Fire sprinklers in SFD & Townhomes passes

[TravisMack]

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/sto...E04FEB-9C53-498F-A763-F183B9BF49DD}&dist=hppr

I am excited to see this go through. I pray the industry is ready to handle all of the impact! These will be interesting times when this gets adopted by the local areas.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

 

[sfallows]

the link is no good

 

[TravisMack]

You need to copy/paste the entire link into your browser. I am not sure why it won't fully work:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/sto...E04FEB-9C53-498F-A763-F183B9BF49DD}&dist=hppr

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

 

[DonPhillips]

I think this forum had a limit on the length of an address but copy and paste does work.

My prediction is not all jurisdications will adopt the sprinkler portion in 2009 or 2010. In Ohio, the governor signed an emergency order to revert to the 2003 energy and 2005 electrical codes in March when the 2006 and 2008 codes went into effect in January based on home builder pushback.



Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[stookeyfpe]

A few things to consider about this sereis of code changes to the 2009 IRC:

A) The IRC now contains prescriptive requirements for the design of dwelling fire sprinkler systems. These requirements will be correlated to the next edition of NFPA 13D. This prescriptive design allows for cookbook style calculations for the design and plan review of these systems.

B) Based on a series of code changes, the 2009 IRC will require a dwelling fire sprinkler system in all townhouses effective the date the code is adopted. The requirements for one- and two-family dwellings are effective January 1, 2011. The idea behind this is analagous to certain changes in NFPA standards over the years. By having an effective date, it allows the regulated community and regulators to become prepared for its implementation.

C) With the adoption of IRC Section P2904, the building official (rather than the fire official) is responsible for the plan review and inspection of dwelling fire sprinkler systems. However, this will vary based on each jurisdiction.

D) The fire-resistance rating of the party wall between townhomes is reduced from 2-hour to 1-hour based on the installation of the dwelling fire sprinkler system.

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[cedarbluffranch]

Wow - big change!

 

[ryano669]

Look for a strong opposition from home builders associations. Already seeing it our area.

 

[TravisMack]

The opposition on costs basis always cracks me up. On a 1500 sq ft home, the cost for the sprinkler system should be no more than $3k. Homeowners will spend more than that on flooring upgrades alone.

It is just going to take more education at the local levels to help fight the HBA on the local level.

Good luck to everyone in this quest.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

 

[sfallows]

i am in the Chicago land area and i see the cost higher that $2 a sq. ft.

some towns require a pe stamp $$
plans are required $ (if you are lucky for design and survey for one day to complete)

there are costs that should not be lowered because of competition, you can't rush the prep work or you risk a bad install or not conforming to code, ect.

those are my two cents

 

[stookeyfpe]

Tidney:

As written in the IRC, the designer has the option of complying with IRC Section P2904 -or- NFPA 13D. The designer could be an architect.

Secondly, the system is outside the scope of the IFC so the local FD will generally not be involed unless the Building Official defers it to them.

And yes, a plumber can install a dwelling fire sprinkler system.

 

[DonPhillips]

On the 2011 adoption, the actual adoption date is when adopted by the authority having jurisdiction - be it state, county, or township, city, etc., level. Some states still enforce the 2000 IRC (NC and/or SC, I think).

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com