Sprinkler piping shall be supported in accordance with the requirements for cold water distribution piping. Sprinkler piping shall comply with all requirements for cold water distribution piping. For multipurpose piping systems, the sprinkler piping shall connect to and be a part of the cold water distribution piping system.
Exception: For plastic piping, it shall be permissible to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Nonmetallic pipe and tubing, such as CPVC, PEX, and PE-RT shall be listed for use in residential fire sprinkler systems.
Nonmetallic pipe and tubing systems shall be protected from exposure to the living space by a layer of not less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) thick gypsum wallboard, 1/2 inch thick plywood (13 mm), or other material having a 15 minute fire rating.
Exceptions:
- Pipe protection shall not be required in areas that do not require protection with sprinklers as specified in Section R313.3.1.2.
- Pipe protection shall not be required where exposed piping is permitted by the pipe listing.
With the exception of shutoff valves for the entire water distribution system, valves shall not be installed in any location where the valve would isolate piping serving one or more sprinklers.
Piping beyond the service valve located at the beginning of the water distribution system shall not serve more than one dwelling.
A means to drain the sprinkler system shall be provided on the system side of the water distribution shutoff valve.