Standard for Automatic Sprinklers for Fire-Protection Service

Residential sprinklers that are constructed using polymeric material are subjected to all of the UL 199 tests that residential sprinklers composed of brass are subjected to, plus additional rigorous tests that validate the performance and functionality of the polymeric components.  UL 199 requires that sprinklers using polymeric material be installed in a manner such that the sprinkler is not within the space it’s protecting, therefore it must be recessed into the ceiling or wall.  Furthermore, UL 199 requires that these types of sprinklers only be installed in systems using non-metallic pipe.   NFPA 13 allows listed residential sprinklers to be installed in dwelling areas of buildings whose sprinklers systems are designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13.  Residential sprinklers installed in an NFPA 13 dwelling unit are designed to meet the same life safety requirements as residential sprinkler installed in NFPA 13D and 13R applications, and as such should be allowed to be used in NFPA 13 residential applications.

We are proposing revisions to include requirements for Sidewall ECOH sprinklers.  This product has been available for over 25 years.  The proposed revisions take into consideration the existing requirements applied to standard coverage sidewall sprinklers intended for ordinary hazard occupancies as well as pendent and upright extended coverage sprinklers.  As indicated in the proposed revisions both fire and water distribution testing (vertical and horizontal) requirements are included for these sprinklers in addition to the other relevant construction and performance tests.  

We are also proposing revisions to permit the use of a matrix bar code (QR code) as an alternative to physically marking a sprinkler escutcheon with information that identifies the applicable sprinklers intended for use with the escutcheon by sprinkler identification number(s) and temperature rating(s).  Since many of these escutcheons are suitable for a large number of sprinklers and temperature ratings, the readability of these physical markings can be difficult.  UL Solutions has received input from sprinkler installers that marking the escutcheons with a QR code that provides access to this information would be a viable approach identify the appropriate sprinklers intended for use with an escutcheon.  

The final revision is to add an exception to Section 8, Inlet Threads, to allow 1" NPT external threads for 5.6 and 8.0 nominal "K" factor sprinklers. This will eliminate the need for a bushing when installing in a 1" outlet.