 9 4 1
12 10.8 18.4 24.9 NP 3.2 5.4 7.3 10.7 1.2 2.0 2.7 4.0 20 11 4 2
14 14.4 24.5 NP NP 4.2 7.1 9.6 14.3 1.6 2.7 3.6 5.4 22 NP 5 2
16 18.4 NP NP NP 5.4 9.1 12.4 18.3 2.0 3.4 4.7 6.9 24 NP 5 2
18 22.9 NP NP NP 6.7 11.4 15.4 22.7 2.5 4.3 5.8 8.6 26 NP 6 2
20 27.8 NP NP NP 8.1 13.8 18.7 27.6 3.1 5.2 7.0 10.4 28 NP 6 2
22 NP NP NP NP 9.7 16.5 22.3 NP 3.7 6.2 8.4 12.4 30 NP 7 2
24 NP NP NP NP 11.4 19.3 26.2 NP 4.3 7.3 9.9 14.6 32 NP 7 3
26 NP NP NP NP 13.2 22.4 NP NP 5.0 8.5 11.4 16.9 34 NP 8 3
28 NP NP NP NP 15.1 25.7 NP NP 5.7 9.7 13.1 19.4 36 NP 8 3
30 NP NP NP NP 17.2 NP NP NP 6.5 11.0 14.9 22.0 NP - Not permitted unless the actual water meter pressure loss is known.
32 NP NP NP NP 19.4 NP NP NP 7.3 12.4 16.8 24.8 a. Table 2904.6.2(2) establishes conservative values for water meter pressure loss or
installations where the water meter loss is unknown. Where the actual water meter
34 NP NP NP NP 21.7 NP NP NP 8.2 13.9 18.8 NP pressure loss is known, Pm shall be the actual loss.
36 NP NP NP NP 24.1 NP NP NP 9.1 15.4 20.9 NP b. F low rate from Section P2904.4.2. Add 5 gpm to the flow rate required by Section
NP - Not permitted. Pressure loss exceeds reasonable limits P2904.4.2 where the water-service pipe supplies more than one dwelling.
a. Values are applicable for underground piping materials listed in Table P2904.4 and are based on an SDR of 11 and a Hazen Williams C Factor of 150.
b. Values include the following length allowances for fittings: 25% length increase for actual lengths up to 100 feet and 15% length increase for actual lengths
over 100 feet.
c. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2. Add 5 gpm to the flow rate required by Section P2904.4.2 where the water-service pipe supplies more than one dwelling.
TABLE P2904.6.2(3)
ELEVATION LOSS (PLE)
ELEVATION PRESSURE LOSS
(FEET) (PSI)
5 2.2
10 4.4
15 6.5
20 8.7
25 10.9 TABLE P2904.6.2(5)
30 13
ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 1 INCH TYPE M COPPER WATER TUBING
(Underlining of table omitted for clarity)
35 15.2
Sprinkler Water Available Pressure - Pt (psi)
40 17.4 Flow Distribution 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
TABLE P2904.6.2(4) Ratea
Size
(gpm) (inch) Allowable Length of Pipe from Service Valve to Farthest Sprinkler (feet)
ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR ¾ INCH TYPE M COPPER WATER TUBING
8 1 806 1075 1343 1612 1881 2149 2418 2687 2955 3224
(Underlining of table omitted for clarity)
9 1 648 864 1080 1296 1512 1728 1945 2161 2377 2593
Sprinkler Water Available Pressure - Pt (psi)
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 10 1 533 711 889 1067 1245 1422 1600 1778 1956 2134
Flow Ratea Distribution
(gpm) Size (inch) Allowable Length of Pipe from Service Valve to Farthest Sprinkler (feet) 11 1 447 596 745 894 1043 1192 1341 1491 1640 1789
