LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND BUILDING SAFETY

2002 NFPA 13:8.14 SPECIAL SITUATIONSREGARDING HEAD LOCATIONS IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS

JEAN CARTER, RAARCHITECT / ENGINEER SUPERVISORJCARTER@DPS.STATE.LA.US T 225 925 6970 OFFICE OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT & BUILDING SAFETY8181 INDEPENDENCE BLVD. BATON ROUGE LA 70806T 800 256 5452 F 225 925 4414 WWW.DPS.STATE.LA.US/SFM

2002 NFPA 13:8.14 SPECIAL SITUATIONS8.14.1 Concealed Spaces8.14.2 Vertical Shafts8.14.3 Stairways8.14.4 Vertical Openings8.14.5 Elevator Hoistways8.14.6 Spaces Under Ground Floors,

Exterior Docks, And Platforms8.14.7 Exterior Roofs Or Canopies8.14.8 Dwelling Units8.14.9 Library Stack Rooms8.14.10 Electrical Equipment

8.14.11 Industrial Ovens And Furnaces 8.14.12 Open Grid Ceilings8.14.13 Drop Out Ceilings8.14.14 Old Style Sprinklers8.14.15 Stages8.14.16 Provision For Flushing Systems8.14.17 Stair Towers8.14.18 Return Bends8.14.19 Piping To Sprinklers Below Ceilings8.14.20 Dry Pipe Underground8.14.21 System Subdivision8.14.22 Spaces Above Ceilings

Annex A is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document but is included for informational purposes only. This annex contains explanatory material, numbered to correspond with the applicable text paragraphs.

Handbook Commentary provides the history and other background information for specific paragraphs ion the standard. The commentary is insighteful and takes the readers “behind the scenes” into the reasons underlying the requirements.

A concealed space, regarding the intent of the code, is an unoccupied cavity within abuilding, whose area is typically used for concealment of utility piping or wiring.Examples of concealed spaces include ceiling cavities, wall cavities, floor cavities,plumbing / electrical / duct shafts, canopy / walkway ceiling cavities, false “Mansard”roof canopies.

8.14.1 Concealed Spaces

C-8.14.1.1 Concealed spaces, unless protected, can provide an unabated passage for firespread throughout a building. Paragraph 8.14.1 applies to those portions of a building that:

• Have construction or finish materials of a combustible nature, or

• Are used for the storage of combustible materials, or

• Contain combustibles associated with building system features such as large quantities ofcomputer wiring or nonmetallic piping.

A concealed space, regarding the intent of the code, is an unoccupied cavity within abuilding, whose area is typically used for concealment of utility piping or wiring.Examples of concealed spaces include ceiling cavities, wall cavities, floor cavities,plumbing / electrical / duct shafts and chases . . .

. . . canopy / walkway ceiling cavities, false “Mansard”, etc., roof cavities.

8.14.1.1 Concealed Spaces Requiring Sprinkler Protection.

All concealed spaces enclosed wholly or partly by exposed combustible construction shall be protected by sprinklers except in concealed spaces where sprinklers are not required to be installed by 8.14.1.2.1 through 8.14.1.2.15.

8.14.1.1 Concealed Spaces Requiring Sprinkler Protection.

All concealed spaces enclosed wholly or partly by exposed combustible construction shall be protected by sprinklers except in concealed spaces where sprinklers are not required to be installed by 8.14.1.2.1 through 8.14.1.2.15.

Therefore, by default, the code’s intent is to:

1. Acknowledge only exposed combustible construction/finishes in the concealed space when determining requirement for sprinkler protection within the concealed space.

2. Allow omission of sprinkler protection within concealed spaces with exposed limited-combustible and non-combustible finishes.

8.14.1.1 Concealed Spaces Requiring Sprinkler Protection.

All concealed spaces enclosed wholly or partly by exposed combustible construction shall be protected by sprinklers except in concealed spaces where sprinklers are not required to be installed by 8.14.1.2.1 through 8.14.1.2.15.

Re-roof project creating combustible concealed space by forming roof cavity between old, exposed, combustible tar and gravel roof and new roof.

