NFPA 13R-2013 governs installation in which occupancies?

• A. One- and Two-Family Dwellings
• B. Low-Rise Residential Occupancies
• C. High-Rise Residential Occupancies
• D. Industrial Occupancies

Answer: (B)

NFPA 13R is a sprinkler standard tailored for where it’s applied in the built environment—the occupancy type and height. It is specifically designed for low-rise residential buildings, typically up to four stories, such as apartment buildings and condominiums. The goal is to provide reliable life safety in these smaller, primarily residential structures with a design approach that fits their characteristics—often allowing simpler hydraulic calculations and installation requirements than those used for non-residential occupancies. Because of that focus, NFPA 13R does not cover high-rise residential buildings (those taller than four stories) or industrial and other non-residential occupancies, which are governed by other NFPA standards. So, for buildings that are four stories or less and used for residential living, NFPA 13R is the applicable standard.