Elevator shafts 2

[skdesigner]

Question regarding elevator shafts in combustible construction.

NFPA 13-2010 8.15.5.5 The sprinkler required at the top of the elevator hoistway by 8.15.5.4 shall not be required where the hoistway for passenger elevators is non-combustible or limited combustible and the car enclosure materials meet the requirement of ASME A17.1.

Merriam-Websters dictionary defines "hoistway" as "A passage (as an elevator shaft) through or along which a thing may be hoisted."

If the hoistway is constructed of wood (combustible), but finished with drywall (non combustible) - is the sprinkler at the top still required?

 

[stookeyfpe]

In International Building Code world, Section 708.3 of the 2009 IBC allows a shaft to be constructed of the materials permitted based on the building's construction type. Shafts are commonly built in Type V and III buildings, which are wood construction. However, the materials of construction need to form a fire-resistance rated assembly. If one reviews the IBC Table 720.1(2) prescriptive construction requirements for walls and partitions, every material is inherently noncombustible, with the exception of wood. If it's wood construction, the only materials permitted for creating a fire-resistive assembly require the application of lath and plaster (noncombustible), gypsum wall board (noncombustible), or tile (noncombustible).

If the top of the hoistway is covered in a noncombustible material, I would not require sprinkler protection. If the combustible construction is exposed, then sprinkler protection is required.

 

[cdafd]

if under the IBC, most not all elevator shafts are required to be a rated shaft. So normally even if wood frame the shaft is rated by the sheetrock

so the answer to your question should be no.

 

[skdesigner]

Perfect, thank you both for your answers.

 

[chicopee]

You should also refer to the NFPA 91, life safety code.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Chick

It's NFPA 101.

 

[chicopee]

Correct stookeyfpe, thanks!