"Fire Sprinklered Throughout" 1

[APSCC]

Well, I'm having another conversation about what NFPA/IBC means when it says "protected (of provided) throughout" an I'm hoping others will either confirm my analysis or tell me where I'm wrong. Here are the bullet points:
This is a dormitory in this discussion but it could be any occupancy.

• The NFPA 101 28.3.5 section quoted by the Fire Marshal requires this occupancy to be “protected throughout”.

• IBC 903.2.8 requires that fire sprinklers be “provided throughout all buildings with a group R fire area”.

• “Protected (or provided) throughout” terminology is used both in NFPA 101 and IBC and is always followed by what is to be protected throughout. In this case it is the "building" but it could be the "fire area" or other qualifications depending on the use. Note the variety of requirements in the IBC 903 sections and sections XX.3.5 in NPFA 101 as to what must be “protected throughout”.

• “Protected or provided throughout” means the what (building; area; etc.) is in compliance with the code and appropriate standard.

Thanks in advance!

Steve C at APS

 

[PRinspector]

Here is my take in this question. I looking at NFPA 101 2012 28.3.5.3 It give you the option of partial or total coverage. NFPA 13 4.1 Level of Protection.A building, where protected by an automatic sprinkler system installation, shall be provided with sprinklers in all areas except where specific sections of this standard permit the omission of sprinklers. So I have to have complete coverage(total, throughout; terminology)Now if NFPA 101 call for partial para 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 says

4.2.1 When partial sprinkler systems are installed, the requirements of this standard shall be used insofar as they are applicable.

4.2.2 The authority having jurisdiction shall be consulted in each case.
So when I see "Protected throughout”. I see para 4.1 and the only omission are comming from chapter 8 of NFPA 13.

PS. I'm not an expert by any means just my 00.02$

 

[APSCC]

PRinspector.
I think we're on the same page. The problem we run into is an interpretation that when the code says "fully sprinklered" that it means everything. But the code says it's fully sprinklered if it's in compliance with the standard and each standard includes areas that can be omitted.
This particular discussion is about the differences in what is allowed to be omitted in a 13R vs. a full 13. Of course, the AHJ is going to have the final say.

Thanks!

Steve C at APS

 

[stookeyfpe]

I work in a world where I don't need to consider the LSC so my answer is limited to the requirements in the 2012 IBC.

In the IBC, the requirements for automatic sprinklers are driven by one or more of the following:

A) The building's height or area
B) The number of occupants and their location in relation to the lowest level of FD access
C) The occupant's ability (or inability) to initiate self-rescue in the event of a fire
D) The amount and classification of contents inside the building

In the IBC the term fire area is employed. Fire area is the aggregate floor area enclosed and bound by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls or horizontal assemblies. Under the IBC, automatic sprinkler protection can be required throughout a fire area or a building. In the case of Group R, I and H-5 occupancies, automatic sprinkler protection is required throughout the buildings. In all other occupancies, sprinkler protection is only required throughout the fire area. See IBC Section 902.1 for the FIRE AREA definition.

It appears the LSC applies a similiar strategy - they just use different terms.

 

[cdafd]

You need to start with:

The ahj

The building code adopted

The nfpa standard adopted

Basically that order

And what stookey said

 

[cdafd]

Once you get to nfpa 13 and nfpa 13 R they are pretty clear what is needed, along with what the ahj has adopted

 

[APSCC]

Scott and cdafd.
I value your input and I'm sure you've heard this multiple times over the years.
Thanks.

Steve C at APS