8 3/4 217 289 361 434 506 578 650 723 795 867 12 1 381 508 634 761 888 1015 1142 1269 1396 1523
9 3/4 174 232 291 349 407 465 523 581 639 697 13 1 328 438 547 657 766 875 985 1094 1204 1313
10 3/4 143 191 239 287 335 383 430 478 526 574 14 1 286 382 477 572 668 763 859 954 1049 1145
11 3/4 120 160 200 241 281 321 361 401 441 481
15 1 252 336 420 504 588 672 756 840 924 1008
12 3/4 102 137 171 205 239 273 307 341 375 410
13 3/4 88 118 147 177 206 235 265 294 324 353 16 1 224 298 373 447 522 596 671 745 820 894
14 3/4 77 103 128 154 180 205 231 257 282 308 17 1 200 266 333 400 466 533 600 666 733 799
15 3/4 68 90 113 136 158 181 203 226 248 271 18 1 180 240 300 360 420 479 539 599 659 719
16 3/4 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 241 19 1 163 217 271 325 380 434 488 542 597 651
17 3/4 54 72 90 108 125 143 161 179 197 215 20 1 148 197 247 296 345 395 444 493 543 592
18 3/4 48 64 81 97 113 129 145 161 177 193
21 1 135 180 225 270 315 360 406 451 496 541
19 3/4 44 58 73 88 102 117 131 146 160 175
20 3/4 40 53 66 80 93 106 119 133 146 159 22 1 124 165 207 248 289 331 372 413 455 496
21 3/4 36 48 61 73 85 97 109 121 133 145 23 1 114 152 190 228 267 305 343 381 419 457
22 3/4 33 44 56 67 78 89 100 111 122 133 24 1 106 141 176 211 246 282 317 352 387 422
23 3/4 31 41 51 61 72 82 92 102 113 123 25 1 98 131 163 196 228 261 294 326 359 392
24 3/4 28 38 47 57 66 76 85 95 104 114 26 1 91 121 152 182 212 243 273 304 334 364
25 3/4 26 35 44 53 61 70 79 88 97 105
26 3/4 24 33 41 49 57 65 73 82 90 98 27 1 85 113 142 170 198 226 255 283 311 340
27 3/4 23 30 38 46 53 61 69 76 84 91 28 1 79 106 132 159 185 212 238 265 291 318
28 3/4 21 28 36 43 50 57 64 71 78 85 29 1 74 99 124 149 174 198 223 248 273 298
29 3/4 20 27 33 40 47 53 60 67 73 80 30 1 70 93 116 140 163 186 210 233 256 280
30 3/4 19 25 31 38 44 50 56 63 69 75 31 1 66 88 110 132 153 175 197 219 241 263
31 3/4 18 24 29 35 41 47 53 59 65 71
32 1 62 83 103 124 145 165 186 207 227 248
32 3/4 17 22 28 33 39 44 50 56 61 67
33 3/4 16 21 26 32 37 42 47 53 58 63 33 1 59 78 98 117 137 156 176 195 215 234
34 3/4 NP 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 34 1 55 74 92 111 129 148 166 185 203 222
35 3/4 NP 19 24 28 33 38 42 47 52 57 35 1 53 70 88 105 123 140 158 175 193 210
36 3/4 NP 18 22 27 31 36 40 45 49 54 36 1 50 66 83 100 116 133 150 166 183 199
37 3/4 NP 17 21 26 30 34 38 43 47 51 37 1 47 63 79 95 111 126 142 158 174 190
38 3/4 NP 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 45 49
38 1 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 181
39 3/4 NP 15 19 23 27 31 35 39 42 46
40 3/4 NP NP 18 22 26 29 33 37 40 44 39 1 43 57 72 86 100 115 129 143 158 172
NP - Not permitted 40 1 41 55 68 82 96 109 123 137 150 164
a. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2 a. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2

