Understanding how sprinkler system deficiencies affect Mechanical Grades and loss costs.
In this article, you'll learn:
- What a Mechanical Grade is and how it’s calculated
- Factors that affect Mechanical Grades
- Why Mechanical Grades matter
What is a Mechanical Grade?
A Mechanical Grade indicates the relative degree of protection of a building's fire sprinkler system in controlling or extinguishing fires. It’s calculated by starting with an ideal score of 100 points and deducting deficiency points based on various factors, resulting in the final grade.
For example, if a sprinkler system has 35 total deficiency points, the Mechanical Grade is:
100 – 35 = 65 points.
The Mechanical Grade determines the percentage reduction in loss costs. Higher grades offer more significant reductions, though even lower grades can still provide a substantial benefit.
Key thresholds:
- Grades below 10: The building will not be coded or rated as sprinklered.
- Partial credit: Buildings with between 25% and 75% sprinkler protection receive some credit but are not fully coded as sprinklered.
- NFPA 13R systems: Buildings designed primarily for life safety, such as those using NFPA 13R standards, are typically not rated as sprinklered unless additional measures are in place (e.g., attic sprinklers).
Factors that affect Mechanical Grades
Mechanical Grades are influenced by deficiency points in several categories:
1. Adequacy of water
- Is the system designed in accordance with NFPA 13 standards?
- Can the water supply meet the system's demands? For instance, a manufacturing facility with limited storage might have sufficient design initially but require updates if storage heights increase above 12 feet.
2. Reliability
- How dependable is the system year-round?
- Ideal systems include secondary water sources for redundancy.
- Deficiencies can arise from reliance on pumps without backup (e.g., lacking both diesel and electric pumps).
- Can we verify the design and installation? Without proper documentation (e.g., hydraulic calculations, plans, and test results), fewer credits are assigned.
3. Non-sprinklered areas
- Fires in non-sprinklered areas may grow too large before activation, limiting the system’s effectiveness.
- The more non-sprinklered area a building has, the higher the deficiency points.
4. Maintenance and testing
- Sprinkler systems must be inspected and tested annually by a licensed contractor.
- Delayed or missing tests can add 5 to 20 points, depending on severity.
- Systems not inspected in the last three years are disqualified from being rated as sprinklered.
5. Layout
- Dry pipe systems, non-standard hangers, unsecured valves, older sprinkler heads, or poor installation practices can add points.
6. Structural and occupancy conditions
- Storage obstructions, high roof heights not accounted for in the system’s design, and structural impediments (e.g., beams or solid web trusses) can hinder sprinkler performance and result in higher deficiency points.
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Why does the Mechanical Grade matter?
The Mechanical Grade plays a vital role in computing loss costs. It influences how much credit is applied to the overall cost, ensuring insurers accurately assess risks and offer fair pricing. Even low Mechanical Grades can yield reductions, but systems with severe deficiencies or insufficient design documentation may not qualify for credit at all.
By maintaining a robust sprinkler system, property owners can improve their Mechanical Grades, reduce loss costs, and enhance their building’s overall safety profile.
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