8.14.1.2 Concealed Spaces Not Requiring Sprinkler Protection.

8.14.1.2.1 Noncombustible and limited combustible concealed spaces with no combustible loading having no access shall not require sprinkler protection. The space shall be considered a concealed space even with small openings such as those used as return air for a plenum.

8.14.1.2.2 Noncombustible and limited combustible concealed spaces with limited access and not permitting occupancy or storage of combustibles shall not require sprinkler protection. The space shall be considered a concealed space even with small openings such as those used as return air for a plenum.

3.3.14 Limited Combustible Material. A building construction material that does not comply with the definition of noncombustible material that, in the form in which it is used, has a potential heat value not exceeding 3500 Btu per lb (8141 kJ/kg) (see NFPA 359, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials), and that complies with either of the following, (a) or (b). Materials subject to increase in combustibility or flame spread rating beyond the limits herein established through the effects of age, moisture, or other atmospheric condition shall be considered combustible. (a) Materials having a structural base of noncombustible material, with a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) that has a flame spread rating not greater than 50. (b) Materials, in the form and thickness used, other than as described in (a), having neither a flame spread rating greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion and of such composition that surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any plane would have neither a flame spread rating greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion.

3.3.16 Noncombustible Material. A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat. Materials that are reported as passing ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C, shall be considered noncombustible materials.

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Noncombustibility

In the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 101 Code for Safety to Lifefrom Fire in Buildings and Structures, a noncombustible material is defined asa material that, "in the form in which it is used and under the conditionsanticipated, will not aid combustion or add appreciable heat to an ambientfire." Materials are tested for noncombustibility in ASTM E 136 Standard TestMethod for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750° C. Thetest exposes small samples of the material to a stream of air heated to 750° C(1382°F). The material is deemed noncombustible if:

1. Sample temperatures at no time exceed 780° C (1436° F). 2. There is no flaming after 30 seconds. 3. Once the sample loses 50% of its weight, there’s no flaming and sample

temperatures never exceed 750° C, (1382° F). ASTM E 136 is an extremely strict test and under its criterion, few building materials qualify as noncombustible. Two USG Interiors products which do are CERAMIC HERITAGE and most THERMAFIBER insulation products.

In regard to gypsum wallboard, the product’s paper facing prevents it from passing ASTM E 136. However, because it does have a demonstrated ability to perform in fire rated assemblies, the NFPA has placed it in a special classification called limited-combustible. This category distinguishes gypsum wallboard from other, more highly combustible products. To qualify as limited-combustible, a material must have a noncombustible structural base or core, a surface less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) thickness and a flame-spread rating of 50 or less.

This last requirement can be confusing because the three national model building codes, (ICBO’s Uniform Building Code, SBCCI’s Standard Building Code and BOCA’s National Building Code), all allow composite materials that meet the NFPA’s definition of limited combustible, to be classified as noncombustible.

What about the International Building Code?

IBC 703.4.2, 2000 edition

Materials having a structural base of noncombustible material as determined in accordance with Section 703.4.1 with a surface not more than 0.125 inch thick that has a flame spread index not greater than 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 shall be acceptable as noncombustible materials.

Therefore, this office accepts gypsum wallboard as “noncombustible” with respect to NFPA 13.

6” OR LESS

8.14.1.2.3 Concealed spaces formed by studs or joists with less than 6 in. (152 mm) between the inside or near edges of the studs or joists shall not require sprinkler protection. (See Figure 8.6.4.1.5.1.)

FIGURE 8.6.4.1.5.1 Arrangement of Sprinklers Under Two Sets of Open Joists — No Sheathing on Lower Joists.

8.14.1.2.5 Concealed spaces formed by ceilings attached directly to or within 6 in. (152 mm) of wood joist construction shall not require sprinkler protection.