18  Plumbing Systems & Design  SEPTEMBER 2008 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

TABLE P2904.6.2(6) TABLE P2904.6.2(7)
ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR ¾ INCH CPVC PIPE ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 1 INCH CPVC PIPE
(Underling of table omitted for clarity) (Underlining of table omitted for clarity)
Sprinkler Water Available Pressure - Pt (psi) Water Available Pressure - Pt (psi)
Flow Distribution 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 Sprinkler Distribution 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Ratea Size Flow Ratea Size
(gpm) (inch) Allowable Length of Pipe from Service Valve to Farthest Sprinkler (feet) (gpm) (inch) Allowable Length of Pipe from Service Valve to Farthest Sprinkler (feet)
8 3/4 348 465 581 697 813 929 1045 1161 1278 1394 8 1 1049 1398 1748 2098 2447 2797 3146 3496 3845 4195
9 3/4 280 374 467 560 654 747 841 934 1027 1121 9 1 843 1125 1406 1687 1968 2249 2530 2811 3093 3374
10 3/4 231 307 384 461 538 615 692 769 845 922 10 1 694 925 1157 1388 1619 1851 2082 2314 2545 2776
11 3/4 193 258 322 387 451 515 580 644 709 773 11 1 582 776 970 1164 1358 1552 1746 1940 2133 2327
12 3/4 165 219 274 329 384 439 494 549 603 658 12 1 495 660 826 991 1156 1321 1486 1651 1816 1981
13 3/4 142 189 237 284 331 378 426 473 520 568 13 1 427 570 712 854 997 1139 1281 1424 1566 1709
14 3/4 124 165 206 247 289 330 371 412 454 495 14 1 372 497 621 745 869 993 1117 1241 1366 1490
15 3/4 109 145 182 218 254 290 327 363 399 436 15 1 328 437 546 656 765 874 983 1093 1202 1311
16 3/4 97 129 161 193 226 258 290 322 354 387 16 1 291 388 485 582 679 776 873 970 1067 1164
17 3/4 86 115 144 173 202 230 259 288 317 346 17 1 260 347 433 520 607 693 780 867 954 1040
18 3/4 78 104 130 155 181 207 233 259 285 311 18 1 234 312 390 468 546 624 702 780 858 936
19 3/4 70 94 117 141 164 188 211 234 258 281 19 1 212 282 353 423 494 565 635 706 776 847
20 3/4 64 85 107 128 149 171 192 213 235 256 20 1 193 257 321 385 449 513 578 642 706 770
21 3/4 58 78 97 117 136 156 175 195 214 234 21 1 176 235 293 352 410 469 528 586 645 704
22 3/4 54 71 89 107 125 143 161 179 197 214 22 1 161 215 269 323 377 430 484 538 592 646
23 3/4 49 66 82 99 115 132 148 165 181 198 23 1 149 198 248 297 347 396 446 496 545 595
24 3/4 46 61 76 91 107 122 137 152 167 183 24 1 137 183 229 275 321 366 412 458 504 550
25 3/4 42 56 71 85 99 113 127 141 155 169 25 1 127 170 212 255 297 340 382 425 467 510
26 3/4 39 52 66 79 92 105 118 131 144 157 26 1 118 158 197 237 276 316 355 395 434 474
27 3/4 37 49 61 73 86 98 110 122 135 147 27 1 111 147 184 221 258 295 332 368 405 442
28 3/4 34 46 57 69 80 92 103 114 126 137 28 1 103 138 172 207 241 275 310 344 379 413
29 3/4 32 43 54 64 75 86 96 107 118 129 29 1 97 129 161 194 226 258 290 323 355 387
30 3/4 30 40 50 60 70 81 91 101 111 121 30 1 91 121 152 182 212 242 273 303 333 364
31 3/4 28 38 47 57 66 76 85 95 104 114 31 1 86 114 143 171 200 228 257 285 314 342
32 3/4 27 36 45 54 63 71 80 89 98 107 32 1 81 108 134 161 188 215 242 269 296 323
33 3/4 25 34 42 51 59 68 76 84 93 101 33 1 76 102 127 152 178 203 229 254 280 305
34 3/4 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96 34 1 72 96 120 144 168 192 216 240 265 289
35 3/4 23 30 38 45 53 61 68 76 83 91 35 1 68 91 114 137 160 182 205 228 251 273
36 3/4 22 29 36 43 50 57 65 72 79 86 36 1 65 87 108 130 151 173 195 216 238 260
37 3/4 20 27 34 41 48 55 61 68 75 82 37 1 62 82 103 123 144 165 185 206 226 247
38 3/4 20 26 33 39 46 52 59 65 72 78 38 1 59 78 98 117 137 157 176 196 215 235
39 3/4 19 25 31 37 43 50 56 62 68 74 39 1 56 75 93 112 131 149 168 187 205 224
40 3/4 18 24 30 35 41 47 53 59 65 71 40 1 53 71 89 107 125 142 160 178 196 214
a. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2 a. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2

TABLE P2904.6.2(8) TABLE P2904.6.2(9)

ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR ¾ INCH PEX TUBING ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 1 INCH PEX TUBING
(Underlining of table omitted for clarity) (Underlining of table omitted for clarity)
Sprinkler Water Available Pressure - Pt (psi) Available Pressure - Pt (psi)
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 Sprinkler Water
Flow Ratea Distribution Flow Ratea Distribution 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
(gpm) Size (inch) Allowable Length of Pipe from Service Valve to Farthest Sprinkler (feet) (gpm) Size (inch) Allowable Length of Pipe from Service Valve to Farthest Sprinkler (feet)
8 3/4 93 123 154 185 216 247 278 309 339 370
8 1 314 418 523 628 732 837 941 1046 1151 1255
9 3/4 74 99 124 149 174 199 223 248 273 298
9 1 252 336 421 505 589 673 757 841 925 1009
10 3/4 61 82 102 123 143 163 184 204 225 245
10 1 208 277 346 415 485 554 623 692 761 831
11 3/4 51 68 86 103 120 137 154 171 188 205
11 1 174 232 290 348 406 464 522 580 638 696
12 3/4 44 58 73 87 102 117 131 146 160 175
12 1 148 198 247 296 346 395 445 494 543 593
13 3/4 38 50 63 75 88 101 113 126 138 151
13 1 128 170 213 256 298 341 383 426 469 511
14 3/4 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 110 121 132
14 1 111 149 186 223 260 297 334 371 409 446
15 3/4 29 39 48 58 68 77 87 96 106 116
15 1 98 131 163 196 229 262 294 327 360 392
16 3/4 26 34 43 51 60 68 77 86 94 103
16 1 87 116 145 174 203 232 261 290 319 348
17 3/4 23 31 38 46 54 61 69 77 84 92
17 1 78 104 130 156 182 208 233 259 285 311
18 3/4 21 28 34 41 48 55 62 69 76 83
18 1 70 93 117 140 163 187 210 233 257 280
19 3/4 19 25 31 37 44 50 56 62 69 75
19 1 63 84 106 127 148 169 190 211 232 253
20 3/4 17 23 28 34 40 45 51 57 62 68
20 1 58 77 96 115 134 154 173 192 211 230
21 3/4 16 21 26 31 36 41 47 52 57 62
21 1 53 70 88 105 123 140 158 175 193 211
22 3/4 NP 19 24 28 33 38 43 47 52 57
22 1 48 64 80 97 113 129 145 161 177 193
23 3/4 NP 17 22 26 31 35 39 44 48 52
23 1 44 59 74 89 104 119 133 148 163 178
24 3/4 NP 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 49
24 1 41 55 69 82 96 110 123 137 151 164
25 3/4 NP NP 19 22 26 30 34 37 41 45
25 1 38 51 64 76 89 102 114 127 140 152
26 3/4 NP NP 17 21 24 28 31 35 38 42
26 1 35 47 59 71 83 95 106 118 130 142
27 3/4 NP NP 16 20 23 26 29 33 36 39
27 1 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 110 121 132
28 3/4 NP NP 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
28 1 31 41 52 62 72 82 93 103 113 124
29 3/4 NP NP NP 17 20 23 26 28 31 34
29 1 29 39 48 58 68 77 87 97 106 116
30 3/4 NP NP NP 16 19 21 24 27 29 32
30 1 27 36 45 54 63 73 82 91 100 109
31 3/4 NP NP NP 15 18 20 23 25 28 30
31 1 26 34 43 51 60 68 77 85 94 102
32 3/4 NP NP NP NP 17 19 21 24 26 28
32 1 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 89 97
33 3/4 NP NP NP NP 16 18 20 22 25 27
33 1 23 30 38 46 53 61 68 76 84 91
34 3/4 NP NP NP NP NP 17 19 21 23 25
34 1 22 29 36 43 50 58 65 72 79 86
35 3/4 NP NP NP NP NP 16 18 20 22 24
35 1 20 27 34 41 48 55 61 68 75 82
36 3/4 NP NP NP NP NP 15 17 19 21 23
36 1 19 26 32 39 45 52 58 65 71 78
37 3/4 NP NP NP NP NP NP 16 18 20 22
37 1 18 25 31 37 43 49 55 62 68 74
38 3/4 NP NP NP NP NP NP 16 17 19 21
38 1 18 23 29 35 41 47 53 59 64 70
39 3/4 NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 16 18 20
39 1 17 22 28 33 39 45 50 56 61 67
40 3/4 NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 16 17 19
40 1 16 21 27 32 37 43 48 53 59 64
NP - Not permitted.
a. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2.
a. Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2.

SEPTEMBER 2008  Plumbing Systems & Design  19

FEATURE: Residential Sprinkler System Design Made Easy

Blank Worksheet #1: Single-sprinkler Design

Pt= Psup - PLsvc - PLd - PLe - Psp (Available Pressure Equation 29-1)

Columns A B C D E F
Steps Determine Use Psup Total Pt Value Maximum
Value Pressure Allowable
Losses Pipe Length
Value
1 Psup Sec. P2904.5.1: Pressure available from the water source
2 PLsvc Table P2904.6.2(1)
Single Sprinkler Design

3 PLm Table P2904.6.2(2) +

4 PLd Sec. P2904.4.2 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on devices) +
5 PLe Table P2904.6.2(3) +
______ gpm

6 Psp Sec. P2904.4.1 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on sprinkler being used)

From the Manufacturer’s Specs the Flow Rate for the
Single sprinkler design is = _____ gpm
+

7a Sum the Pressure Losses in Column D ™Column D

™Column D = (PLsvc + PLm + PLd + PLe + Psp) =
Pt
7b Subtract: Pt=
(Value in Column C/Step 1) - (Value in Column D @Step 7a)
8 Maximum ͜ Table P2904.6.2(4) for ¾” Cu Type M
Allowable Pipe ͜ Table P2904.6.2(5) for 1” Cu Type M
Length ͜ Table P2904.6.2(6) for ¾” CPVC
͜ Table P2904.6.2(7) for 1” CPVC
͜ Table P2904.6.2(8) for ¾” PEX
͜ Table P2904.6.2(9) for 1” PEX

Blank Worksheet #2: Two-sprinkler Design

Pt= Psup - PLsvc - PLd - PLe - Psp (Available Pressure Equation 29-1)

Columns A B C D E F
Steps Determine Use Psup Total Pt Value Maximum
Value Pressure Allowable
Losses Pipe Length
Value
1 Psup Sec. P2904.5.1: Pressure available from the water source
2 PLsvc Table P2904.6.2(1)
Two Sprinklers Design

3 PLm Table P2904.6.2(2) +

4 PLd Sec. P2904.4.2 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on devices) +
5 PLe Table P2904.6.2(3) +
______ gpm

6 Psp Sec. P2904.4.1 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on sprinkler being used)

From the Manufacturer’s Specs the Flow Rate for the
Two sprinklers design is = _____ gpm
+

