NFSA’S GUIDE TO NFPA’S 2023 ANNUAL TECHNICAL MEETING

May 31, 2023

The NFPA Technical Meeting for the next editions of NFPA 4, NFPA 14, NFPA 99, NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000, and other updated codes and standards, is June 22 in Las Vegas. Get your NFSA voting guide and other important on-site NFPA information here.

NFSA Participation in the NFPA Codes and Standards Process

The fire sprinkler industry relies heavily on NFPA codes and standards to ensure fire protection systems are installed correctly, and that the performance of these systems will save lives and property. The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and the activities of the Engineering and Standards Committee (E&S) and Code Development Team (CDT) performs a very active role in the codes and standards revision process with over 80 member and staff representatives on dozens of NFPA technical committees

An important step in this revision process is the Technical Meeting (also known as Tech Session) which is traditionally held in conjunction with NFPA’s Annual Conference. This year marks the return of the in-person voting and debate session. NFSA encourages all members, who are eligible to vote at NFPA to participate at the Technical Meeting on June 22, 2023. For registration, Report of the NFPA motions committee, agenda, and the pre-Tech Session debate, go here.

NFSA positions and voting guidance on CAMs

The NFSA position on the CAMs below was established recently by the NFSA Engineering and Standards (E&S) Committee. For CAMs not specifically listed, the NFSA has no position and remains neutral.

  • CAM 4-1: William Koffel, Koffel Associates
    • Position: Against/Oppose
    • Reason: The technical committee (TC) removed passive fire protection measures as they cannot be tested. This CAM seeks to go against the actions of the TC.
  • CAM 14-10: Kevin Hall, American Fire Sprinkler Association
    • Position: For/Support
    • Reason: The 2019 edition of NFPA 14 does not require fire department connections (FDC) on zones above the level of fire department pump capabilities. The 2024 edition expanded that concept to require all standpipes zone above the level of fire department pump capabilities to have complete automatic redundancy of systems. The addition of a second redundancy is excessive and costly as two separate FDC’s are required for each zone. These FDC’s would both be above the level of fire department pump capabilities making the FDC’s ineffective and creating a false sense of security for the fire service.
  • CAM 14-17: Kyle Chism, Cla-Val Company
    • Position: Against/Oppose
    • Reason: Currently there is no way to determine the correct valve shut off flow or technical data to support the use of automatic breach control valves. Incorrect setting of the valves could result in complete failure of the system having dire consequences for firefighter operations. Supporting the position of the technical committee.
  • CAM 14-18: Joshua Brackett, Baptist Health
    • Position: Against/Oppose
    • Reason: Standpipe hose caps are not required to be listed for pressure and only required to provide thread protection. They have been known to fail when pressurized and present a dangerous condition. The weep holes are being required to prevent catastrophic failure of a non-listed caps. Supporting the position of the technical committee.
  • CAM 5000-1: Marcelo Hirschler, GBH International
    • Position: Against/Oppose
    • Reason: This CAM will remove the ability to use alternative means and measures for fire-resistant ratings and prevents the AHJ from approving any alternative.
  • CAM 5000-2: Marcelo Hirschler, GBH International 
    • Position: Against/Oppose
    • Reason: The use of the term “comply” here does not add clarity. If a wall does not require a fire resistance rating, then it has no regulations to comply with.

Questions and Guidance

NFSA staff and E&S members will be on-site for the NFPA expo, conference sessions, and Technical Meeting. For updates and questions regarding NFSA positions, refer to this online guide often, visit the NFSA booth, or contact NFSA E&S secretary, Roland Asp asp@nfsa.org or NFSA Vice President Jeffrey Hugo hugo@nfsa.org.