August 5, 2010 -- The International Code Council and American Society of Plumbing Engineers have published Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems: Design, Installation and Code Administration, a valuable resource for designers, contractors and code officials that need to apply the sprinkler requirements in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC). The 2009 IRC requires the installation of fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family residences beginning January 1 and has specific requirements for their design and installation.

“This full-color book provides the basics for design and information necessary for plan review and inspection,” said Kevin Scott, ICC Senior Regional Manager and a former fire marshal. “The book and associated training are outstanding tools for all professionals involved with residential fire sprinklers. Numerous graphics and photos are incorporated to strengthen the understanding.”

Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems, Design, Installation and Code Administration outlines the differences between residential and commercial fire sprinkler systems, installation requirements, and optimal components and pipe layouts. It offers designers guidance for selecting the most effective and cost-efficient piping solutions for residential fire sprinkler systems, and provides contractors with detailed information on how to install code-compliant systems. The book also serves as a reference guide for fire, plumbing and pipe system inspectors.

“ASPE has always been a supporter of residential fire sprinkler systems, and we are very excited about the publication of this book,” says Stanley Wolfson, ASPE executive director. Wolfson and ASPE President Julius Ballanco provided testimony in favor of the residential sprinkler system requirement at the IRC hearings last year and worked tirelessly to push the issue through the voting procedure. ASPE also instituted a press campaign to bring the importance of residential sprinkler systems to the media’s and legislators’ attention, including establishing the blog “Plumbing for Public Safety” and issuing press releases to local governments and newspapers. “We look forward to continuing working with the ICC to increase awareness of the need for residential sprinklers as a vital, life-saving element of all new construction,” Wolfson says.