5. WATER SUPPLY FOR FIRE PROTECTION
5.1 Adequacy of Water Supply: Assess adequacy of the existing water supply. Perform water
supply flow testing of fire hydrants and/or fire pumps. If data is available from the facility, the
designer must verify the locations involved as well as the quality and accuracy of the data.
5.2 Capacity:
A. Non-Sprinklered Buildings: Provide minimum fire flow as shown in Table 5.0. Partially
sprinklered buildings shall be considered non-sprinklered. Typical building occupancies are
shown for each NFPA 13 hazard classification. Flow demand depends primarily on the type
of construction, occupancy, exposure to the building, access to the building site, and fire
department response. Fires in non-sprinklered buildings require more water because
application of water by fire department hose streams is less efficient and begins later than
sprinklers. Use professional judgment to modify these requirements on a case-by-case basis
depending on the following favorable and unfavorable conditions:
Note: It is recommended that any deviations be forwarded to the respective SFPE for
review prior to incorporating the modification.
1. Favorable Conditions
a.
Non-combustible construction
b.
Limited exposures
c.
Ready access to entire building site by fire department apparatus
d.
Quick response by adequately staffed fire department
2. Unfavorable Conditions
a.
Combustible construction
b.
Moderate or serious exposures
c.
Hindrance to fire department apparatus access to building site
d.
Delayed response or inadequately staffed fire department
Table 5.0 - Minimum Fire Flows for New Non-Sprinklered Facilities and New Underground Water
Systems (at 138 kPa (20 psi)).
NFPA 13 Hazard Classification
Favorable Conditions
Unfavorable Conditions
79 L/s (1250 gpm)(1)
Light Hazard
95 L/s (1500 gpm)
Patient Buildings, Offices, Quarters
79 L/s (1250 gpm)(1)
Ordinary Hazard
126 L/s (2000 gpm)
Laboratory Buildings, Shops, Laundries
Extra Hazard
95 L/s (1500 gpm)
190 L/s (3000 gpm)
Warehouses
(1) Based on the minimum required by NFPA 14 and fire department pumper capacities.
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