A.3.7.1 Obstructed Construction. (6) Wood Joist Construction. The term wood joist construction refers to solid wood members of rectangular cross section, which can vary from 2 in. to 4 in. (51 mm to 102 mm) nominal width and can be up to 14 in. (356 mm) nominal depth, spaced up to 3 ft (0.9 m) on centers, and can span up to 40 ft (12 m) between supports, supporting a floor or roof deck. Solid wood members less than 4 in. (102 mm) nominal width and up to 14 in. (356 mm) nominal depth, spaced more than 3 ft (0.9 m) on centers, are also considered as wood joist construction.

6” OR LESS

CEILING PLANE

8.14.1.2.6* Concealed spaces formed by ceilings attached to composite wood joist construction either directly or onto metal channels not exceeding 1 in. in depth, provided the joist channels are firestopped into volumes each not exceeding 160 ft3 (4.53 m3) using materials equivalent to the web construction and at least 3½ in. of batt insulation is installed at the bottom of the joist channels when the ceiling is attached utilizing metal channels, shall not require sprinkler protection.

A.3.7.1(3) Composite Wood Joist Construction. Wood beams of “I” cross section constructed of wood flanges and solid wood web, supporting a floor or roof deck. Composite wood joists can vary in depth up to 48 in. (1.2 m), can be spaced up to 48 in. (1.2 m) on centers, and can span up to 60 ft (18 m) between supports.

FIGURE A.3.7.1(b) Typical Composite Wood Joist Construction.

8.14.1.2.7 Concealed spaces entirely filled with noncombustible insulation shall not require sprinkler protection.

Noncombustible. Unfaced MinWool-1200 Safing is rated as non-combustible in accordance with ASTM E 136 and CAN4-S114-M.

8.14.1.2.8 Concealed spaces within wood joist construction and composite wood joist construction having noncombustible insulation filling the space from the ceiling up to the bottom edge of the joist of the roof or floor deck, provided that in composite wood joist construction the joist channels are firestopped into volumes each not exceeding 160 ft3 (4.53 m3) to the full depth of the joist with material equivalent to the web construction, shall not require sprinkler protection.

CEILING PLANE

8.14.1.2.9 Concealed spaces over isolated small rooms not exceeding 55 ft2 (4.6 m2) in area shall not require sprinkler protection.

8.14.1.2.10 Concealed spaces where rigid materials are used and the exposed surfaces have a flame spread rating of 25 or less and the materials have been demonstrated not to propagate fire in the form in which they are installed shall not require sprinkler protection.

Handbook Commentary: The requirements of 8.14.1.2.10 permit the use of limited-combustible materials as a substitute for sprinkler protection. When considering these materials, it is important to verify that the testing used to determine the material’s combustibility was conducted with the material arranged in the position in which it will be installed. Changes in the orientation or arrangement of the material can significantly change the flamespread characteristics and the combustibility of the material. Additionally, the materials are required to be rigid because experience indicates that nonrigid materials do not demonstrate the same characteristics during a fire.

8.14.1.2.10 Concealed spaces where rigid materials are used and the exposed surfaces have a flame spread rating of 25 or less and the materials have been demonstrated not to propagate fire in the form in which they are installed shall not require sprinkler protection.

PLYWOOD ROOF SHEATHING – NO FS 25 COATING

NON-RIGID/FIBERGLAS BATT, FS 25 OR COMBUSTIBLE

EXPOSED WOOD ROOF RAFTER

SPRINKERS REQUIRED

PLYWOOD ROOF SHEATHING – NO FS 25 COATING

RIGID FS 25 INSULATION

EXPOSED WOOD RAFTER/CEILING JOISTS WITH FS 25 COATING

SPRINKERS NOT REQUIRED

FS 25 CEILING

PRODUCT INFORMATION SHEETSAFECOAT 747 CLEARMAGNA COATINGS TECHNOLOGY INC. EAGLE SPECIALIZED COATINGS AND PROTECTED ENVIRONMENTS18523 Fraser Hwy., Surrey B.C. Canada V3S 8E7

Test ResultsTesting was conducted in accordance with CAN4-S102-M88 "Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies" by Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada. Following is a summary of the results of this test.

Douglas Fir Lumber, coated with SAFECOAT 725 Sealer/overcoat applied in one coat at a rate of 9.0 m2 per liter, and SAFECOAT 747 Clear applied in once coat at 4.0 m2 per liter.

