Which statement about Residential Sprinklers is correct?

• A. Sprinklers are never permitted in residential occupancies.
• B. Sprinklers are permitted for portions of residential occupancies.
• C. Sprinklers must cover only high-risk areas in residential buildings.
• D. Sprinklers are required on every floor in all residential buildings.

Answer: (B)

In NFPA 13R, which covers sprinklers for low-rise residential buildings, the design permits installing sprinklers in portions of a residential occupancy rather than mandating full coverage everywhere. This reflects a balance between life safety and practical cost, allowing protection where it’s most needed while not requiring sprinkler coverage in every space if it isn’t justified by the design.

That’s why the statement about sprinklers being permitted for portions of residential occupancies is the best choice. Sprinklers aren’t prohibited in homes, so saying they’re never permitted is incorrect. The idea that they must cover only high-risk areas isn’t accurate for typical residential design, where protection is planned for more than just the highest-risk spots. And requiring sprinklers on every floor in all residential buildings is too broad a rule for 13R, which allows variations based on occupancy, design, and jurisdiction.