7a Sum the Pressure Losses in Column D: ™Column D

™Column D = (PLsvc + PLm + PLd + PLe + Psp) =
Pt
7b Subtract: Pt=
(Value in Column C/Step 1) - (Value in Column D @Step 7a)
8 Maximum ͜ Table P2904.6.2(4) for ¾” Cu Type M
Allowable Pipe ͜ Table P2904.6.2(5) for 1” Cu Type M
Length ͜ Table P2904.6.2(6) for ¾” CPVC
͜ Table P2904.6.2(7) for 1” CPVC
͜ Table P2904.6.2(8) for ¾” PEX
͜ Table P2904.6.2(9) for 1” PEX

20  Plumbing Systems & Design  SEPTEMBER 2008 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

 Blank Worksheet #3: Step-by-Step Description of Input Information

Pt= Psup - PLsvc - PLd - PLe - Psp (Available Pressure Equation 29-1)

Inputs for Steps:

1. ͜ Public Water Supply/ ͜ Well Water Supply œ Psup= ___ psi

2. Water Service Flow Rate (Taken from input Step #6) = _____ gpm
͜ ¾”/͜1”/ ͜1¼” Water Service,
Actual Length of Water Service = _____feet
Table Lookup Length ͜ ” 40’/ ͜ • 41’- ” 75’/ ͜ • 76’- ” 100’/ ͜ • 101’- ” 150’
Pick value from Table P2904.6.2(1) œ PLsvc= ___ psi

3. Water Meter Pressure Loss Based on Flow Rate for Input for Step #2 and ͜ 5/8”/ ͜ ¾”/ ͜1” Meter
Pick value from Table P2904.6.2(2) œ PLm= ___ psi

4. Additional pressure losses from other devices taken from Manufacturers’ specifications for such devices:
a. Type of device:___________________= ________psi loss
b. Type of device:___________________= ________psi loss
c. Type of device:___________________= ________psi loss
œ PLd= ___ psi [which is the ™(“a” through “c”) of all the above devices]

5. Elevation between water service and highest sprinkler =_______feet x 0.433 = PLe = _________psi loss (or pick value from Table
P2904.6.2(3))

6. From Manufacturer’s Sprinkler Specifications and the maximum spacing used for the sprinklers in your layout, the Sprinkler Flow Rate is ____
gpm for a single sprinkler, or is _____ gpm for two sprinklers, at a minimum required pressure (Psp) of ________psi

Outputs for Steps:

7a. The first part of Step 7 to determine Pt is to add up all the pressure losses in Column D from Steps 2 through 6:
Sum of the pressure losses = _____ psi

7b. The second (and last) part of Step 7 to determine Pt is to then subtract Psup (The value in Column C of Step 1) from the sum of the pressure
losses in Step 7a (Value in Column D @Step 7a):
œPt = (Value in Step #1) minus (Value in Step #7a) = _____ psi

8. Maximum Allowable Pipe Length for the water distribution piping inside the building is looked up in Tables P2904.6.2(4) through P2904.6.2(9)
based on the Single Sprinkler Flow Rate ( __ gpm) or the Two Sprinklers Flow Rate ( ___ gpm) from Step #6, the available pressure
calculated in Step #7 (Pt= ___ psi), the piping material (Cu Type M, CPVC or PEX) and its pipe diameter (3/4” or 1”).

SEPTEMBER 2008  Plumbing Systems & Design  21

FEATURE: Residential Sprinkler System Design Made Easy
Public Water Example #1 (Design Analysis #1)
Given for Examples #1: Two story house as shown on public water with a static supply pressure at the street connection of 55 psi. Using Viking sidewall
sprinklers (Model VK453) on the 2nd floor, and Viking pendent sprinklers (Model VK435) on the 1st floor. Underground is a minimum 1” water service with a
¾” meter, 50’ in length. Please note that a 1” water service is used since a preliminary review of the house’s floor plans and preliminary sprinkler layout shows
that we will need to perform, as one of the minimum designs, a two sprinkler flow design on both the 1st and 2nd floors. We know that the best minimum flow for
the low flow sprinklers on the market today is 8 gpm/sprinkler. Therefore, if we need a minimum 2 sprinkler design the minimum flow through the underground
water service would be 16 (2 x 8) gpm. In addition, in our case where a single sprinkler design with a sidewall sprinkler is going to be used on the second floor,
we know that for the Viking Model VK453 at the minimum spacing of 16’ x16’ required for this sprinkler layout, we need a minimum of 16 gpm per Viking’s
specs. Reviewing Table P2904.6.2, a pressure loss for any water flow > 14 gpm flow rate in a 3/4” water service between 41’ and 75’ in length, is not permitted
(NP). Therefore, we then need to increase the water service to a minimum of 1” to obtain a pressure loss value in Table P2904.6.2 for a 50’ run of underground
when over 14 gpm sprinkler demand is flowing through the underground pipe.
Pt= Psup - PLsvc - PLd - PLe - Psp (Available Pressure Equation 29-1)
Columns A B C D E F
Steps Determine Use Psup Total Pt Value Maximum
Single Sprinkler Design for 2nd Floor Master Bedroom