Flame Spread Rating 20-25Smoke Developed Classification 30-45

NOTE: The flammability characteristics of different species of lumber vary. However, the practice of using Douglas Fir as a standard test substrate provides a basis for the comparison of various coatings.Identification and Certification:Each container bears a label reading "Underwriters Laboratories of Canada" or "Warnock Hersey Laboratories of Canada - Listed - Fire Retardant Coating" and "Class A Thermal Barrier".HAZARD CLASS:WHMIS B.2, D.1ATDG Paint, Class 3, UN1263, Packing group 2. See MSDS for detailed precautions.Guarantee/Warranty:Recommendations for the use of our products are based on tests carried out at government approved labs. Manufacturer and seller are not responsible for results where the product is used under conditions beyond our control. Under no circumstances will Magna CoatingsTechnology Inc be liable for consequential damages or damages to anyone in excess of the purchase price of the product or services.

8.14.1.2.11 Concealed spaces in which the exposed materials are constructed entirely of fire-retardant treated wood as defined by NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant Impregnated Wood and Fire Retardant Coatings for Building Materials, shall not require sprinkler protection.

Dricon fire retardant or Dricon FRT wood complies with or has been granted the following:

AWPA C9, C20, C27, C31AWPA P17 (FR-1), P5AWPA UC1, UC2UCFA, FR-S, Class I / Class A type A flame spread, NER-303 (BOCA, SBCCI)ICBO ER-5755NFPA 703EPA registration (62190-9)

8.14.1.2.12 Noncombustible concealed spaces having exposed combustible insulation where the heat content of the facing and substrate of the insulation material does not exceed 1000 Btu/ft2 (11,356 kJ/m2) shall not require sprinkler protection.

Handbook Commentary: Paragraph 8.14.1.2.12 allows the use of paper coated insulation material in a space that is otherwise defined as a noncombustible space.

PREFORMED METAL ROOF PANELS

NON-RIGID/FIBERGLAS BATT, FS 25 OR COMBUSTIBLE

EXPOSED STEEL FRAME BENT

SPRINKERS NOT REQUIRED

8.14.1.2.12 Noncombustible concealed spaces having exposed combustible insulation where the heat content of the facing and substrate of the insulation material does not exceed 1000 Btu/ft2 (11,356 kJ/m2) shall not require sprinkler protection.

FS 25 CEILING

8.14.1.2.13 Concealed spaces below insulation that is laid directly on top of or within the ceiling joists in an otherwise sprinklered attic shall not require sprinkler protection.

Handbook Commentary: Paragraph 8.14.1.2.13 indicates that sprinklers are not required in the space between the insulation in an attic and the ceiling sheathing. The sprinklers in the attic are anticipated to provide sufficient protection.

8.14.1.2.14 Vertical pipe chases under 10 ft2 (0.93 m2), where provided that in multifloor buildings the chases are fire stopped at each floor using materials equivalent to the floor construction, and where such pipe chases shall contain no sources of ignition, piping shall be noncombustible, and pipe penetrations at each floor shall be properly sealed and shall not require sprinkler protection.

Handbook Commentary:

Paragraph 8.14.1.2.14 is included in the standard due to impracticality of installing sprinklers in the small spaces that are usually behind the walls of bathrooms and kitchens in residential facilities. This requirement supports the premise that sprinklers can only be omitted in concealed spaces where the installation of sprinklers is absolutely impractical, such as those spaces identified by 8.14.1.2.3, 8.14.1.2.4, and 8.14.1.2.5 or where combustibles or ignition sources will not be present.

8.14.1.2.15 Exterior columns under 10 ft2 in area formed by studs or wood joists, supporting exterior canopies that are fully protected with a sprinkler system, shall not require sprinkler protection.

8.14.1.6* Sprinklers used in horizontal combustible concealed spaces (with a slope not exceeding 2 in 12) having a combustible upper surface where the assembly or supporting members channel heat and where the depth of the space is less than 36 in. from deck to deck or with double wood joist construction with a maximum of 36 in. between the top of the bottom joist and the bottom of the upper joist shall be listed for such use.

