NFPA 13R + Upright Sprinklers

[nubrun]

Good morning all,

I am a mechanical engineer that has recently been drug into managing a FS project (not the engineer of record) and have come across a question that seems to be vague. I read through the last 10 pages of this forum and didn't find anything so here goes my question.

Project information:
1. 3 story concrete dormitory building
2. Providing a wet-pipe FS system throughout the building
3. Dorm rooms are 8x15 feet or so concrete construction with no ceiling, but exposed concrete beam that splits the room in half, so two sprinklers will be required.

Are upright fire sprinklers acceptable for inside of the dorm rooms? It seems like the code sort of contradicts itself (I am no expert though)
According to the 2010 NFPA 13 section A8.10.2 it seems like if there are not listed res sprinklers, that quick-response sprinklers would be acceptable.
According to the 2002 NFPA 13R Section 6.6.7.1.1 Listed res sprinklers shall be used unless the dwelling unit is considered a compartment. Looking at the definition of a compartment, could the dorm dwelling units be considered a compartment? There is more than a 8" lintel.

I appreciate any help you can offer. I give you FP guys a lot of credit, just keeping up with these codes seems like a nightmare.

Thanks.

 

[cdafd]

Might try to read through this;;;

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=339952

I think the answer is no upright head is listed, and no you cannot use a QR

So pendant or sidewall

May check in a few days for more replies , plus if there is a sprinkler company lined up talk to them

 

[TravisMack]

You can use QR sprinklers in an NFPA 13R system as long as there are no more than 4 sprinklers per dwelling unit.

NFPA 13, 2010

6.2.1.1 Listed residential sprinklers shall be used unless another type is permitted by 6.2.1.3 or 6.2.1.4.
6.2.1.2 Residential sprinklers shall not be used on systems other than wet pipe systems unless specifically listed for use on that particular type of system.
6.2.1.3 Listed quick-response sprinklers shall be permitted to be installed in dwelling units meeting the definition of a compartment, as defined in Section 3.3, where no more than four sprinklers are located in the dwelling unit.
6.2.1.3.1 Where quick-response sprinklers, including extended coverage quick-response sprinklers, are used, the density/area requirement shall be a minimum of 0.1 gpm/ft2 (4.1 mm/min) over the entire dwelling unit.

Since you are under NFPA 13R, and you are using less than 4 QR sprinklers per dwelling unit, it seems like you will be OK in this instance.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

 

[cdafd]

Travis

Does 13r say something different???

 

[TravisMack]

Sorry, that reference was for NFPA 13R, not 13. Yes, 13R does allow QR sprinklers in dwelling units per the section quoted previously.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com