Understanding: NFPA 13E Recommended Practice for Fire Department Operations in Properties Protected by Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems

Terin Hopkins

NFSA Manager of Public Fire Protection

In the modern fire service, understanding how to safely and effectively operate in buildings protected by automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems is crucial. The 2020 edition of NFPA 13E: Recommended Practice for Fire Department Operations in Properties Protected by Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems offers the recommended practices for incident commanders and responding personnel, enabling them to integrate fire suppression system knowledge into tactical decision-making.

This blog post summarizes the major concepts and best practices outlined in the 2020 edition, helping departments align their Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) with national recommendations.

🔍 What Is NFPA 13E?

NFPA 13E is a recommended practice, not a mandatory standard, developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While it does not impose legal obligations, it reflects consensus-based guidance from fire protection professionals on how fire departments should operate and interact within buildings equipped with automatic sprinkler systems and/or standpipes.

An NFPA Standard outlines mandatory requirements using the word “shall” and is suitable for adoption into law or mandatory reference in other codes or standards. In contrast, a Recommended Practice is similar in structure but contains non-mandatory provisions, using the word “should” to indicate recommendations rather than strict requirements. Finally, a Guide provides explanatory information or guidance on a particular subject, often exploring various options without mandating specific actions.

While standards are meant for direct enforcement, recommended practices and guides offer best practices and guidance, respectively, without the force of law unless adopted by an authority having jurisdiction.

Each edition continues to build upon prior versions, developed through NFPA’s standard five-year revision cycle by emphasizing coordination, situational awareness, and fireground safety in both residential and commercial occupancies. This revision incorporates real-world lessons learned from fire incidents, ensuring that recommendations stay aligned with evolving firefighting tactics.

The next edition of NFPA 13E is anticipated to be published in 2026, although the official date has not yet been released

🧱 Key Concepts of NFPA 13E

1. Understanding Sprinkler System Function

NFPA 13E highlights the importance of recognizing the operational strengths and limitations of automatic sprinkler systems. Firefighters must understand that:

• Sprinklers are designed to control or suppress fires early in their incipient phase.
• Sprinklers must be supplemented once system design is exceeded.
• Waterflow alarms and tamper switches give critical early information on system status.
• Fire departments should not immediately shut down sprinklers unless confirmed extinguished and authorized by command.

Key takeaway: Fire suppression systems can significantly improve life safety and firefighter survivability but only if crews use them to their tactical advantage and integrate them into the attack strategies.

2. Size-Up and Pre-Planning

Sprinkler presence alters traditional fireground considerations. NFPA 13E recommends:

Early assessment of system type (wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge).

Determining the location of risers, valves, and fire department connections (FDCs).

Monitoring all systems from the pump room to verify system status.

Establishing water supply to the FDC as early as possible.

In high-rise and complex structures, this step is especially vital, since standpipe pressure and flow can vary significantly depending on year of design, zone layout and fire department pump capability largely impacting fire service operations.

3. Fire Department Connections (FDCs)

One of the most actionable parts of NFPA 13E is the emphasis on properly supplying FDCs to support sprinkler or standpipe systems:

• Connect to the FDC with a dedicated engine.
• Supply the FDC using a reliable hydrant source
• Ensure hose-lines do not obstruct access to the FDC or system valves.

The recommended pressure for sprinkler system FDC is supplying and maintaining 150 psi.

Standpipe systems, especially in high-rise or zoned systems, may require significantly higher pressures and include pressure-reducing valves (PRVs), which can complicate fire attack if not understood in advance.

Provide an initial minimum flow of 500gpm to the fire floor for operations to supplement or eventually supply the system if the building fire pump(s) fails, with additional adjustments made for pressure and flow for fire conditions

PRV will act as check valves and cannot be used as an alternative way to supply the standpipe system.

4. Standpipe Operations

NFPA 13E devotes considerable focus to operating from standpipe systems safely and effectively:

• Crews should connect one floor below the fire.
• Bleed air and debris from standpipe outlets before charging hose-lines.
• Always bring your own hose and nozzle, do not use or rely on hose cabinets.
• Provide system demand in all buildings equipped with pressure-reducing valves (PRVs).
• Provide pressure

Training should include annual standpipe evolutions, including working with various hose/nozzle setups, pressure conditions and tactical strategies.

5. Shutting Down Sprinkler Systems

One of the most dangerous missteps is prematurely shutting down an active sprinkler system. NFPA 13E advises that:

• Fire departments should only shut off the sprinkler system after consulting the IC, verifying that the fire is fully extinguished.
• Sectional valves should be identified and used to isolate only those areas that need to be shut down, allowing for the remaining fire protection system to be fully operational.
• Personnel should be assigned to the sprinkler riser to proceed with manually shutting down of valves only when safe.

6. Pre-Fire Planning and Training

The 2020 edition strongly recommends fire departments conduct pre-incident surveys of all sprinklered and standpipe-equipped buildings in their jurisdictions:

• Locate FDCs, risers, valves, PRVs, and control panels.
• Identify system types and building heights/zoning.
• Train on specific system types, especially in large-volume warehouses, data centers, and high-rise occupancies.
• Create operational tactical attack plans for all buildings.

Pre-incident planning also includes coordination with building engineers/representatives and reviewing as-built plans and system drawings.

🧯 The Bottom Line: Integrate Sprinklers and Standpipes into Your Strategy

The 2020 NFPA 13E is a critical resource for helping firefighters operate safely in buildings protected by automatic suppression systems. When properly understood, these systems can:

• Reduce fire growth
• Improve civilian survivability
• Reduce firefighter survivability
• Support faster, safer extinguishment of fire

However, their presence also introduces new tactical and technical considerations, especially around water supply, system status monitoring, and hose deployment.

By adopting the practices outlined in NFPA 13E, fire departments can maximize the life-saving potential of sprinkler and standpipe systems while minimizing operational risk.

More about the Author:

Terin Hopkins has 40 years of experience in public safety, fire protection, and life safety policy. He currently serves as the Manager of Public Fire Protection for the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), where he leads technical support and advocacy efforts nationwide, working closely with fire departments, code and standard, and policymakers to improve fire protection infrastructure and compliance. He represents NFSA on many NFPA and UL technical committees, including NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.

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