A.8.14.1.6 Surfaces should be considered to channel heat when the surface or supporting members are greater than 2 in. in depth.

Handbook Commentary: Testing of open web truss and solid wood joist construction in relatively shallow comb concealed sprinklers shows that standard spray sprinklers are ineffective at fire control above ceilings or below floors. The shallow space inhibits discharge pattern development and also increases the probability that a small fire will involve the upper combustible members above the sprinkler, significantly increasing the fire challenge. Sprinklers specifically listed to protect these spaces are available. Once the height of the space exceeds 36 inches, standard sprinklers can be utilized.

Handbook Commentary: Sprinklers are to be provided at the top of all shafts used for stairs or other shafts open to more than one floor. Previously, the requirement in 8.4.2.1.2 applied to elevator shafts, which is no longer the case. Elevator shafts now have a distinct set of requirements in 8.14.5 that address the needs of the elevator industry. Concealed combustible shafts must be sprinklered. Concealed shafts of noncombustible or limited-combustible construction and contents in a suitably rated enclosure do not require sprinklers.

8.14.2 Vertical Shafts.8.14.2.1 General. Unless the requirements of 8.14.2.1.1 or 8.14.2.1.2 are met, one sprinkler shall be installed at the top of shafts.8.14.2.1.1 Noncombustible or limited-combustible, nonaccessible vertical duct shafts shall not require sprinkler protection.8.14.2.1.2 Noncombustible or limited-combustible, nonaccessible vertical electrical or mechanical shafts shall not require sprinkler protection.

Handbook Commentary: Shafts with combustible surfaces are covered in 8.14.2.2.1 and 8.14.2.2.2. The additional sprinklers for shafts with combustible sides must be placed to effectively wet the combustible surfaces. Where the shaft changes direction to form a trapped section, sprinklers are required at the top of each trapped section.

8.14.2.2* Shafts with Combustible Surfaces.8.14.2.2.1 Where vertical shafts have combustible surfaces, one sprinkler shall be installed at each alternate floor level.8.14.2.2.2 Where a shaft having combustible surfaces is trapped, an additional sprinkler shall be installed at the top of each trapped section.8.14.2.3 Accessible Shafts with Noncombustible Surfaces. Where accessible vertical shafts have noncombustible surfaces, one sprinkler shall be installed near the bottom.

Handbook Commentary: The storage of materials in stairwells obstructs the egress route and is usually prohibited. When storage does occur, it is often at the top landing or under the first landing. As a result, 8.14.3.2.3 requires sprinklers at these locations and at any other area in the stair shaft where storage can occur.

8.14.3 Stairways.8.14.3.1 Combustible Construction. Sprinklers shall be installed beneath all stairways of combustible construction.

8.14.3.2 Noncombustible Construction.8.14.3.2.1 In noncombustible stair shafts with noncombustible stairs, sprinklers shall be installed at the top of the shaft and under the first landing above the bottom of the shaft.8.14.3.2.2 Where noncombustible stair shafts are divided by walls or doors, sprinklers shall be provided on each side of the separation.8.14.3.2.3 Sprinklers shall be installed beneath landings or stairways where the area beneath is used for storage.

8.14.4* Vertical Openings.8.14.4.1 General. Unless the requirements of 8.14.4.4 or 8.14.4.5 (dwelling

units) are met, where moving stairways, staircases, or similar floor openings are unenclosed, the floor openings involved shall be protected by closely spaced sprinklers in combination with draft stops in accordance with 8.14.4.2 and 8.14.4.3.

A.8.14.4 Where sprinklers in the normal ceiling pattern are closer than 6 ft (1.8 m) from the water curtain, it might be preferable to locate the water curtain sprinklers in recessed baffle pockets. (See Figure A.8.14.4.)

8.14.4.2 Draft Stops. Draft stops shall meet all of the following: (1) The draft stops shall be located immediately adjacent to the opening. (2) The draft stops shall be at least 18 in. (457 mm) deep. (3) The draft stops shall be of noncombustible or limited-combustible material that will stay in place before and during sprinkler operation.8.14.4.3 Sprinklers.8.14.4.3.1 Sprinklers shall be spaced not more than 6 ft (1.8 m) apart and placed 6 in. to 12 in. (152 mm to 305 mm) from the draft stop on the side away from the opening.8.14.4.3.2 Where sprinklers are closer than 6 ft (1.8 m), cross baffles shall be provided in accordance with 8.6.3.4.2.

Handbook Commentary Vertical openings are discussed in 8.14.4.1. By placing sprinklers close to a ceiling opening, the floor area under the opening can be protected.

Section 8.14.4 is limited to openings that do not meet the definition of an atrium. These smaller openings tend to behave much the same as a chimney, allowing rapid vertical movement of the hot gasses from the fire. This phenomenon is practically nonexistent in larger openings. Closely spaced sprinklers in conjunction with draft stops are an effective method of gaining control of the fire in these smaller sized openings and in preventing sprinklers from operating on the upper levels by cooling the convective air stream.

Some of these openings, such as escalator openings in department stores, tent to have displays of combustible material directly adjacent to the opening, and the sprinklers prevent the propagation of the fire to the upper story

8.14.4.4 Large Openings. Closely spaced sprinklers and draft stops are not required around large openings such as those found in shopping malls, atrium buildings, and similar structures where all adjoining levels and spaces are protected by automatic sprinklers in accordance with this standard and where the openings have all horizontal dimensions between opposite edges of 20 ft (6 m) or greater and an area of 1000 ft2 (93 m2) or greater.

8.14.5 Elevator Hoistways and Machine Rooms.

Handbook Commentary Codes that cover elevator design, such as ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, do not permit water discharge in elevator shafts until electric power to the elevator cab has been shut down. This situation necessitates some special arrangement, such as a preaction system, to make sure water does not flow in the elevator shaft until power shutdown has occurred.

Hydraulic Electric

8.14.5 Elevator Hoistways and Machine Rooms.8.14.5.1* Sidewall spray sprinklers shall be installed at the bottom of each elevator hoistway not more than 2 ft (0.61 m) above the floor of the pit.8.14.5.2 The sprinkler required at the bottom of the elevator hoistway by 8.14.5.1 shall not be required for enclosed, noncombustible elevator shafts that do not contain combustible hydraulic fluids.

2’ max

8.14.5.3* Automatic sprinklers in elevator machine rooms or at the tops of hoistways shall be of ordinary- or intermediate-temperature rating.

A.8.14.5.3 ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, requires the shutdown of power to the elevator upon or prior to the application of water in elevator machine rooms or hoistways. This shutdown can be accomplished by a detection system with sufficient sensitivity that operates prior to the activation of the sprinklers (see also NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm Code®). As an alternative, the system can be arranged using devices or sprinklers capable of effecting power shutdown immediately upon sprinkler activation, such as a waterflow switch without a time delay. This alternative arrangement is intended to interrupt power before significant sprinkler discharge.

8.14.5.4* Upright or pendent spray sprinklers shall be installed at the top of elevator hoistways.8.14.5.5 The sprinkler required at the top of the elevator hoistway by 8.14.5.4 shall not be required where the hoistway for passenger elevators is noncombustible and the car enclosure materials meet the requirements of ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

A.8.14.5.4 Passenger elevator cars that have been constructed in accordance with ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, Rule 204.2a (under A17.1a-1985 and later editions of the code) have limited combustibility. Materials exposed to the interior of the car and the hoistway, in their end-use composition, are limited to a flame spread rating of 0 to 75 and a smoke development rating of 0 to 450.

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8.14.7* Exterior Roofs or Canopies.

A.8.14.7 Small loading docks, covered platforms, ducts, or similar small unheated areas can be protected by dry-pendent sprinklers extending through the wall from wet sprinkler piping in an adjacent heated area. Where protecting covered platforms, loading docks, and similar areas, a dry-pendent sprinkler should extend down at a 45-degree angle. The width of the area to be protected should not exceed 7½ ft (2.3 m). Sprinklers should be spaced not over 12 ft (3.7 m) apart. (See Figure A.8.14.7.)

