FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM IN GROUP S2 OCCUPANCY 2

[Adnan86]

I have to design Fire protection system for some warehouses. Based on the type of stuff being stored, the Warehouses comes under Group S2 as per IBC section 311.3 (2009 edition). But IBC section 903.2.10 describes the fire protection only for parking garages. I see many things in NFPA 13 describing the installation of sprinkler system in Storage areas. Can anyone suggest me the code from IBC which speaks about sprinkler system and standpipes in warehouses.

 

[cdafd]

A lot of Nfpa 13 covers the installation

Need to figure out what is stored, how high, how it will be stored, etc

If you have the IFC look at 2301.3, not near 13 but I think it has similar required info

Once that is compiled, then figure out which storage chapter/design applies out of 13

 

[Adnan86]

Yes cdafd, I have got the details of the Warehouse as to how the stuff is being stored,the height of storage area, number of racks and height of each rack. Even I have gone through IFC chapter 23 and different chapters in NFPA 13. But the main thing is I don't find any code saying that Warehouse (Storage) of S-2 Group needs Sprinkler system. Please advice.

 

[cdafd]

Oh!!

Have seen very few true S-2, so what is being stored that makes this a S-2?

Also, does this fall under IFC chap 23 high piled which may kick in the sprinkler requirement ??

 

[cdafd]

Should have asked no amendments to the base code?

Not using sprinklers to increase size or some other code trade off??

 

[Adnan86]

The Warehouse is used to store the Electrical equipments, Metals and etc. I have a long list which matches with the requirement of S-2 group. I just referred Table 2306.2 in IFC and I guess it describes the Fire protection requirement for High Piled storage and all storage areas.

 

[cdafd]

Well if a true S-2 and does not require sprinklers because of high piled stock, and no other trade offs, then seems like sprinkler system not required

Now if your question is also, if system is not required and you want to install one, what do you design it to??

I cannot advise on that one

 

[stookeyfpe]

If you truly have a IBC Group S-2 occupancy you have a building that is not required to be sprinklered. I don’t know who declared the S-2 occupancy but whomever did has never understood the ramifications of this design. It sounds like me you don’t either. Your building is one truck load of commodity from being a sprinklered building. In my town that's a big deal.

A S-2 occupancy is essentially a truly noncombustible building under the IBC. What you described is not a building containing noncombustible commodities. You are trying to mix the IBC requirements for a sprinkler system with NFPA 13. They are not related when it comes to sprinkler design. The IBC tells you when sprinklers are required – NFPA 13 dictates the design.

In my opinion you have a Group S-1 occupancy and based on the building area. You never told us the area so I don’t even know if sprinklers are required. I would need to know a great deal more to solve this problem. You are asking a complex, technical question to an internet forum. That is not our function.

If you are in North America, find a registered fire protection engineer. If not, locate one in the nation the scope of work is associated with.