Multipurpose piping systems are designed and installed in accordance with which NFPA standard?

• A. NFPA 13
• B. NFPA 70
• C. NFPA 13D
• D. IBC

Answer: (C)

Multipurpose piping systems are covered by NFPA 13D because this standard specifically governs residential automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings. NFPA 13D allows using the building’s potable-water piping to also feed the sprinkler heads, which simplifies installation and lowers cost for homes, provided safety is maintained with required protections such as backflow prevention to keep drinking water separate from the sprinkler supply. This approach is distinct from NFPA 13, which applies to larger commercial sprinkler systems with typically dedicated piping networks, and from NFPA 70 (electrical code) or the IBC (building code), which address different aspects of building systems. Hence, NFPA 13D is the standard that matches multipurpose residential piping.