116 HIGHLAND AVE - NARRATIVE
NEW AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM
AT
116 HIGHLAND AVE
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
FIRE PROTECTION DESIGN NARRATIVE
April 10th, 2019
Prepared For:
Project Architect
Darguin Fortuna
Flow Design
Salem, Massachusetts
Prepared By:
P.O. Box 1234
Lynnfield, Massachusetts
(781) 389-7999
New NFPA 13 Sprinkler System (Mixed Use) Design Narrative
116 Highland Ave – Salem, Massachusetts 04/10/2019
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS ii
INTRODUCTION AND BUILDING DESCRIPTION 1
CODE REVIEW / HAZARD CLASSIFICATION 1
SPRINKLER SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 2
HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS: 2
FLOW TEST RESULTS: 3
ACCEPTANCE TESTING 3
MAINTENANCE TESTING 3
APPENDIX A – HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS 4
New NFPA 13 Sprinkler System (Mixed Use) Design Narrative
116 Highland Ave – Salem, Massachusetts 04/10/2019
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INTRODUCTION AND BUILDING DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this Fire Protection Design Narrative and associated Tier 1 permit drawings is to describe the
proposed automatic sprinkler system for the renovated mixed-use building located at 116 Highland Ave in
Salem, Massachusetts.
This existing building consists of a slab-on-grade ground level, second floor and a heated attic space. The
ground level is currently occupied and contains medical offices and utility rooms for the building. The second
level will be undergoing a complete renovation and will be converted to residential dwelling units. The attic
space is inaccessible and will not contain any storage or fuel-fired equipment.
The ground level containing the medical offices will remain as-is and is considered a Light Hazard Occupancy
with Ordinary Hazard Group I accessory areas (Utility rooms). The second level will be considered a
Residential Occupancy. Since the attic will not contain storage of any kind it is also considered a Light Hazard
Occupancy.
This system will be a single-zoned automatic Wet-Pipe sprinkler system and has been designed and will be
installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 13 (2013 Edition) and the 9th Edition of the
Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR, Chapter 9).
CODE REVIEW / HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
Per Section 310 of the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, this building is considered a mixed-use
occupancy containing both Business Occupancies and Residential Occupancies.
Section 903 of the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, states that sprinkler systems installed in
mixed-use buildings shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 13 (2013
Edition).
Per Section 905.3 of the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR, this building does not require a
standpipe system.
This sprinkler system shall be monitored by an NFPA 72 fire alarm system (designed and installed by others).
New NFPA 13 Sprinkler System (Mixed Use) Design Narrative
116 Highland Ave – Salem, Massachusetts 04/10/2019
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SPRINKLER SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
A new 4” fire service will be designed, installed, flushed and tested (by others) and enter the sprinkler room in
the ground level as indicated on the associated sprinkler drawing.
The sprinkler contractor will provide a backflow preventer and straight-pipe riser assembly with vane-type flow
switch, pressure gauge and combination 2” test & drain, piped to the exterior of the building.
A fire department connection with check valve and ball drip will be located on the face of the building as
indicated. Sprinkler Contractor shall coordinate type and location of the FDC with Salem Fire Department prior
to installation.
The sprinkler contractor will install residential pendent sprinklers throughout the second floor of the building as
indicated. Piping may be run on the bottom of the heated attic space provided that it is protected with insulation
from fire per the manufacturer’s specifications. The attic level will be protected using specific application attic
sprinklers as indicated. The ground level will be protected using quick-response sidewall heads with the piping
being run exposed as indicated as the ground level will not be renovated at this time. Dry-sidewall heads will be
installed below all combustible overhangs exceeding 4’-0” and the exterior egress stairs as indicated. Specific
application interstitial heads will be used in all interstitial spaces between 6” and 36” as required by NFPA 13
(2013 Edition). All sprinklers will be as indicated on the head blocks on the associated sprinkler drawings and
be installed in accordance with their listing and the requirements of NFPA 13 (2013 Edition).
All sprinkler piping installed within this building may be UL Listed CPVC sprinkler piping, installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and the requirements of NFPA 13 (2013 Edition).
It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain this sprinkler system in accordance with the requirements of NFPA
13 (2013 Edition), including the provision of heat within all areas of the building throughout the year to prevent
freezing. JFP Solutions, Inc. and the engineer of record take no responsibility for damages caused by freeze-ups.
HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS
At this time, no flow data is available for the municipal water main on Highland Ave. A request to perform a
new hydrant flow test has been sent to the City of Salem. Once the flow test has been performed, the sprinkler
system will be hydraulically calculated in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 13 (2013 Edition), and
the piping sizes will be adjusted accordingly. The amended drawings and associated hydraulic calculations will
be issued as Tier 2 documents in accordance with the requirements of the 9th Edition of the Massachusetts State
Building Code (CMR 780)
New NFPA 13 Sprinkler System (Mixed Use) Design Narrative
116 Highland Ave – Salem, Massachusetts 04/10/2019
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FLOW TEST RESULTS:
To be determined:
Static Pressure: TBD PSI
Residual Pressure: TBD PSI
Recorded Flow: TBD GPM
ACCEPTANCE TESTING
This system must be hydrostatically tested to 200 psi for two hours. Additionally, a main drain test and
inspectors test will be conducted. Control valve tamper switch closure tests will also be conducted. A
Contractor's Certificate for Above Ground Piping will be required.
MAINTENANCE TESTING
A testing and maintenance program, which meets the requirements of NFPA Standard 25 shall be required to be
under contract with a licensed sprinkler contractor. Test programs shall be in accordance with Table 5-1 and
12-1 of NFPA 25 and include the following:
Weekly - Owner inspect to see that control valves are open, unobstructed and not leaking and all system
gages are normal.
Quarterly - Alarm Test, Main Drain Test Visual Inspection of Fire Department Connection
Yearly - Test Backflow Assembly (DCVA) per State requirements
Visually Inspect Pipe Hangers & Bracing in Accessible Spaces
Conduct full Flow Test to verify water supply to sprinkler system Record static, residual and
flow readings.
5 Years - Internally inspect all check valves.
Daily- Building owners responsible for maintaining 40-degree temperatures (minimum) throughout all
areas of each unit, including garage bays to prevent sprinkler piping from freezing.
New NFPA 13 Sprinkler System (Mixed Use) Design Narrative
116 Highland Ave – Salem, Massachusetts 04/10/2019
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APPENDIX A
HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS