NFPA 13R - Protection Requirements for Ground Level Combustible Breezeways

[Haldorson]

There are two 4-storey residential wood frame buildings separated by approximately 15-feet. In this 15-foot separation between the two buildings is a roofed breezeway. The purpose of the breezeway is to walk from the street to a courtyard.

Does this breezeway require sprinkler protection?

 

[cdafd]

Totaly enclosed??

Non com construction or wood??

 

[Haldorson]

Not enclosed on the ends. It is enclosed on the two long walls by the two buildings and has a roof. Combustible construction. No storage in this breezeway.

 

[LCREP]

I would think if it is 13R system given how much of the building has no sprinkler protection such as the attic, floors, bathrooms, closets, etc does it really matter??

 

[Haldorson]

LCREP - NFPA 13R seems to be silent on sprinkler inclusions or exclusions outside of the building. Is this because sprinklers are not required or because we are supposed to use NFPA 13 for such areas? For example, in NFPA 13R are we supposed to protect combustible exterior projections greater than 4-feet like we do in NFPA 13?

 

[LCREP]

Nice overview of 13R

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Resea...s/NFPA-13-and-Permissible-Sprinkler-Omissions

In addition to the permissible omissions already listed for residential applications where NFPA 13 systems have been installed, sprinklers can be omitted in NFPA 13R systems in attics, penthouse equipment rooms, elevator machine rooms, concealed spaces dedicated to dwelling unit ventilation equipment, and other concealed spaces that are not used or intended for living purposes or storage.

Sprinklers are not required in closets on exterior dwelling unit balconies or breezeways regardless of the size of the closet, provided the closet does not have doors or unprotected penetrations directly into the dwelling unit. Where fuel-fired equipment is present, at least one quick response sprinkler must be installed above the equipment.

Similar to NFPA 13R systems and residential areas of NFPA 13 systems, sprinklers can be omitted from bathrooms less than 55 square feet (5.1 square meters) and closets no larger than 24 square feet (2.2 square meters) in NFPA 13D systems. Nor are sprinklers required in NFPA 13D systems in attics, penthouse equipment rooms, elevator machine rooms, and concealed spaces containing only dwelling unit ventilation equipment.

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

If the building is Type V construction the IBC will require sprinkler protection.

Be very careful.

 

[Haldorson]

SD2 - It's wood frame townhouses.
Will the breezeway require sprinklers because outside of the building is captured under NFPA 13?

 

[cdafd]

I would say, unless a local admendment, or the design is suppose to meet NFPA 13, no ptotectionrequired.

Only meet NFPA 13R requirements

 

[TravisMack]

The requirements for sprinklers in Type V is for exterior balconies, attached exterior decks and ground floor patios serving dwelling units.

If these can be described as corridors that are open to the outside atmosphere and separated from the exit stairwell, then sprinklers would not be required. That was the wording in the 2019 edition.

6.6.5 of the 2016 edition gives similar wording, but does not reference the exit stairwell.

In this case, I would go no sprinklers required in this space as I understand the way you have described it.

Travis Mack, SET, CWBSP, RME-G, CFPS
MFP Design, LLC

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