ICC, ASPE publish residential sprinkler design guide

WASHINGTON and DES PLAINES, ILL. — The International Code Council and American Society of Plumbing Engineers have published “Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems: Design, Installation and Code Administration,” a resource for designers, contractors and code officials that need to apply the sprinkler requirements in the 2009 International Residential Code. The 2009 IRC requires the installation of fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family residences beginning Jan. 1, 2011, and has specific requirements for their design and installation.

“This full-color book provides the basics for design and information necessary for plan review and inspection,” said Kevin Scott, ICC senior regional manager and a former fire marshal. “The book and associated training are outstanding tools for all professionals involved with residential fire sprinklers. Numerous graphics and photos are incorporated to strengthen the understanding.” 


To purchase the Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems, Design, Installation and Code Administration publication from ICC, visit www.iccsafe.org/rfs. For more information about the training on the 2009 IRC Fire Sprinkler Requirements, visit www.iccsafe.org/training. For more information about the Residential Sprinkler Installer Exam, visit www.iccsafe.org/sprinkler. 


Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems, Design, Installation and Code Administration outlines the differences between residential and commercial fire sprinkler systems, installation requirements, and optimal components and pipe layouts. It offers designers guidance for selecting the most effective and cost-efficient piping solutions for residential fire sprinkler systems, and provides contractors with detailed information on how to install code-compliant systems. The book also serves as a reference guide for fire, plumbing and pipe system inspectors.


“ASPE has always been a supporter of residential fire sprinkler systems, and we are very excited about the publication of this book,” said Stanley Wolfson, ASPE executive director.

Wolfson and ASPE President Julius Ballanco provided testimony in favor of the residential sprinkler system requirement at the IRC hearings last year and worked tirelessly to push the issue through the voting procedure. ASPE also instituted a press campaign to bring the importance of residential sprinkler systems to the media’s and legislators’ attention, including establishing the blog “Plumbing for Public Safety” and issuing press releases to local governments and newspapers.

“We look forward to continuing working with the ICC to increase awareness of the need for residential sprinklers as a vital, life-saving element of all new construction,” Wolfson said.

“Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems, Design, Installation and Code Administration will be applicable and relevant to the 2012 IRC too, extending its value for many years,” said Jay Peters, executive director of the ICC Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Group (PMG). “Our Memorandum of Understanding with ASPE led to this opportunity to provide our members and the industry with clear direction on how to install sprinkler systems safely. The goal of the partnership is to share knowledge and expertise to advance building safety, sustainable initiatives, global sanitation, and plumbing products and services overall.” 


ICC offers further support in the form of one-day training and a multiple-day training seminars based on the contents of the Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems, Design, Installation and Code Administration book. The training program will address the critical concepts of the IRC regarding design, plan review and inspection of fire sprinkler systems for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses including many applications and worked-out examples. ICC also sponsors the Standard Residential Sprinkler Installer Exam, which tests contractors’ knowledge about sprinkler and piping components, water supply, system design and installation. Those who pass the Standard Residential Sprinkler Installer Exam receive official ICC credentials that state the test-taker is qualified to install sprinklers based on the code requirements. 


The American Society of Plumbing Engineers was founded in 1964 as an organization dedicated to the advancement of the plumbing engineering profession. The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with fellow professionals, and, through research and education, expands the base of knowledge of the plumbing engineering industry. Additional information is available at 847/296-0002, [email protected] or at www.aspe.org. 


The International Code Council publishes building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency codes that are used in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Additional information is available at 888/ICC-SAFE, x4PMG or at [email protected].