Although it may be dated [2012] this Fire Protection Engineering magazine 
article by Kenneth E. Isman, P.E., FSFPE, addresses direct conflicts between 
achieving compliance with both NFPA 13 & FM Global standards [FM Data Sheet 
2-0] such as deflector orientation under sloped ceilings:

http://magazine.sfpe.org/sprinklers/challenges-fire-sprinkler-industry



Respectfully,


David W. S. Blackwell, II, PE, CFPE, CFI I
Chief Engineer
Office of State Fire Marshal
SC Department of Labor, Licensing, & Regulation, 141 Monticello Trail, 
Columbia, SC 29203
Telephone: 803.896.9800 [Office] 803.896.9833 [Direct]
Fax: 803.896.9806 [Office]
Email:   [email protected]
Website:  http://www.scfiremarshal.llronline.com/


Please note that you can sign up to receive automatic information on SC 
Division of Fire and Life Safety current events, policies, laws and procedures 
by visiting our Web site at:  http://www.scfiremarshal.llronline.com/


-----Original Message-----
From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On 
Behalf Of Byron Weisz
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 10:10 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: NFPA 13 & FM Mix

Thanks all but the real answer is there currently is no section in NFPA #13 
that addresses this issue. BUT - please read the commentary on page 609 and 610 
of the Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook ( 2013 Edition) to be enlightened. 
Thanks Tom Wellen!! 
We all are aware that NFPA #13 does not address all storage applications and 
many design solutions will come from FM. Most Fire Jurisdictions do not 
recognize FM as a design standard so an Alternate Means & Methods document is 
submit which is allowed trough the building code. We have found a few 
jurisdictions and consultants who have read this commentary and have 
interesting interpretations that we are working through. 

Thanks,

Byron Weisz
 
Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc.
1615 So. Stockton St. 
Lodi, CA. 95240
Ph.   (209) 334-9119
Fax   (209) 334-2923
[email protected]
 
This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which 
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-----Original Message-----
From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On 
Behalf Of Cahill, Christopher
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 6:43 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: NFPA 13 & FM Mix

I agree sort of without a specific example.  I don't do a lot of FM work so I 
don't know of any place you can't comply with both. Less is not equivalent.  
Only the AHJ can determine equivalent. You don't have to comply with both if 
they conflict, you have to comply with NFPA 13.  Like Ron said two submittals 
will often work to make everyone happy when FM is more.  I get FM typically has 
more relevant data that often shows equivalency as far as the ability to 
suppress a fire.  But all the pictures and video in the world don't help if the 
AHJ sticks with particular NFPA 13 design over an FM design. 

Chris Cahill, PE*
Associate Fire Protection Engineer 
Burns & McDonnell
Phone:  952.656.3652
Fax:  952.229.2923
[email protected]
www.burnsmcd.com
*Registered in: MN


Proud to be #14 on FORTUNE's 2014 List of 100 Best Companies to Work For


-----Original Message-----
From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On 
Behalf Of John Denhardt
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 7:28 AM
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: NFPA 13 & FM Mix

But in some-storage cases you not comply with both with out using NFPA's 
equivalency approach. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 12, 2015, at 8:25 AM, "Cahill, Christopher" <[email protected]> 
> wrote:
> 
> You are most likely legally obligated to provide the minimums of NFPA 13.  
> You may sign a contract to provide more, but not less.  FM or silly PE 
> requirements might be examples.  
> 
> Chris Cahill, PE*
> Associate Fire Protection Engineer
> Burns & McDonnell
> Phone:  952.656.3652
> Fax:  952.229.2923
> [email protected]
> www.burnsmcd.com
> *Registered in: MN
> 
> 
> Proud to be #14 on FORTUNE's 2014 List of 100 Best Companies to Work 
> For
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sprinklerforum 
> [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of 
> Gregg Fontes
> Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 6:03 PM
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: NFPA 13 & FM Mix
> 
> I have a quick question that I need a fast answer to.  Where is it in NFPA 13 
> 2013 Edition that you cannot mix the two design standards?   (I.E. you either 
> design per NFPA 13 or FM Global. You cannot pick and choose.)
> 
> Thanks,
> Gregg Fontes
> Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc.
> 209-334-9119
> 
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