NFPA 13D - Solariums

[Haldorson]

Do solariums in single family dwellings require sprinkler protection? My feeling is they do since they are not "open" and attached. I haven't come across this before and this solarium is massive and can't be tackled with HSW's.

Thanks.

 

[cdafd]

Without seeing a floor plan, the answer appears to be "YES"

The only exception could be """8.3.6 Sprinklers shall not be required in covered, unheated projections of the building at entrances/exits as long as the dwelling unit has another means of egress. """"
But with out seeing a floor plan, seems like the answer is yes.







8.3 Location of Sprinklers.

8.3.1 Sprinklers shall be installed in all areas except where omission is permitted by 8.3.2 through 8.3.8.



8.3.2 Sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms of 55 ft2 (5.1 m2) and less.



8.3.3 Sprinklers shall not be required in clothes closets, linen closets, and pantries that meet all of the following conditions:


(1)
The area of the space does not exceed 24 ft2 (2.2 m2).


(2)
The shortest dimension does not exceed 3 ft (0.9 m).


(3)
The walls and ceilings are surfaced with noncombustible or limited-combustible materials as defined in NFPA 220.





8.3.4* Sprinklers shall not be required in garages, open attached porches, carports, and similar structures.



8.3.5 Sprinklers shall not be required in attics with or without storage, penthouse equipment rooms, elevator machine rooms, concealed spaces dedicated exclusively to and containing only dwelling unit ventilation equipment, floor/ceiling spaces, elevator shafts, crawl spaces, and other concealed spaces that are not used or intended for living purposes.


8.3.5.1 Such spaces that contain fuel-fired equipment shall also comply with 8.3.5.1.1 or 8.3.5.1.2.


8.3.5.1.1 Where the fuel-fired equipment is above all of the occupied areas of the dwelling unit, no sprinkler protection shall be required in the concealed space.



8.3.5.1.2 Where fuel-fired equipment is below or on the same level as occupied areas of the dwelling unit, at least one quick-response intermediate temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment or at the wall separating the space with the fuel-fired equipment from the occupied space.





8.3.6 Sprinklers shall not be required in covered, unheated projections of the building at entrances/exits as long as the dwelling unit has another means of egress.



8.3.7 Sprinklers shall not be required for ceiling pockets that meet the following conditions:


(1)
The total volume of all unprotected ceiling pockets in a compartment does not exceed 100 ft3 (2.83 m3).


(2)
The entire floor under the unprotected ceiling pocket is protected by the sprinklers at the lower ceiling elevation.


(3)*
The interior finish of the unprotected ceiling pocket excluding decorative treatments is noncombustible or limited-combustible material.


(4)
Skylights not exceeding 32 ft2 (2.97 m2) shall be permitted to have a plastic cover.





8.3.8 Sprinklers shall not be required in closets in garages and exterior closets (regardless of size) located on exterior balconies, exterior breezeways/corridors, or accessed from outdoors where the closet does not have doors or unprotected penetrations directly into the dwelling unit.



8.3.9 Sprinklers shall be installed in any closet used for heating and/or air-conditioning equipment, washers and/or dryers, or water heaters except as allowed by 8.3.8.

 

[Haldorson]

The solarium is basically an enclosed balcony above the garage. The only way in and out of the solarium is via glass sliding doors to the living room.

 

[stookeyfpe]

No, under NFPA 13D.

 

[Haldorson]

What exception applies?

 

[cdafd]

Seems like an extension of the living room

Enclosed on all sides

On the 2nd floor

More than likely electrical and combustibles in it


Hald;;;
What is the construction of the solarium ??? Metal or wood??

 

[Haldorson]

Metal with wood cladding where the wall of the house meets the solarium. In my opinion, since 13D explicitly states "open" and attached under its exceptions a solarium must be protected. However, I would think in conversation with NFPA they would agree from a practical perspective a solarium is more like a garage - potentially unheated enclosed room with combustible loading - and to save money should not require protection for the same reasons a garage does not.