FIGURE A.8.14.7 Dry-Pendent Sprinklers for Protection of Covered Platforms, Loading Docks, and Similar Areas.

8.14.7.1* Unless the requirements of 8.14.7.2 or 8.14.7.3 are met, sprinklers shall be installed under exterior roofs or canopies exceeding 4 ft (1.2 m) in width.

A.8.14.7.1 Balconies, decks, and similar projections from the building should be treated as exterior roofs and canopies when applying the criteria of 8.14.7.1.

Handbook Commentary Exterior canopies exceeding 4 feet in width must be sprinklered if they are of combustible construction, as implied in 8.14.7.1, regardless of whether or not combustible goods are stored or handled underneath them.

Canopies less than 4 feet in width do not need to be sprinklered regardless of construction type, provided no combustibles are stored beneath them.

8.14.7.2 Sprinklers shall be permitted to be omitted where the canopy or roof is of noncombustible or limited combustible construction.

Handbook Commentary As stated in 8.14.7.2, sprinklers can be omitted if the canopy construction assembly is comprised totally of non-combustible or limited combustible materials and the area underneath is essentially restricted to pedestrian use. The reference to noncombustible and limited combustible construction applies to the entire canopy assembly and not just the exposed surface.

The roof canopy typically found on strip shopping malls, in which the area under the canopy is limited to pedestrians, is one example of this condition. Automobiles stopping briefly to pick up or drop off passengers are not considered storage. Canopies over drive-thru bank canopies or porte cocheres at motels and hotels normally do not require sprinklers. However, the area under the exterior ceiling shown in Exhibit 8.25 requires sprinkler protection. This space is used primarily for parking vehicles and the remainder of the building is sprinklered.

NFPA 101:9.7.1.2, 2003 edition

Sprinkler piping serving not more than six sprinklers for any isolated hazardous area shall be permitted to be connected directly to a domestic water supply system having a capacity sufficient to provide 6.1 mm/min (0.15 gpm/ft2) throughout the entire enclosed area. An indicating shutoff valve, supervised in accordance with 9.7.2 or NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, shall be installed in an accessible, visible, location between the sprinklers and the connection to the domestic water supply.

SPRINKLER PROTECTION OF ISOLATED HAZARD FROM DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY

NFPA 13:8.15.1.1.2*, 2002 edition Supervision.

8.15.1.1.2.1 Valves on connections to water supplies, sectional control and isolation valves, and other valves in supply pipes to sprinklers and other fixed water-based fire suppression systems shall be supervised by one of the following methods:

(1) Central station, proprietary, or remote station signaling service.

(2) Local signaling service that will cause the sounding of an audible signal at a constantly attended point.

(3) Valves locked in the correct position.

(4) Valves located within fenced enclosures under the control of the owner, sealed in the open position, and inspected weekly as part of an approved procedure.

COMPARISON OF SUPERVISED SPRINKLER SYSTEM: NFPA 13 VS. NFPA 101

NFPA 101:9.7.2.1, 2003 edition

Where supervised automatic sprinkler systems are required by another section of this Code, supervisory attachments shall be installed and monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm Code®, and a distinctive supervisory signal shall be provided to indicate a condition that would impair the satisfactory operation of the sprinkler system. System components and parameters that shall be monitored shall include, but shall not be limited to, control valves, fire pump power supplies and running conditions, water tank levels and temperatures, tank pressure, and air pressure on dry-pipe valves. Supervisory signals shall sound and shall be displayed either at a location within the protected building that is constantly attended by qualified personnel or at an approved, remotely located receiving facility.

9.7.2.2 Alarm Signal Transmission. Where supervision of automatic sprinkler systems is provided in accordance with another provision of this Code, waterflow alarms shall be transmitted to an approved, proprietary alarm-receiving facility, a remote station, a central station, or the fire department. Such connection shall be in accordance with 9.6.1.3.Supervisory Signals.

COMPARISON OF SUPERVISED SPRINKLER SYSTEM: NFPA 13 VS. NFPA 101

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