These chapters provide the administrative and definitional framework for the rest of NFPA 13. They establish the purpose and scope of the document, clarify which publications are considered part of the standard, and define key terms.

This chapter establishes the purpose of NFPA 13, which is to "provide a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire through minimum requirements for the design and installation of sprinkler systems". The chapter also outlines the scope of the standard, clarifies that it does not apply to water mist systems, and discusses the standard's application as both a prescriptive and performance-based document.

Chapter 1 also includes tables that define:

This chapter lists publications that "shall be considered part of the requirements" of NFPA 13. The 2016 edition of NFPA 13 references a wide range of standards, codes, and recommended practices, including:

In addition to NFPA publications, Chapter 2 lists other publications relevant to the design and installation of sprinkler systems, including:

Chapter 3 defines terms used within NFPA 13. It is important to pay attention to the distinction between "general definitions" and "NFPA Official Definitions". NFPA Official Definitions have a specific meaning within the context of the standard. For example, the definition of a "control valve" clarifies that it "does not include hose valves, inspector's test valves, drain valves, trim valves for dry pipe, preaction and deluge valves, check valves, or relief valves". These distinctions are crucial for properly interpreting and applying the standard's requirements.

Chapter 1 - Administration

Chapter 2 - Referenced Publications

Chapter 3 - Definitions