Value Pressure Allowable

Losses Pipe Length
Value
1 Psup Sec. P2904.5.1: Pressure available from the water source 55
2 PLsvc Table P2904.6.2(1) (1” service loss for 41’-75’ flowing 16 gpm) 9.1
3 PLm Table P2904.6.2(2) (3/4” meter flowing 16 gpm) +3.0
4 PLd Sec. P2904.4.2 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on devices) +0.0
5 PLe Table P2904.6.2(3) (Vertical Elevation Loss from street is 20’) +8.7
6 Psp Sec. P2904.4.1 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on sprinkler being used)
From the Manufacturer’s Specs the Flow Rate for the
Single sprinkler design is = 16 gpm (Master Bedroom is 14’-8” x
16 gpm

11’, therefore use the minimum 16’ x 16’ spacing for minimum
flow and pressure for the Viking Model VK453 sidewall
sprinkler specs) +16.0

7a Sum the Pressure Losses in Column D ™Column D

™Column D = (PLsvc + PLm + PLd + PLe + Psp) =36.8
Pt
7b Subtract: Pt=18.2
(Value in Column C/Step 1) - (Value in Column D @Step 7a) (Use 15)
8 Maximum ; Table P2904.6.2(4) for ¾” Cu Type M 60’ OK
Allowable Pipe ; Table P2904.6.2(5) for 1” Cu Type M 224’ OK
Length > Actual ; Table P2904.6.2(6) for ¾” CPVC 97’ OK
Inside Water
Pipe Length of ; Table P2904.6.2(7) for 1” CPVC 291’ OK
28’ horizontal + ͜ Table P2904.6.2(8) for ¾” PEX 26’ NO
20’ vertical = GOOD
48’ ; Table P2904.6.2(9) for 1” PEX 87’ OK

Public Water Example #1 (Design Analysis #2)

Pt= Psup - PLsvc - PLd - PLe - Psp (Available Pressure Equation 29-1)
Columns A B C D E F
Steps Determine Use Psup Total Pt Value Maximum
Value Pressure Allowable
Losses Pipe Length
Value
1 Psup Sec. P2904.5.1: Pressure available from the water source 55
2 PLsvc Table P2904.6.2(1) (1” service loss for 41’-75’ flowing 22 gpm) 16.5
Two Sprinklers Design for 2nd Floor Hallway

3 PLm Table P2904.6.2(2) (3/4” meter flowing 22 gpm) +5.0

4 PLd Sec. P2904.4.2 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on devices) +0.0
5 PLe Table P2904.6.2(3) (Vertical Elevation Loss from street is 20’) +8.7
6 Psp Sec. P2904.4.1 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on sprinkler being used)
From the Manufacturer’s Specs the Flow Rate for the
Two sprinklers design is = 22 gpm (The Hallway space is “t”
shaped, about 8’ x 8’ (& its hallway width is 3’). However, the
sprinkler at the top of the stairs in the hallway also protects the
top three steps of the stairs that can not be covered by the
22 gpm

sidewall sprinkler that is located in the hallway outside the

bathroom. Therefore,. to be conservative use the minimum 12’ x
12’ spacing for minimum flow for 2 sprinklers and minimum
pressure for one sprinkler flowing using the Viking Model
VK453 sidewall sprinkler specs) +7.6

7a Sum the Pressure Losses in Column D: ™Column D

™Column D = (PLsvc + PLm + PLd + PLe + Psp) =37.8
Pt
7b Subtract: Pt=17.2
(Value in Column C/Step 1) - (Value in Column D @Step 7a) (Use 15)
8 Maximum ͜ Table P2904.6.2(4) for ¾” Cu Type M 33’ NO
Allowable Pipe GOOD
Length> Actual ; Table P2904.6.2(5) for 1” Cu Type M 124’ OK
Inside Water ; Table P2904.6.2(6) for ¾” CPVC 54’ OK
Pipe Length of
24’ horizontal + ; Table P2904.6.2(7) for 1” CPVC 161’ OK
20’ vertical = ͜ Table P2904.6.2(8) for ¾” PEX NP: NO
44’ GOOD
;Table P2904.6.2(9) for 1” PEX 48’ OK

22  Plumbing Systems & Design  SEPTEMBER 2008 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

 Public Water Example #1 (Design Analysis #3)
Pt= Psup - PLsvc - PLd - PLe - Psp (Available Pressure Equation 29-1)
Columns A B C D E F
Steps Determine Use Psup Total Pt Value Maximum
Value Pressure Allowable
Losses Pipe Length
Two Sprinklers Design for 1st Floor Living Room

