NFPA Standards and Fire Protection Alignment

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) develops and publishes authoritative codes and standards to minimize the risks and impacts of fire. While WatchDog Robotics' systems are not fire suppression systems in the traditional sense (such as fixed sprinklers or standpipes), we develop and deploy our technology with careful reference to relevant NFPA guidelines, supporting code-informed performance and integration. Key NFPA codes that inform our technology include:

NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

While NFPA 13 governs fixed sprinkler systems, the design goals—reliable suppression, rapid deployment, and minimization of damage—are mirrored in our autonomous systems. NozzleBot™ enhances these goals by delivering precision fire suppression where sprinkler coverage is unavailable or impractical, and always exceeding the response time and flow-rates of traditional systems. Through the equivalency provisions of NFPA 13 Section 1.5, our systems may serve as an acceptable alternative  when reviewed and approved by the AHJ.

NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems

Standpipes are a key manual firefighting resource in fixed structures. Our mobile units are developed to complement these systems, offering deployable fire suppression in areas where fixed water supply infrastructure does not exist or during temporary fire protection needs.

NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

Although NozzleBot™ is not a fixed water-based system, NFPA 25 principles guide our design philosophy: reliability, inspection-readiness, and operational performance are built into every deployment and service protocol.

NFPA 1141, 1143, 1144: Wildland Fire Protection Standards

These standards provide frameworks for planning, managing, and reducing wildfire risk. NozzleBot™ systems align with these objectives by delivering wildfire mitigation and suppression, targeting ember defense, radiant heat exposure, and direct flame threats.

NFPA 241: Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations

Construction sites face dynamic and high-risk fire environments. Our temporary, autonomous suppression systems support NFPA 241-aligned site safety by monitoring high-risk areas and reacting immediately to early ignition events.

NFPA 409: Standard on Aircraft Hangars

While NozzleBot™ may not be a substitute for systems required under NFPA 409, it serves as a valuable complementary tool within a broader fire mitigation strategy. By offering precision suppression and targeted response with reduced water/foam usage, NozzleBot™ can help lower the risk of triggering full-system activations—such as foam or deluge—during maintenance or heightened risk periods. This can result in significant savings by avoiding cleanup costs, potential aircraft or facility damage, and operational downtime.

 

Why WatchDog Robotics Supports Code-Aligned Innovation

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Our systems are designed to operate with the intent of NFPA standards in mind, even when they fall outside the scope of listed or traditional suppression systems. We collaborate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to evaluate and deploy our solutions safely and responsibly. Where applicable, we pursue acceptance under the equivalency allowances described in NFPA 1 and 13, enabling alternative solutions that meet or exceed the safety intent of the code.

Portability and Rapid Deployment

Temporary and portable suppression units are critical where fixed infrastructure doesn’t exist or during high-risk construction, event, or seasonal wildfire conditions.

Continuous Monitoring

Our systems operate 24/7 during deployment windows, detecting ignition sources through advanced thermal and visual monitoring—supporting the goals of NFPA 13, 25, and 1 in delivering early and reliable suppression.

Wildfire Defense

Our wildland deployments mirror the suppression and mitigation goals outlined in NFPA 1141–1144, supporting defensible space creation and structural protection.

Technological Innovation

NFPA 1 supports the inclusion of emerging fire protection technologies. Our use of autonomous controls, IR detection, and programmable spray logic represents an innovative, code-conscious advancement in fire safety.

Application Areas

Residential Protection

Our private firefighter services are tailored for homes in wildfire-prone areas. Systems are deployed during high-risk periods and removed after the threat passes, minimizing risk and cost while offering effective fire suppression aligned with the goals of NFPA 1144.

Commercial Facilities

From warehouses to data centers, our systems provide temporary fire protection during renovations or increased threat windows. They support NFPA 14 and NFPA 25 goals of accessibility and maintainability.

Construction Sites

Our systems mitigate risks from hot work, combustible storage, and temporary electrical systems. We support fire protection planning aligned with NFPA 241 to enhance jobsite safety.

Aviation Facilities

While not a primary system under NFPA 409, NozzleBot™ units may be deployed during maintenance or periods of increased fire risk, supporting supplemental suppression with less resource use. As a complementary solution, NozzleBot™ can be used in parallel with traditional hangar suppression systems—such as foam or deluge setups—to reduce the likelihood of a full-system discharge. This not only helps avoid costly cleanup and potential equipment damage, but also minimizes downtime and business disruption caused by traditional system activations.

Petrochemical and Utility Infrastructure

NozzleBot™ supports high-hazard areas through rapid detection and suppression. Though not evaluated under NFPA 56 or 59A, we deploy in collaboration with risk professionals to offer supplemental protection.

Wildland & Perimeter Protection

Our systems offer mobile defense for high-risk properties, subdivisions, and buffer zones, aiding efforts to reduce structure ignition risk under NFPA 1141, 1143, and 1144 frameworks and keeping the wildland urban interface (WUI) as protected as possible. 

Waste & Recycling Facilities
Facilities handling combustible waste materials face high risk from spontaneous combustion, equipment sparks, and high temperatures. NozzleBot™ systems provide 24/7 autonomous monitoring and suppression capabilities to address fire threats in tipping floors, material stockpiles, and processing areas—supporting continuous fire risk mitigation in dynamic, high-volume environments.

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Note: WatchDog Robotics' works with local fire safety professionals and AHJs to ensure our deployments support fire risk reduction while aligning with the intent of relevant NFPA codes. If you have any questions about our certifications, third-party testing, or approvals, please contact us.