Question about whether a system is NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R

[SprinklerDesigner2]

First off it is NEVER my call to decide whether a system is to be designed per NFPA #13 OR 13R.

That call is 100% the call of the project registered architect of record and nobody else.

So I am looking at a two story project where there three offices with a residential area designed per NFPA #13.

But the second floor is all residential and with the system designed per NFPA #13R.

There's an inside stairway that does not appear to have any rated doors or doors at all.

As I understand it the first and second floor has to be rated... maybe one hour but I am not sure and will NEVER make that decision.

I've done these sort of jobs before but I have always got what the design should be from the architect of record IN WRITING.

If I have it in writing, from the registered architect of record, I view it as my get out of jail free card should be be wrong.

Oh, I once had a small single story motel that 99% of sprinkler designers would have been sure was a 13R system but because the means of egress though the back didn't fit right it was deemed to require a full 13 system.

That said I want it in writing either on the signed and sealed architectural drawings or in writing from the architect of record.

Your experience on this?

 

[TravisMack]

IMO, the entire building is is 13 or 13R. Unless they created horizontal separations that allow the upper floor to be considered a separate building under the building code, then you are protecting per NFPA 13 for the entire building. Typically, that horizontal separation is a 2-3 hour rated assembly.

But, this is just the opinion of a lowly fire sprinkler engineering technician like yourself. I'm going to leave it up to the AOR. I may help guide him if he is wrong, but ultimately, the decision is his and his alone.