Value
1 Psup Sec. P2904.5.1: Pressure available from the water source 55
2 PLsvc Table P2904.6.2(1) (1” service loss for 41’-75’ flowing 20 gpm) 13.8
3 PLm Table P2904.6.2(2) (3/4” meter flowing 20 gpm +4.0
4 PLd Sec. P2904.4.2 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on devices) +0.0
5 PLe Table P2904.6.2(3) (Vertical Elevation Loss from street is 10’) +4.4
6 Psp Sec. P2904.4.1 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on sprinkler being used)
From the Manufacturer’s Specs the Flow Rate for the
Two sprinklers design is = 20 gpm (The Living Room space is
12’ x 18’ x 1” but the Kitchen/Dining is a minimum 12’-1” wide
20 gpm

so to be conservative use the minimum 14’ x 14’ spacing for

minimum flow for 2 sprinklers and minimum pressure for one
sprinkler flowing using the Viking Model VK435 pendent
sprinkler specs) +10.4

7a Sum the Pressure Losses in Column D: ™Column D

™Column D = (PLsvc + PLm + PLd + PLe + Psp) =32.6
Pt
7b Subtract: Pt=22.4
(Value in Column C/Step 1) - (Value in Column D @Step 7a) (Use 20)
8 Maximum ; Table P2904.6.2(4) for ¾” Cu Type M 53’ OK
Allowable Pipe ; Table P2904.6.2(5) for 1” Cu Type M 197’ OK
Length> Actual ; Table P2904.6.2(6) for ¾” CPVC 85’ OK
Inside Water
Pipe Length of ; Table P2904.6.2(7) for 1” CPVC 257’ OK
31’ horizontal + ͜ Table P2904.6.2(8) for ¾” PEX 23’ NO
10’ vertical = GOOD
41’ ;Table P2904.6.2(9) for 1” PEX 77’ OK

Well Water Example #2 (Design Analysis #1)

Given for Examples #2: Two story house as shown on private well water with the well pump’s pressure at the building’s entrance set at a minimum 45 psi. Using
Viking sidewall sprinklers (Model VK453) on the 2nd floor, and Viking pendent sprinklers (Model VK435) on the 1st floor. Because the pump pressure setting is
at the building’s entrance there is no need to calculate PLsvc and there is no meter loss (PLd).
Pt= Psup - PLe - Psp (Available Pressure Equation 29-1 adjusted for Private Well Design)
Columns A B C D E F
Steps Determine Use Psup Total Pt Value Maximum
Single Sprinkler Design for 2nd Floor Master Bedroom

Value Pressure Allowable

Losses Pipe Length
Value
1 Psup Sec. P2904.5.1: Pressure available from the water source 45
2 PLsvc Table P2904.6.2(1) N/A
3 PLm Table P2904.6.2(2) +N/A
4 PLd Sec. P2904.4.2 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on devices) +0.0
5 PLe Table P2904.6.2(3) (Vertical Elevation Loss from street is 20’) +8.7
6 Psp Sec. P2904.4.1 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on sprinkler being used)
From the Manufacturer’s Specs the Flow Rate for the
Single sprinkler design is = 16 gpm (Master Bedroom is 14’-8” x
16 gpm

11’, therefore use the minimum 16’ x 16’ spacing for minimum
flow and pressure for the Viking Model VK453 sidewall
sprinkler specs) +16.0

7a Sum the Pressure Losses in Column D ™Column D

™Column D = (PLsvc + PLm + PLd + PLe + Psp) =24.7
Pt
7b Subtract: Pt=20.3
(Value in Column C/Step 1) - (Value in Column D @Step 7a) (Use 20)
8 Maximum ; Table P2904.6.2(4) for ¾” Cu Type M 80’ OK
Allowable Pipe ; Table P2904.6.2(5) for 1” Cu Type M 298’ OK
Length > Actual ; Table P2904.6.2(6) for ¾” CPVC 129’ OK
Inside Water
Pipe Length of ; Table P2904.6.2(7) for 1” CPVC 388’ OK
28’ horizontal + ͜ Table P2904.6.2(8) for ¾” PEX 34’ NO
20’ vertical = GOOD
48’ ; Table P2904.6.2(9) for 1” PEX 116’ OK

SEPTEMBER 2008  Plumbing Systems & Design  23

FEATURE: Residential Sprinkler System Design Made Easy

Well Water Example #2 (Design Analysis #2)

Pt= Psup - PLe - Psp (Available Pressure Equation 29-1 adjusted for Private Well Design)
Columns A B C D E F
Steps Determine Use Psup Total Pt Value Maximum
Value Pressure Allowable
Losses Pipe Length
Value
1 Psup Sec. P2904.5.1: Pressure available from the water source 45
2 PLsvc Table P2904.6.2(1)) N/A
Two Sprinklers Design for 2nd Floor Hallway

3 PLm Table P2904.6.2(2) +N/A

4 PLd Sec. P2904.4.2 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on devices) +0.0
5 PLe Table P2904.6.2(3) (Vertical Elevation Loss from street is 20’) +8.7
6 Psp Sec. P2904.4.1 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on sprinkler being used)
From the Manufacturer’s Specs the Flow Rate for the
Two sprinklers design is = 22 gpm (The Hallway space is “t”
shaped, about 8’ x 8’ (& its hallway width is 3’). However, the
sprinkler at the top of the stairs in the hallway also protects the
22 gpm

top three steps of the stairs that can not be covered by the
sidewall sprinkler that is located in the hallway outside the
bathroom. Therefore,. to be conservative use the minimum 12’ x
12’ spacing for minimum flow for 2 sprinklers and minimum
pressure for one sprinkler flowing using the Viking Model
VK453 sidewall sprinkler specs) +7.6

