Boys Home Fire Sprinkler Protection

[FireProofDesign]

We are in the process of fire sprinkler system design for a Boys Home. There are (5) individual buildings all around 1200 sq. ft. or less all typical housing construction. A Frame wood attics with 4 to 5 sleeping areas per unit. The local code (state) enforcement is looking for a full NFPA 13 system. The cost to the owner to fully protect the buildings with the required dry systems for the attics is too great. The building will fall under a R-2 construction type and should be classified as a 13R eliminating the need for attic protection. All occupants can self evac and the buildings are one story. Nevertheless the code enforcement is requiring a full 13 system. My question is IBC allows the use of draftstopping to eliminate protection and NFPA only has exceptions for fully insulating with non-combustible material. These are small attics has anyone encountered this any exceptions that are viable for NFPA 13 - fully blown insulation in the attics?

THANK YOU

 

[TravisMack]

NFPA 13 doesn't allow draft stopping to eliminate sprinkler protection. There are 3 ways I can think of in your situation and none are cheap:

1 - Fill entirely with non-combustible insulation.
2 - Utilize a UL Listed heat tracing
3 - Dry system

The dry system is likely the least expensive.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

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[cdafd]

What building code and edition has the ahj adopted?


So has anyone asked for a code reference requiring full 13 system?

 

[FireProofDesign]

AHJ is still under NFPA 13, 1999 - No code reference has been requested. It is a direct to owner job so no Architect on board and these are existing buildings.

 

[cdafd]

Is this in a city or out in the boonies?

 

[cdafd]

Woukd still ask the ahj where are they getting the full 13 from?

Is it an admendment? Is it because I want it??