7a Sum the Pressure Losses in Column D: ™Column D

™Column D = (PLsvc + PLm + PLd + PLe + Psp) =16.3
Pt
7b Subtract: Pt=28.7
(Value in Column C/Step 1) - (Value in Column D @Step 7a) (Use 25)
8 Maximum ; Table P2904.6.2(4) for ¾” Cu Type M 56’ OK
Allowable Pipe ; Table P2904.6.2(5) for 1” Cu Type M 207’ OK
Length> Actual ; Table P2904.6.2(6) for ¾” CPVC 89’ OK
Inside Water
Pipe Length of ; Table P2904.6.2(7) for 1” CPVC 269’ OK
24’ horizontal + ͜ Table P2904.6.2(8) for ¾” PEX 24’ NO
20’ vertical = GOOD
44’ ;Table P2904.6.2(9) for 1” PEX 80’ OK

Well Water Example #2 (Design Analysis #3)

Pt= Psup - PLe - Psp (Available Pressure Equation 29-1 adjusted for Private Well Design)
Columns A B C D E F
Steps Determine Use Psup Total Pt Value Maximum
Value Pressure Allowable
Losses Pipe Length
Two Sprinklers Design for 1st Floor Living Room

Value
1 Psup Sec. P2904.5.1: Pressure available from the water source 45
2 PLsvc Table P2904.6.2(1)) N/A
3 PLm Table P2904.6.2(2) +N/A
4 PLd Sec. P2904.4.2 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on devices) +0.0
5 PLe Table P2904.6.2(3) (Vertical Elevation Loss from street is 10’) +4.4
6 Psp Sec. P2904.4.1 (Manufacturer’s Specs. on sprinkler being used)
From the Manufacturer’s Specs the Flow Rate for the
Two sprinklers design is = 20 gpm (The Living Room space is
12’ x 18’ x 1” but the Kitchen/Dining is a minimum 12’-1” wide
20 gpm

so to be conservative use the minimum 14’ x 14’ spacing for

minimum flow for 2 sprinklers and minimum pressure for one
sprinkler flowing using the Viking Model VK35 pendent
sprinkler specs) +10.4

7a Sum the Pressure Losses in Column D: ™Column D

™Column D = (PLsvc + PLm + PLd + PLe + Psp) =14.8
Pt
7b Subtract: Pt=30.2
(Value in Column C/Step 1) - (Value in Column D @Step 7a) (Use 30)
8 Maximum ; Table P2904.6.2(4) for ¾” Cu Type M 80’ OK
Allowable Pipe ; Table P2904.6.2(5) for 1” Cu Type M 296’ OK
Length> Actual ; Table P2904.6.2(6) for ¾” CPVC 128’ OK
Inside Water
Pipe Length of ; Table P2904.6.2(7) for 1” CPVC 385’ OK
31’ horizontal + ͜ Table P2904.6.2(8) for ¾” PEX 34’ NO
10’ vertical = GOOD
41’ ;Table P2904.6.2(9) for 1” PEX 115’ OK

24  Plumbing Systems & Design  SEPTEMBER 2008 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG

Residential Sprinkler Layout for Examples #1 (Public Water) & #2 (Well System)
Under the Prescriptive Sprinkler Design Method

Water service entrance

Hydraulically remote area

for two sprinkler design
for first floor. See
Worksheet Examples #1-3
(Public Water)
& #2-3 (Well Water)

This drawing has been revised

from the originally published
article to improve clarity and
correct an error
 Hydraulically
remote area for two
sprinkler design for
2nd floor. See
Worksheet
Examples #1-2
(Public Water) &
#2-2 (Well Water)

Hydraulically remote
area for single sprinkler
design for 2nd floor. See
Worksheet Examples
#1-1 (Public Water) &
#2-1 (Well Water)

This drawing has been revised

from the originally published
article to improve clarity and
correct an error
 Sidewall
sprinklers
will be
used on the
2nd floor.

Need to use minimum 12’ x

12’ design criteria for the
two sidewall sprinklers
protecting the 2nd floor
hallway.

Need to use minimum16’ x

16’ design criteria for the
single sidewall sprinklers
protecting the 2nd floor
bedrooms.

SEPTEMBER 2008  Plumbing Systems & Design  27

FEATURE: Residential Sprinkler System Design Made Easy

Pendent
sprinklers
will be
used on the
1st floor.

Need to use minimum 14’ x

14’ design criteria for the
two hydraulically remote
sprinklers protecting the 1st
floor Living Room.

28  Plumbing Systems & Design  SEPTEMBER 2008 PSDMAGAZINE.ORG